Comparison of betamethasone 17-valerate ointment with fluocortolone and fluocortolone caproate ointment.

Topical corticosteroids have revolutionized the therapy of many dermatoses. The value to the dermatologist of commercially available preparations reflects many factors, including the cost, potency, therapeutic efficiency, and cosmetic acceptability of the medicaments. Furthermore, since the pharmacology of most corticosteroids is similar, and the newer fluorinated compounds are of high potency, it becomes increasingly difficult for the clinician to assess the value of different preparations on the market. Clinical impressions resulting from uncontrolled observations can be misleading, but properly conducted double-blind trials avoid the errors arising from bias on the part of the physician or patient. The present investigation compares the value of betamethasone 17-valerate ointment (Betnovate), with fluocortolone and fluocortolone caproate ointment (Ultralanum Plain). It is not intended as a comparison of the value of the constituent steroids or their bases, but as a clinical comparison of the two preparations as marketed in the United Kingdom.