Four times a day, 98 psoriasis sufferers rubbed a capsaicin cream on the flared-up areas, while 99 other sufferers used an inactive substances, or placebo. Six weeks later, itching was either eliminated or much better in 66 percent of those using capsaicin, compared with only 49 percent in the other group (Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, September 1993).

"Capsaicin is another approach for helping psoriasis patients, especially those who are complaining of itching," says study author Charles N. Ellis, M.D., professor and associate chair of the department of dermatology at the University of Michigan Medical School.

Capsaicin is believed to deplete the chemical in the body that's responsible for transmitting the "itch" signal to the brain. When capsaicin hits the skin, nerves release a flood of that transmitting chemical, called substance P. You feel relief after the initial deluge, researchers speculate, because the body is slow to replenish substance P.

While capsaicin can't cure psoraisis (nothing has yet been able to do that), erasing the itch may shorten the length of the bout, says Dr. Ellis. "By reducing the itching, we're reducing the amount of scratching that can stimulate psoriasis, making the condition easier to clear up," he says.

The cream can have a tingling or burning feel when first applied (not unlike what you feel on your hands when you cut hot peppers), but that sensation should weaken over time. Capsaicin cream, already used to treat other skin diseases, is available in drugstores (look for the lower-strength version), but should be used only under your dermatologist's supervision.

COPYRIGHT 1994 Rodale Press Inc.