Objective measurement of topically applied corticosteroids.

The vasoconstriction caused by four topical corticosteroid preparations was compared according to subjective ranking and according to measurement by a tristimulus colourimeter (Momcolor). The measured results agreed well with visual evaluation. The colourimeter was proved to be measuring the degree of vasoconstriction. Among the preparations examined, the vasoconstriction effected by hydrocortisone 17-butyrate cream (Locoid) and by betamethasone dipropionate ointment (Diprosone) was stronger than that exerted by triamcinolone acetonide (Ftorocort) and fluocinolone acetonide (Flucinar). With the aid of colourimetric measurement of the vasoconstriction, differences could be demonstrated between clinically effective topical corticosteroid preparations. An open question remains, what the predictive significance is of the objectively measured vasoconstriction test, for clinical practice.