Desoximetasone (Topicort®) is a topical anti-inflammatory glucocorticoid indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses and for the treatment of plaque psoriasis in patients 18 years of age or older. The topical corticosteroids constitute a class of primarily synthetic steroids used as anti-inflammatory and antipruritic agents. They play a role in cellular signaling, immune function, inflammation and protein regulation; however, the precise mechanism of action in psoriasis is unknown. The mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of the topical corticosteroids is also unclear. Various laboratory methods, including vasoconstrictor assays, are used to compare and predict potencies and/or clinical efficacies of the topical corticosteroids. There is some evidence to suggest that a recognizable correlation exists between vasoconstrictor potency and therapeutic efficacy in man.