A controlled comparison of amcinonide cream 0.1 percent and halcinonide cream 0.1 percent in the treatment of eczematous dermatitis.

A 2-week, double-blind clinical trial was conducted to compare the efficacy and cosmetic acceptability of amcinonide cream 0.1 percent and halcinonide cream 0.1 percent in the treatment of 29 patients with eczematous dermatitis. The dermatologic status of each patient was rated by improvement in clinical signs and symptoms, by the investigator's overall evaluation, and by two patient evaluations. Both medications produced statistically significant and equivalent improvement by Week 2. However, amcinonide was significantly favored in the efficacy evaluation of relief from burning pain at Week 2 and in patient acceptability evaluations in regard to the absence of burning, stinging, and itching on application. The role of propylene glycol in the formulation of the halcinonide cream as a contributing cause of irritation is noted.