Onset of the vasoconstrictor effect of diflucortolone valerate, betamethasone valerate, and fluocinolone acetonide ointments applied for varying periods under occlusive dressings.

Evaluation of cutaneous vasoconstriction after applications of varying duration of topical corticoids on the flexor surfaces of the forearms of 20 patients with intact skin shows a significantly faster blanching effect with diflucortolone valerate ointment than with fluocinolone acetonide and betamethasone valerate ointments. Furthermore, the test shows that even for a highly active preparation, such as the diflucortolone valerate ointment, an application time of less than 3 h only exceptionally leads to vasoconstriction in the healthy skin.