Mometasone versus betamethasone creams: a trial in dermatoses.

AIM

To compare the efficacy and safety of mometasone furoate cream 0.1% applied daily versus betamethasone valerate cream 0.1% applied twice daily in a variety of dermatoses.

METHODS

A 4 week study was undertaken of patients with at least moderately severe dermatoses as judged by scoring of a target lesion. Weekly global improvement was assessed, as well as change in target lesion scores. Local side effects were noted including observation of atrophy.

RESULTS

Fifty eight patients in three centres completed the study, 30 in the betamethasone group and 28 in the mometasone. There was no difference in demographic variables or disease severity in each group or any difference between the three investigator gradings of initial severity. There was a rapid onset of improvement in both groups by day seven (scores being reduced by 72% in the betamethasone group and 65% in the mometasone group). By the fourth week visit there was 90% reduction in the betamethasone group score and 93% in the mometasone. There was no significant difference between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Mometasone furoate cream 0.1% applied daily in dermatoses is as effective as betamethasone valerate 0.1% cream. Both creams had rapid onset of action and had no signs of atrophy. Better patient compliance could be expected with the convenience of mometasone cream being applied daily.