halobetasol and Skin-Neoplasms

Superficial cutaneous hemangiomas of infancy represent a therapeutic challenge. Two small case series using ultrapotent topical corticosteroids for periocular hemangiomas were reported in the ophthalmologic literature. The use of this therapy for hemangiomas of infancy at other sites on the body has not been reported.. We sought to assess the clinical effects of short-term application of ultrapotent topical corticosteroids for the treatment of hemangiomas of infancy.. The records of 34 infants with proliferating hemangiomas of infancy that were treated with ultrapotent topical steroids were reviewed retrospectively. Treatment response was based on: (1) cessation of growth; (2) shrinkage or flattening of the lesion; and (3) lightening of the surface color. Lesions demonstrating responses of two of the three criteria were judged to have good response; one criterion, partial response; and no improvement, no response.. Of the patients, 35% demonstrated good response, 38% partial response, and 27% no response.. Hemangiomas in 74% of the infants demonstrated either good or partial response to treatment with ultrapotent topical corticosteroids. Of the responders, the majority reported cessation of growth before what would have been expected for their age. Improvement varied, with thinner superficial hemangiomas demonstrating better cosmetic improvement than thicker lesions.

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Betamethasone; Clobetasol; Extremities; Eye Neoplasms; Eyelids; Facial Neoplasms; Female; Hemangioma; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Retrospective Studies; Skin Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome

To determine the effectiveness of topical corticosteroids in the management of mycosis fungoides.. Prospective study.. Academic referral center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and private practice.. Seventy-nine patients with patch or plaque stage of mycosis fungoides. Fifty-one were stage T1 (less than 10% of skin involved) and 28 were stage T2 (10% or more of skin involved). Seventy-five had patch-stage and 4 had plaque-stage disease as determined by histological examination.. Patients were treated with topical class I to III corticosteroids. Of the stage T1 patients, all used class I corticosteroids, and 4 (8%) also used class II or III corticosteroids. Of the stage T2 patients, 19 (68%) used class I and 12 (43%) used class II or III compounds. Some patients used more than 1 class of corticosteroid. Applications were almost always twice daily. Three stage T1 and 2 stage T2 patients used plastic film occlusion. Baseline and monthly morning serum cortisol levels were obtained during treatment.. Response to treatment and side effects.. The median follow-up period was 9 months. Thirty-two (63%) of stage T1 patients achieved complete remission and 16 (31%) achieved partial remission, for a total response rate of 48 (94%). The comparable figures for stage T2 patients were 7 (25%), 16 (57%), and 23 (82%), respectively. Responses were determined by clinical examination. Thirty-nine patients achieved clinical clearing. In 7 of these, posttreatment biopsy specimens were obtained, and all showed histological clearing. Reversible depression of serum cortisol levels occurred in 10 (13%). Minor skin irritation occurred in 2 patients and localized, reversible skin atrophy in 1.. Topical corticosteroids, especially class I compounds, are an effective treatment for patch-stage mycosis fungoides.

Topics: Administration, Cutaneous; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Antineoplastic Agents; Betamethasone; Betamethasone Valerate; Clobetasol; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Fluocinonide; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Male; Middle Aged; Mycosis Fungoides; Neoplasm Staging; Occlusive Dressings; Prospective Studies; Remission Induction; Skin Neoplasms; Treatment Outcome; Triamcinolone Acetonide