A double-blind, multicenter trial of 0.05% halobetasol propionate ointment and 0.05% clobetasol 17-propionate ointment in the treatment of patients with chronic, localized atopic dermatitis or lichen simplex chronicus.

In a double-blind, parallel-group, multicenter comparative trial in 127 evaluable patients with chronic, localized atopic dermatitis or lichen simplex chronicus, healing was reported in a higher percentage of patients treated with halobetasol propionate ointment than in those in the clobetasol propionate treatment group (65.1% versus 54.7%). The success rates (described as "healed" and "marked improvement") were practically identical in the two treatment groups (93.7% versus 92.2%). Early onset of therapeutic effect, that is, within 3 days of the start of treatment, was similar in the two treatment groups (24% versus 28%). Both preparations were well tolerated. Adverse effects were reported in 5% and 2% of the patients treated with halobetasol propionate and clobetasol propionate ointments, respectively.