Psoriasis overview

Psoriasis overview
Readers unfamiliar with psoriasis may find this overview useful.
Psoriasis is a disorder of the skin and nails, characterized by inflammation and abnormal reproduction of skin cells. It can also affect joints and other tissues. The disease produces areas of thickened, scaly, silvery-white and reddened skin; discolored, crumbling, deformed, or uplifted nails; and arthritic symptoms in joints.
Approximately 2-3% of the population develop psoriasis. Two types of psoriasis are recognized: Type 1 strikes before age 40 and is generally found in other family members, type 2 strikes after age 40.
At present there is no cure for psoriasis, but patients typically experience periods of exacerbation and remission.
A common attitude among non-sufferers of psoriasis is that it is a ‘merely cosmetic’ condition and therefore not worth spending research funds on. The truth is that the cosmetic aspects alone are serious enough to drive some patients to suicide, and the arthritic aspects can be debilitating. Furthermore, research into psoriasis adds to our basic understanding of molecular and cell biology, which inevitably improves our understanding of other ailments.
The causes of psoriasis
Psoriasis is only partly understood. Recent research indicates that the disease is driven by activated immune cells called ‘T-cells’ (or ‘antigen-presenting cells’). These cells are involved in the recognition of foreign materials (such as viruses); when they find such a material, they communicate this information to other immune system cells by producing signalling molecules called ‘cytokines’. However, some of these cytokines can induce excessive reproduction of skin cells and cause them to develop abnormally. And some of the cytokines cause inflammation and its consequences: swelling, pain, redness, and heat.
This is the essence of the disease, but the process is extremely complex and not all of the signalling molecules and growth factors involved have been identified. Important questions remain unanswered: Do genetic factors account for why some people develop psoriasis while others don’t? Why do most people get psoriasis later in life and not earlier? Does something trigger the T-cells to release inappropriate combinations of signalling molecules? If so, what is this trigger?
Recent studies suggest that the microorganism Malassezia furfur may play a role in promoting psoriasis.
Inflammation — the non-explanation
Psoriasis and many other ailments are often attributed to ‘inflammation’. But what does this word actually mean, and is it a useful explanation for anything?
Traditionally, physicians used the word ‘inflammation’ for any condition in which four characteristics were present: redness, heat, swelling, and pain. The word gave no hint of the mechanisms responsible for these characteristics, because the medical world at that time had no knowledge of molecular biology.
In recent decades the molecular mechanisms involved in inflammation have been coming to light. They are extremely complicated, and involve cytokine signalling between different types of immune cells, the release of free radicals, dilation of blood vessels (which causes redness and heat), increase in permeability of capillaries (which causes swelling), and pressure on nerve endings (which causes pain).
The word ‘inflammation’ is still a convenient word for this collection of processes. But it is almost useless as an explanation for anything. For example, if someone says “Psoriasis is caused by chronic inflammation in the skin,” they are telling you nearly nothing, whereas if they say “Psoriasis is caused by abnormal releases of ‘Transforming Growth Factor-alpha’ in the skin,” then they are giving you at least a partial explanation of what is going on.
Treatments for psoriasis
In what follows, I will list both drugs and supplements that have anti-psoriatic properties or potential. The drugs will receive only brief mention — the main focus of this article is supplements, since they can be obtained without interference from government or medical professionals. I will give special attention to supplements that promote the body’s production of a cytokine called ‘interleukin-10’ (‘IL-10’), since IL-10 seems to hold special promise for suppressing psoriasis.
Some treatments for psoriasis date back 100 years or more. These include:
coal tar
anthralin (a cell-growth inhibitor, now called ‘dithranol’)
These topical treatments, although beneficial in many cases, are very messy to use, and harmful if applied carelessly. They have largely been abandoned in the industrialized world, where unstained clothes are highly valued. We won’t discuss them further here.
Corticosteroid drugs:

cortisone
hydrocortisone
clobetasol
halobetasol
betamethasone
diflorasone
Most of these are prescription drugs that are quite effective in suppressing proriatic lesions in some people in the earlier stages of the disease. But their side effects can be serious, and include thinning of the skin, dilated blood vessels, bruising, and skin color changes.
Anti-inflammatories:

Aspirin
NSAIDs (‘Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs’)
Monoclonal antibodies and fusion proteins
Aspirin and NSAIDs are of more use in treating psoriatic arthritis than in treating psoriatic skin lesions. Antibodies and fusion proteins can prevent progression of joint destruction, but are very expensive. Since they are officially (and arbitrarily) classified as ‘drugs’ rather than ‘supplements’, we won’t deal further with these substances here.
Immune-suppressive drugs:

methotrexate
cyclosporine
These prescription drugs are used for severe and recalcitrant psoriasis. They require careful monitoring and can expose patients to increased risk of infections.
Retinoid drugs:

vitamin A
tretinoin
adapalene
tazarotene
Retinoids are substances that regulate the development of cells into specific cell-types, and that have anti-inflammatory activity. The doses of vitamin A required for anti-psoriatic effects are very high and cause unacceptable side effects. The other retinoids in the above list have been used with some success in treating psoriasis, but since these are prescription drugs, not supplements, they are outside of the scope of this article.
Estrogens:

