Open AccessAssessment of the atrophogenicity of corticosteroids to human skin using non‐invasive methods
Author(s) -
Kolbe Ludger,
Stoudemayer Tracy,
Kligman Albert M.
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
skin research and technology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.521
H-Index - 69
eISSN - 1600-0846
pISSN - 0909-752X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1600-0846.1998.tb00105.x
Subject(s) - human skin , medicine , dermatology , computer science , medical physics , biology , genetics
Background/aims: Atrophy is the most common adverse effect of topical corticosteroids. The objective of this study was to determine whether atrophogenicity of a potent steroid could be demonstrated in a 3‐week period of open application using non‐invasive bioengineering methods. Methods: Volar forearms were treated twice daily for 3 weeks with clobetasol propionate cream. The following methods were used: 1) B‐scan ultrasound; 2) Silflo‐replicas for microtopogra‐phy; 3) scanning electron microscopy; 4) Cutometer for bio‐mechanical assessments; 5) colorimetry for measuring skin color; 6) evaporimetry for transepidermal water loss; 7) polarized light photos; 8) sticky slides for corneocyte sizing; 9) D'Squames for estimating scaling; and 10) biopsies for histologic evaluation of atrophy Results: After only 1 week, Silflo‐replica showed that glyphic patterns had been partially obliterated. At the same time, ultrasound scans showed dermal thinning, which increased over the 3‐week period. Extensibility by Cutometer decreased steadily during the treatment. Image analysis of ?Squames revealed an increase in scaliness. Evaporimetry showed an increase in trans‐epidermal water loss. Atrophy was confirmed by histology. Conclusion: The use of non‐invasive bioengineering techniques provides a powerful tool to monitor atrophogenicity in a short period of open applications.