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Effect of topical application of dexamethasone on propionibacteria in the pilosebaceous duct

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Summary

A preparation of dexamethasone 0.02% in Eutanol G (n octyldodecanol) was applied once daily for three weeks, to the right side of the forehead of 25 male healthy test subjects. Eutanol G without dexamethasone was applied in the same way to the left side of the forehead. Before and at the end of the treatment period bacteria were removed from the pilo-sebaceous ducts by the method of Holland et al. [8]. Bacteria that grew under anaerobic conditions were evaluated quantitatively. Dexamethasone induced a significant increase in P. acnes, in all Propionibacteria and in the total bacterial count. The importance of these findings is discussed in relation to the development of steroid acne.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Universitäts-Hautklinik, Heidelberg, Federal Republic of Germany

    M. Gloor, H. Funder & M. Franke

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  1. M. Gloor
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  2. H. Funder
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  3. M. Franke
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Gloor, M., Funder, H. & Franke, M. Effect of topical application of dexamethasone on propionibacteria in the pilosebaceous duct. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 14, 53–56 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00560258

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00560258

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