Comparative study of testing the efficacy of topical clobetasol versus clobetasol plus glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) ointment for the symptomatic relief of chilblains

Abstract

Objective To test the efficacy of topical Clobetasol versus Clobetasol plus Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) ointment for the symptomatic relief of chilblains.  Methods This study was conducted over a period of two months starting from 1st December 2020 till 31st January 2021 at the outpatient of Dermatology department at Punjab Rangers Teaching Hospital, Lahore. A total number of sixty patients who presented to skin OPD with chilblains were enrolled in the study and were divided into two groups. One group was taken as cases (40) and the other as controls (20). Cases were labeled group A and controls were labeled group B, both were tested for five variables i.e. pain, pruritus, edema, erythema and ulcerations. Both groups were advised application of the topical preparation after washing & drying the affected area twice daily. Group A was prescribed application of topical GTN along with clobetasol ointment, while group B was advised to apply clobetasol only. Both the groups were advised follow up to the OPD after two weeks to compare the effectiveness of each & were assessed for the improvement in all the five tested variables which were pain, pruritis, erythema, edema and ulceration.  Results On the first follow-up after regular application of the prescribed preparation for two weeks, it was noted that out of 40(100%) patients in group A, significant improvement was seen in 32(80%) in all the tested variables, whereas among 20(100%) patients of group B, 9(45%) reported improvement in pruritus, pain, erythema and edema.  Conclusion Glyceryl trinitrate when added with clobetasol has a better and rapid relief of symptoms as compared to when used alone.