Topical steroid pulse therapy

BSF and talkhealth are teaming up to offer an online expert clinic on lichen sclerosus.

Moderator: talkhealth

Locked
4 posts
Loosenz1
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2020 8:28 pm
Quote

by Loosenz1 on Thu May 13, 2021 12:00 am

Topical steroid pulse therapy

I have been advised that twice weekly application of steroid can be either consecutive or non-consecutive days. What is the mechanism of action that enables topical steroids to be used in a pulse fashion?

User avatar
Dr Karen Gibbon
Posts: 36
Joined: Wed May 06, 2020 12:28 pm
Quote

by Dr Karen Gibbon on Thu May 13, 2021 1:57 pm

Re: Topical steroid pulse therapy

My preferred regimen for maintenance treatment is twice daily emollients first and foremost. They keep the acidity and water level of the skin in the normal range. Topical steroids are then used twice a week eg Monday and Thursday to maintain remission. They work by gently reminding the lymphocytes in the skin to remain quiescent and stop being interested in damaging the basal layer (the layer where the epidermis meets the dermis). Lymphocytes are the white blood cells in the skin that trigger LS to develop and they also contribute to causing the flares.
Dr Karen Gibbon
Consultant Dermatologist

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... gibbon.php

Loosenz1
Posts: 3
Joined: Fri Sep 11, 2020 8:28 pm
Quote

by Loosenz1 on Thu May 13, 2021 9:23 pm

Re: Topical steroid pulse therapy

Thanks. I understand the basics of steroid therapy. It is the 'pulse' therapy I don't understand. Could you please explain this?

User avatar
Dr Anton Alexandroff
Posts: 435
Joined: Tue Sep 18, 2012 9:11 am
Quote

by Dr Anton Alexandroff on Fri May 14, 2021 2:44 pm

Re: Topical steroid pulse therapy

Thank you for your question. Pulse therapy allows to minimise use of steroids while maintaining efficacy of steroid therapy.

I hope this is helpful.
Best wishes,
Dr Anton Alexandroff
Consultant Dermatologist, Honorary Senior Lecturer & BSF spokesperson - FRCP, CCT (Derm), PhD, FRSM, FAAD
www.alexandroff.org.uk
Dr Anton Alexandroff
Consultant Dermatologist, Honorary Senior Lecturer & BSF spokesperson - FRCP, CCT (Derm), PhD, FRSM, FAAD

http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... ndroff.php

Locked
4 posts