Analysis of Chinese herbal creams prescribed for dermatological conditions.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether Chinese herbal creams used for the treatment of dermatological conditions contain steroids. DESIGN 11 herbal creams obtained from patients attending general and paediatric dermatology outpatient clinics were analysed with high resolution gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. SETTING Departments of dermatology and clinical biochemistry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Presence of steroid. RESULTS Eight creams contained dexamethasone at a mean concentration of 456 micrograms/g (range 64 to 1500 micrograms/g). All were applied to areas of sensitive skin such as face and flexures. CONCLUSION Greater regulation needs to be imposed on Chinese herbalists to prevent illegal and inappropriate prescribing of potent steroids.