Estrogens suppress inflammation, increase IL-10, enhance collagen synthesis, maintain skin moisture, and accelerate cutaneous wound healing by regulating the production of growth factors. It has therefore been suggested that estrogens might have value as psoriasis treatments. On the other hand, there is evidence that estrogens can exacerbate psoriasis. In the absence of clinical trials to determine the truth of the matter, the issue is unresolved.
Vitamin D compounds:

calcitriol (1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3, 1alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol)
calcipotriene
Vitamin D3 and its analogs are steroid hormones that have complex effects on the mix of cytokines produced by target cells. Some of these compounds, such as calcitriol, are stimulators of IL-10 production and suppressors of inflammatory cytokines; these are therefore potential treatments for psoriasis. They will be dealt with later in this article.
Calcipotriene is a ‘designer’ form of vitamin D — it is therefore a drug rather than a supplement. This substance has also been shown to increase IL-10 production. A clinical trial in 1998 showed its efficacy as a psoriasis treatment.
Antioxidants:

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
Alpha-lipoic acid
Curcumin
Pine bark extract
EGCG (epigallocatchin gallate, from green tea)
Unusually high levels of oxidants and insufficient antioxidant activity have been found in psoriatic lesions, suggesting that excessive free radical activity might play a role in causing and maintaining the lesions, and that antioxidants might ameliorate this condition.
The search for appropriate antioxidants, however, is complicated by the fact that antioxidants are cell-specific in their actions — a given antioxidant may cause the production of different sets of cytokines in different cell types, and these cytokines will then have differing effects on the production of growth factors and therefore on cell growth. For example, the green tea antioxidant ‘EGCG’ promotes the production of the cytokine IL-10 in white blood cells, but inhibits IL-10 production in certain skin cells. Whether the net effect of such an antioxidant would be beneficial or counterproductive can only be determined by clinical studies.
Unfortunately, only a handful of clinical studies have tested antioxidants as psoriasis treatments. The above list of antioxidants is therefore offered merely on general principles as potential psoriasis therapies.
Cell-growth inhibitors:

Curcumin
Green tea catechins, such as EGCG (epigallocatchin gallate)
Resveratrol
Wild bilberry extract
Blueberry extract
Baicalein (from Scutellaria baicalensis)
and many others
Since psoriasis is characterized by abnormally fast reproduction and growth of skin cells, cell growth inhibitors are naturally of interest as treatments. Furthermore, psoriatic tissue seems to require excessive growth of capillaries and small blood vessels; inhibitors of blood vessel growth (‘angiogenesis inhibitors’) are therefore also of interest. The above list includes only a few of the many plant-derived cell growth inhibitors that have been revealed by tissue culture experiments. A few of them have been tested in vivo.
The best studied of these cell-growth inhibitors are resveratrol, green tea catechins, and curcumin. All three of these substances have problems, however. Resveratrol is easily degraded by air, light, and temperature, and most of the resveratrol supplements on the market are of poor quality by the time they reach the end-user. Green tea catechins, although anti-inflammatory in some tissues, are pro-inflammatory in others. Curcumin at high concentrations is a cell growth inhibitor, but at low concentrations it is a cell growth promoter — in cell culture experiments, at least. Since curcumin is poorly absorbed from the digestive tract, large doses may be required if it were used orally to inhibit cell growth.
These problems suggest that one would more likely get good results for psoriasis if the substances were used topically rather than orally. A compounding pharmacy could make a cream or ointment containing curcumin and/or tea catechins. (If a good source of resveratrol can be identified, it could be included as well.) One should bear in mind, however, that some of these substances will stain clothes.
Studies funded by a manufacturer of blueberry and bilberry extracts have shown them to be angiogenesis inhibitors. These extracts are highly colored and will undoubtedly stain clothes when used topically. Unfortunately they are very poorly absorbed when used orally; therefore, large doses are required.
Omega-3 fatty acids:

Fish oil
Eicosapentaenoic acid
Docosahexaenoic acid
Evening primrose oil
Linolenic acid (not linoleic acid)
Omega-3 fatty acids have immune-modulating effects that can be exploited to prevent or suppress psoriasis. These effects are brought about by modulation of the type and amount of cytokines produced by immune cells, by altering gene expression, and by lowering the ability of certain enzymes to produce inflammatory substances. The omega-3 fatty acids in fish oils — eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) and docosahexenoic acid (DHA) — appear to be much more effective than those in plants. Since these substances are sold as oils (i.e., as triglycerides) rather than as free acids, one must use them orally so that the free acids can be released by lipase enzymes in the digestive tract.
Probiotics:

