SummaryIt is widely recognized that topical corticosteroids may be absorbed systemically, resulting in suppression of plasma cortisol levels. However, their effect on the true competence of the adrenal axis has not been fully established.Eight adult inpatients with dermatoses of variable type and severity were treated with betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment without occlusion. In all cases there was some degree of suppression of serum cortisol levels. In five patients adrenal axis stress tests were performed. The Synacthen test was normal in all patients and only one had a clearly abnormal response to insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia, which had returned to normal one month after cessation of treatment.This suggests that despite suppression of serum cortisol levels, adrenal axis competence was either maintained or, if diminished, returned promptly to normal after treatment cease