gamma-linolenic-acid and Atrophy

The effect of topical n-6 essential fatty acids in the form of evening primrose oil on the epidermal atrophy caused by a potent topical steroid was studied in 24 normal volunteers by measuring epidermal thickness and cross-sectional area and by histological examination. Epidermal thickness and cross-sectional area were significantly lower in normal forearm skin treated with 0.1% betamethasone valerate twice daily without occlusion for 3 weeks when compared with placebo-treated skin. The addition of evening primrose oil to the topical steroid did not prevent steroid-induced epidermal atrophy suggesting that steroid-induced epidermal atrophy is not mediated by the inhibition of essential fatty acid release from cell membranes.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Antineoplastic Agents; Atrophy; Fatty Acids, Essential; gamma-Linolenic Acid; Humans; Hypolipidemic Agents; Linoleic Acids; Middle Aged; Oenothera biennis; Plant Oils; Skin