Abstract

Topical corticosteroids have transformed the management of inflammatory skin diseases since their introduction in the 1950s. Hydrocortisone was the first to be marketed, and since then steroids with greater topical activity have been synthesised. Two products, mometasone furoate (▼Elocon - Schering-Plough) and fluticasone propionate (▼Cutivate - Glaxo), both of which are classed as "potent" steroids,1^,2 are now marketed in the UK for once-daily application. Their manufacturers claim that they are as effective when used in this way as other potent steroids applied more frequently.