[Possibilities and limits of topical hydrocortisone therapy. Experiences in general practice].

Dermatologists in practice as well as in hospitals use similar specific methods of treatment. This is to the advantage of the patients. Critical review of patient's records will clearly establish the pros and cons of drugs in specific indications. Over the past years the steroids had a very expansive development but it seems, that the use of mono- or difluorized corticosteroids becomes more and more critical. This is not only due to local side-effects; but also due to the increased rate of resorption, especially in children with extended skin deseases. In this connection the question of repositioning of hydrocortison-preparations, drugs of the so called first generation, becomes again of interest. This report is based on experiences and results with Sanatison, a hydrocortison ointment in the therapy of patients with a variety of different skin disorders. This seems to be of more interest than the treatment of numerous patients with the same disorder. The purpose of this study was to find out, to what extend the hydrocortison ointment Sanatison 1/3% and 1% resp., which is associated to a substantial lesser amount of skin damage, can cure or ameliorate different dermatoses.