Hull SM, Cunliffe WJ.
DOI: 10.2340/0001555569452453

A controlled trial of the anti-inflammatory effect of a steroid cream (clobetasol propionate) in 11 patients with moderate acne was assessed over a 3 week period. The placebo cream was the base of the steroid cream. Therapeutic effect was assessed by the number of active and less actively inflamed papules and pustules present at the beginning and end of the 3 week trial period. No significant change in lesion counts was observed. This result indicates that a potent topical steroid cream produces no short-term improvement in patients with moderate acne.