Influence of topically applied corticosteroids on patch test reactions.

Four commercially available corticosteroid preparations were assayed for their capacity to suppress patch test reactions with contact allergens (nickel sulfate, nitrofuralum, potassium dichromate, epoxy resin, wood tars and Maneb) in sensitized individuals (n=14). Beta-methasone valerate, betamethasone dipropionate, hydrocortisone-17-butyrate and triamcinolone acetonide (0.05-0.7% solutions in isopropanol or ethanol) were applied under occlusion in amounts of 0.01, 0.02 and 0.04 ml, respectively. Patch tests were performed on the pretreated skin sites. The patches were removed 24 h after application and the reactions were read 15 min and 24 h later. The intensity of the reactions and the size of the infiltrated areas of the pretreated sites were measured and compared with those of a control patch test. Topical application of corticosteroids was found to have a suppressive effect both on the intensity as well as on the size of the epicutaneous reactions. No marked difference in the suppression effect of the four corticosteroids could be observed.