Aggressive topical corticosteroid therapy: a novel approach to mast-cell-dependent cutaneous disorders.

Abstract

Topical corticosteroids are utilized in the treatment of a wide variety of skin diseases, primarily those involving an inflammatory component. Recent investigations have revealed that one of the effects of long-term usage of steroids is the depletion of skin mast cells. This led to the treatment of patients with urticaria pigmentosa with topical high potency corticosteroids for 6 weeks. At the end of treatment there was a marked reduction in tissue histamine and an absence of mast cells as well as a disappearance of pruritus and Darier's sign. Treated areas remained clinically improved for at least 9-12 months. Observations that corticosteroids profoundly affect mast cells in vivo provides a rationale to devise new treatment regimens for mast-cell-related diseases.

• Authors: R M Lavker, N M Schechter, C Guzzo, G S Lazarus
• Journal: Dermatologica (Dermatologica) Vol. 175 Issue 5 Pg. 213-6 ( 1987) ISSN: 0011-9075 [Print] Switzerland
• PMID: 3678548 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Anti-Inflammatory Agents
• Glucocorticoids
• betamethasone-17,21-dipropionate
• Betamethasone
• Triamcinolone Acetonide

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Anti-Inflammatory Agents (therapeutic use)
• Betamethasone (analogs & derivatives, therapeutic use)
• Glucocorticoids
• Humans
• Mast Cells (drug effects, pathology)
• Skin (drug effects, pathology)
• Triamcinolone Acetonide (therapeutic use)
• Urticaria Pigmentosa (drug therapy, pathology)