Assessment for Tachyphylaxis to Topical Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Psoriasis
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
1969-12-31
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
Tachyphylaxis occurs when a medication is applied multiple times and a decreased response
takes place. Many dermatologists believe that tachyphylaxis to topical steroids commonly
occur. Other believe that tachyphylaxis can be explain by patient non-compliance with topical
medications. This study is looking to prove or disprove the phenomenon of tachyphylaxis by
using topical steroids in the psoriasis patient population. The investigators are looking to
enroll 10 patients with symmetric, bilateral, and small psoriasis plaques. The investigators
will either apply a strong topical steroid or a vehicle ointment to the plaques, which is be
occluded with a band aid for a one week period. Weekly, the investigators will inspect the
plaques for tachyphylaxis. This regimen will be repeated during phase 2, to see if there is
change in the time to tachyphylaxis. This regimen will be repeated during phase 3, however,
both plaques will be treated with steroid in this phase, and time to tachyphylaxis will be
measured.