Attempts to Demonstrate Absorption of Hydrocortisone by New Chemical Test Following Inunction Into Human Skin. ∗ †

Abstract

Conclusions

Inunction of relatively large body areas of normal or diseased skin with 30 g of ointment containing 750 mg of hydrocortisone acetate over a 3-day period does not increase the 17, 21-dihydroxy-20-ketosteroid levels in urine and blood. This study does not rule out the possibility that hydrocortisone is converted to still another compound or so bound with other molecules as not to be detectable by the method used, even though absorption has taken place. The findings lend further support to the mass of clinical evidence indicating that there are no dangers to be anticipated from absorption and consequent systemic effects of therapeutic quantities of hydrocortisone applied topically in ointment form even to large areas of altered skin for long periods of time.