Capsaicin in the treatment of dermatologic disease.
Capsaicin cream is the first of a class of neuropeptide active agents to be introduced into dermatologic therapy. Capsaicin's effects appear primarily related to its ability to deplete the neuropeptide substance P from local sensory terminals in the skin. The use of capsaicin cream in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia and psoriasis is discussed. I believe that capsaicin and other neuropeptide active agents may become important therapeutic modalities for the dermatologist in the near future.
D002211:Capsaicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006562:Herpes Zoster / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D009437:Neuralgia / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D009824:Ointments; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013373:Substance P / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D009824:Ointments; D013373:Substance P; D002211:Capsaicin