Plasma cortisol studies with 0.05% halometasone cream and ointment in patients with psoriasis.

Plasma cortisol levels were determined by a radioimmunological assay in three groups of ten psoriasis patients treated with 0.05% halometasone ointment, 0.05% halometasone cream and 0.025% fluocinolone acetonide ointment, without occlusive dressings, for 7 days. Fourteen grams of the corticoid topical was applied daily (7 g/b.i.d.) to the psoriasis plaques covering an average of 25% of the body surface. No significant differences with respect to plasma cortisol values at 8 a.m. before, during and after treatment were evident in any of the three treatment groups, nor did the treatment groups significantly differ from one another with regard to their effect on the plasma cortisol levels. No side-effects were observed.