Repeated open application of clobetasol 17-propionate cream and ointment to normal skin over a period of 6 weeks induced an increase in skin surface roughness as assessed by profilometry (p < 0.05), while 6 weeks’ application of triamcinolone acetonide cream and ointment did not. The increase in skin roughness with clobetasol 17-propionate cream turned out to be greater than with ointment containing identical amounts of clobetasol 17-propionate (p < 0.05). A clear-cut correlation between increase of skin surface roughness and skin thickness as assessed by high-frequency ultrasound could be demonstrated only with clobetasol 17-propionate cream and ointment.