A Single-Center, Double-Blind, Randomized Trial of the Atrophogenic Effects of Fluocinonide Cream 0.1% Versus Clobetasol Propionate Cream 0.05% in Participants With Corticosteroid-Responsive Dermatoses

To compare the atrophogenic effects of fluocinonide cream 0.1% versus clobetasol propionate cream 0.05%, 20 participants with corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses were randomly assigned to receive fluocinonide cream 0.1% on one arm and clobetasol propionate cream 0.05% on the other arm. Study medications were applied to disease-free target areas on the inner arms twice daily for 2 weeks. The epidermal thickness of pretreatment and posttreatment punch biopsy specimens was measured. Skin examinations were performed evaluating clinical signs of atrophy. No significant reduction in epidermal thickness was observed in the fluocinonide-treated sites (mean, -0.0318 mm; standard deviation, 0.0239; P=.1991). A significant reduction in epidermal thickness was seen in the clobetasol-treated sites (mean, -0.1825 mm; standard deviation, 0.0239; P