A Critical Evaluation of the Effect of Steroid Lotions on Inflammatory Dermatoses

Abstract

Topical steroid therapy is widely used by physicians in the treatment of inflammatory dermatoses, and numerous ointments, creams, and lotions containing various steroids are today commercially available. So popular are these medications that an attempt was made recently to permit their over-the-counter sale.^1,2 In studying the effect of drugs in the treatment of disease, many techniques have been developed to improve investigative methods. Crissey has emphasized the need for proper controls and evaluation of results in dermatologic therapy.³ The effect of topical steroids has been studied by many dermatologists, and in many of the published reports the paired-comparison method has been used. In their original paper on the method, Sulzberger and his co-workers⁴ stated: "It has been estimated that the results of such uniform symmetrical simultaneous paired comparison tests conducted in six men are as valid as an experiment using 50