An occlusive dressing containing betamethasone valerate 0.1% for the treatment of prurigo nodularis.

INTRODUCTION

Prurigo nodularis is a distressing condition characterized by the presence of multiple nodules associated with intense pruritus.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of betamethasone valerate 0.1% tape and a moisturizing itch-relief cream in prurigo nodularis.

METHODS

Twelve patients were enrolled in this pilot comparison of betamethasone valerate 0.1% tape versus a moisturizing itch-relief cream containing feverfew. The study period was 4 weeks. Clinical evaluation was performed weekly.

RESULTS

Eleven subjects completed the 4 weeks of therapy. The mean visual analogue scale (VAS) for pruritus at baseline was 8.75 for both sides of the body. The side treated with betamethasone valerate 0.1% tape showed a higher clinical response (VAS score at week 4: 3.9; p < 0.005) compared with the side treated with moisturizing itch-relief cream (VAS score at week 4: 5.6; p < 0.005).

CONCLUSION

Both treatments were effective. However, the occlusive dressing enhanced the efficacy of the treatment, preventing scratching.