Topically applied fluocinonide in an adhesive base in the treatment of oral vesiculoerosive diseases.

Patients with oral vesiculoerosive diseases frequently require corticosteroid treatment to induce healing and reduce pain. Because of the adverse effects associated with systemic use, topical application of 0.05% fluocinonide in an adhesive base was investigated. The study group was comprised of 89 patients with erythema multiforme, lichen planus, benign mucous membrane pemphigoid, or pemphigus. In the double-blind phase involving 15 patients, seven responded completely and eight partially to the topical ointment. In the open study that included 74 patients, 35 had complete disappearance of signs and symptoms, while 39 experienced partial benefit. There were no adverse side effects. All 89 patients were observed for three to 35 months and each patient's condition continued to respond to the treatment when its use was required.