Lactobacillus or Bifidobacterium supplements
Probiotics contain ‘beneficial bacteria’ that have been shown to reduce inflammation for a variety of diseases. They seem to work by modifying the body’s production of certain T-cells.
Avoidance therapies:

Smoking avoidance
Gluten avoidance
Androgen avoidance
Smoking is a known promoter of psoriasis.
Gluten, a substance found in wheat, oats, rye, barley, and millet, promotes psoriasis in some people — namely, those who have IgA and/or IgG antibodies to gliadin (a component of gluten).
Androgens tend to promote inflammation and may exacerbate psoriatic symptoms.
Other psoriasis treatments:

Salicylic acid
zinc pyrithione cream or lotion (DermaZinc)
melatonin
Salicylic acid is a widely used non-prescription treatment for many skin disorders. It acts as a softener of dead, hardened skin cells — it probably does not have any activity against the causes of psoriasis.
Zinc pyrithione is an anti-fungal drug available without prescription. Microorganisms such as Malassezia furfur are known to be involved in other skin conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, and are likely to be involved in psoriasis, as well. Although this substance is not a nutritional supplement, it appears to be an important adjunct to other psoriasis treatments. I will therefore include it in the list of promising remedies given in the Amounts section below.
Melatonin levels in the blood of psoriasis patients lack the nocturnal peak that they have in non-psoriatics. Some patients therefore supplement with melatonin at bedtime. No formal clinical studies have evaluated this treatment.
Skin-Cap and the blundering bureaucracies
Skin-Cap was a topical psoriasis product from Spain that took the psoriasis world by storm in the mid-1990s because of its remarkable effectiveness. The product’s manufacturer, Cheminova International, claimed that the product’s active ingredient was zinc pyrithione, but the truth was that the product also contained a corticosteroid, clobetasol propionate. Government drug agencies all over the world therefore banned Skin-Cap, thereby making it unavailable to the entire psoriasis community and infuriating many users for whom it had been the only treatment that had ever worked.
It is interesting to note that several months before the disovery that Skin-Cap contained clobetasol, the distributors of Skin-Cap in the U.S. had been ordered by the Food and Drug Administration to stop selling it — not because the FDA deemed it dangerous or ineffective, but because it was being sold to treat psoriasis and other skin disorders. A psoriasis product that ostensibly contained only zinc pyrithione, a supplement, could be sold in the U.S. only if the seller abstains from telling the buyer what it is to be used for. The fact that Skin-Cap was the most effective psoriasis treatment ever seen did not matter a whit — the FDA’s regulations are designed to keep the bureaucrats in control, not to bring effective treatments to the public.
Once clobetasol was found in Skin-Cap, however, the product’s fate was sealed. It was soon banned; users were warned not to use it and were told to send their remaining Skin-Cap back to the seller at their own expense. Many refused, of course, and there is still a small amount of the product in circulation. Many newer products are being sold on the Internet claiming to be Skin-Cap. Most are zinc pyrithione without any corticosteroid, but some do contain other corticosteroids. The particular combination of ingredients in the original Skin-Cap were far more effective than any of the ingredients used separately.
New concept: the interleukin-10 connection
Interleukins are the signalling molecules (‘cytokines’) that are used by white blood cells for communication. The human immune system makes use of several dozen different interleukins, each conveying different information and causing different actions on target cells.
Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a cytokine that limits or terminates inflammatory responses and helps to regulate the formation and proliferation of several kinds of immune cells, including T-cells. (Reminder: Badly regulated T-cells are considered to be leading actors on the psoriatic stage.) One of the mechanisms involved is IL-10 suppressing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8.
More than ten years ago researchers discovered that psoriatic skin contains significantly less IL-10 than does normal skin. This suggested that psoriasis might be treated by raising IL-10 levels in the skin. From 1998 to 2002 several clinical trials were carried out to test this concept. It was found that IL-10 therapy caused a marked regression of the lesions, decreased the incidence of relapse, and prolonged the disease-free interval. But it became apparent that this approach was impractical — Interleukin-10 is a polypeptide and is expensive to make. It would be ineffective if taken orally or used topically (i.e., as a cream or lotion) and would therefore have to be injected repeatedly into each affected area of skin.
The next step should have been obvious: search for substances that can be used topically or orally and that indirectly cause a rise in IL-10 production by the cells in psoriatic skin that are under-producing it. With today’s research tools it is possible to screen thousands of chemicals simultaneously for their effects on IL-10 production — chemicals from plants, from animals, and from existing chemical archives. So… with at least three years to develop a list of good IL-10 inducers, we should by now have many clinical trials in progress testing these inducers on psoriatic patients, right? Readers will probably not be surprised to learn that no such search has been reported in the medical literature, no list has been developed, and no such clinical trials are in progress. Such is the state of medical research in today’s government-regulated world.
