[Effect of salicylic acid and finely divided sulfur on the bioavailability of corticosteroids in the skin in external therapy].

Investigation on 60 volunteers are reported in whom the influence of salicylic acid and finely divided sulfur on the blanching effect of ointments with and without steroid was analysed. The higher the concentration of salicylic acid the greater is the decrease in the blanching effect of the steroid free ointment. At low concentrations finely divided sulfur also reduces the blanching effect of the steroid is reduced by salicylic acid as well as by sulfur. This effect is at least partly produced by the decrease of the blanching effect due to the base. An increase in the bioavailability of corticosteroids in the skin after local application cannot be achieved by addition of salicylic acid or sulfur under the conditions chosen.