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A double-blind evaluation of topical capsaicin in pruritic psoriasis. 1993

C N Ellis, and B Berberian, and V I Sulica, and W A Dodd, and M T Jarratt, and H I Katz, and S Prawer, and G Krueger, and I H Rex, and J E Wolf
Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor 48109-0314.

BACKGROUND Substance P, an undecapeptide neurotransmitter, has been implicated in the pathophysiology of psoriasis and pruritus. OBJECTIVE Safety and efficacy of topical capsaicin, a potent substance P depletor, were evaluated in patients with pruritic psoriasis. METHODS Patients applied capsaicin 0.025% cream (n = 98) or vehicle (n = 99) four times a day for 6 weeks in this double-blind study. Efficacy was based on a physician's global evaluation and a combined psoriasis severity score including scaling, thickness, erythema, and pruritus. RESULTS Capsaicin-treated patients demonstrated significantly greater improvement in global evaluation (p = 0.024 after 4 weeks and p = 0.030 after 6 weeks) and in pruritus relief (p = 0.002 and p = 0.060, respectively), as well as a significantly greater reduction in combined psoriasis severity scores (p = 0.030 and p = 0.036, respectively). The most frequently reported side effect in both treatment groups was a transient burning sensation at application sites. CONCLUSIONS Topically applied capsaicin effectively treats pruritic psoriasis, a finding that supports a role for substance P in this disorder.

UI MeSH Term Description Entries
D008297 Male Males
D008875 Middle Aged An adult aged 45 - 64 years. Middle Age
D011537 Pruritus An intense itching sensation that produces the urge to rub or scratch the skin to obtain relief. Itching,Pruritis
D011565 Psoriasis A common genetically determined, chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by rounded erythematous, dry, scaling patches. The lesions have a predilection for nails, scalp, genitalia, extensor surfaces, and the lumbosacral region. Accelerated epidermopoiesis is considered to be the fundamental pathologic feature in psoriasis. Palmoplantaris Pustulosis,Pustular Psoriasis of Palms and Soles,Pustulosis Palmaris et Plantaris,Pustulosis of Palms and Soles,Psoriases
D002211 Capsaicin An alkylamide found in CAPSICUM that acts at TRPV CATION CHANNELS. 8-Methyl-N-Vanillyl-6-Nonenamide,Antiphlogistine Rub A-535 Capsaicin,Axsain,Capsaicine,Capsicum Farmaya,Capsidol,Capsin,Capzasin,Gelcen,Katrum,NGX-4010,Zacin,Zostrix,8 Methyl N Vanillyl 6 Nonenamide,NGX 4010,NGX4010
D004311 Double-Blind Method A method of studying a drug or procedure in which both the subjects and investigators are kept unaware of who is actually getting which specific treatment. Double-Masked Study,Double-Blind Study,Double-Masked Method,Double Blind Method,Double Blind Study,Double Masked Method,Double Masked Study,Double-Blind Methods,Double-Blind Studies,Double-Masked Methods,Double-Masked Studies,Method, Double-Blind,Method, Double-Masked,Methods, Double-Blind,Methods, Double-Masked,Studies, Double-Blind,Studies, Double-Masked,Study, Double-Blind,Study, Double-Masked
D005260 Female Females
D006801 Humans Members of the species Homo sapiens. Homo sapiens,Man (Taxonomy),Human,Man, Modern,Modern Man
D000287 Administration, Topical The application of drug preparations to the surfaces of the body, especially the skin (ADMINISTRATION, CUTANEOUS) or mucous membranes. This method of treatment is used to avoid systemic side effects when high doses are required at a localized area or as an alternative systemic administration route, to avoid hepatic processing for example. Drug Administration, Topical,Administration, Topical Drug,Topical Administration,Topical Drug Administration,Administrations, Topical,Administrations, Topical Drug,Drug Administrations, Topical,Topical Administrations,Topical Drug Administrations
D000293 Adolescent A person 13 to 18 years of age. Adolescence,Youth,Adolescents,Adolescents, Female,Adolescents, Male,Teenagers,Teens,Adolescent, Female,Adolescent, Male,Female Adolescent,Female Adolescents,Male Adolescent,Male Adolescents,Teen,Teenager,Youths

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