Time-course of corticosteroid-induced blood flow reduction in normal cutaneous tissue--quantitative measurements during 72 h of treatment.

In eight healthy individuals, the skin fold between the thumb and the forefinger was treated with 0.05% clobetasol propionate ointment under a hydrocolloid occlusive dressing. Using the atraumatic epicutaneous 133Xe wash-out technique on the outer 2 mm of the skin fold, covering the rest of the hand with a lead shield, we were able to monitor cutaneous blood flow. Blood flow was measured after 0, 10, 24, 48 and 72 h of treatment. During the first 10 h of treatment no significant change in blood flow was observed. However, compared to untreated tissue, cutaneous blood flow decreased significantly after a 24-h period (P less than 0.05). Furthermore a significant blood flow reduction from 0-48 (P less than 0.02) and from 0-72 h (P less than 0.01) was observed. Placebo did not decrease cutaneous blood flow, but a minor increase was demonstrated. The results of the present work demonstrate a long-lasting blood flow reducing effect of topical corticosteroid in normal human cutaneous tissue.