Nevertheless, just by searching on the Internet you and I can identify a few such compounds that have turned up during research studies not necessarily directed at psoriasis. These are:
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC)
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol), and its analogs (e.g., calcitriol, calcipotriene)
Baicalein (from Scutellaria baicalensis root, ‘Baikal Skullcap’)
Silibinin (from Silybum marianum, ‘Milk Thistle’)
EGCG (epigallocatechin gallate, from green tea)?
Whether green tea, and its principal active constituent EGCG, belong on this list of IL-10 promoters is debatable. In some studies, in certain cell types, EGCG promotes IL-10 production. In other studies, in other cell types, it inhibits IL-10 production. The lack of actual clinical data on the use of EGCG for treating psoriasis means that if psoriasis patients want to know what EGCG does to psoriatic lesions, they will have to try it themselves.
One supplement to avoid (with respect to its effects on IL-10, that is) is
Genistein
Genistein has been shown to inhibit IL-10 production.
Amounts required for anti-psoriatic effects
How much of each of the supplements discussed in this article would one have to use in order to achieve anti-psoriatic effects? Since the clinical trials that would answer this question have not been done for most of these substances, the answers I give here are just educated guesses. Furthermore, there is a significant possibility that some of these compounds, if used orally, could have harmful interactions with other substances already being used by patients. On the other hand, certain combinations of these and other substances are likely to be better treatments than the substances used by themselves; identifying these combinations, however, will require a lot of experimentation — far more than is currently being done by the medical research establishment.
Generally speaking, it makes more sense to treat psoriasis by using a substance topically rather than orally, since smaller amounts of the substance are needed, and they are less likely to affect the whole body. In some cases topical use may be impractical: for example, the omega-3 oils may be too messy to use this way — but these are beneficial for the whole body in any case.
Most of the substances listed below are available as oral supplements but usually not in forms that can be used topically. Topical formulations can be made by a compounding pharmacy, or even by non-professionals if they can get the active ingredients. It pays to ‘shop around’ for compounding pharmacies, since the prices charged for the same product can vary enormously.
Calcitriol (aka ‘1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3’, or ‘1alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol’) — 3 microgram/gram ointment applied in the evening.
N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) — topical: 10% cream applied twice daily
Alpha-lipoic acid — topical: 5% cream applied twice daily; oral: 250 mg twice per day
Curcumin — topical: 2% cream (likely to stain clothes); oral: 333 mg three times/day plus 10 mg piperine to improve absorption
Pine bark extract — oral: 100 mg proanthocyanins per day
EGCG (epigallocatchin gallate, from green tea) — oral: 800 mg/day?
Wild bilberry or blueberry extract (25% anthocyanidins) — oral: 120 mg twice per day with meals.
Fish oil, EPA, or DHA — oral: at least 4 g/day of combined EPA+DHA.
zinc pyrithione cream or lotion (DermaZinc) — as stated on the package.
melatonin — topical: 0.5% gel
Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) — topical: 0.005% ointment
Baicalein — topical: 0.07% cream or gel (calculated from in vitro data from prostate cell study)
Silibinin — topical: 10% cream or gel (based on photoprotection study in mice)
In conclusion
Certain nutritional supplements have great potential as psoriasis treatments, but have received very little attention from medical researchers. These supplements fall into several categories, which suggests the possibility of synergistic action between the substances in different categories. Although some of these supplements seem fairly expensive, their costs are miniscule compared to the costs of many prescription drugs — and many of the latter are not even especially effective.
A psoriasis patient who wants to try out some of the substances mentioned in this article should realize that he or she will be operating in largely uncharted territory. While self-experimentation is the only way to get answers to questions that mainstream medicine does not want to address, it carries certain risks that should be weighed against the risks of not self-experimenting. Is it better to try an untested treatment or to leave matters as they are? One has to judge that for oneself. While government bureaucrats and physicians’ groups are all-too-willing to tell you not to do it, I’m not as arrogant as they are — I suggest that you decide for yourself.
Discussion group
I’ve set up a discussion group at Yahoo Groups for those who want to exchange information, and share experiences about self-experimentation with psoriasis remedies, especially those based on supplements. The group will be lightly moderated to remove spam and prevent verbal attacks on members (‘flaming’, in other words).
To join, go to http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/psori/. If you are not already registered with Yahoo, you will be guided through the registration process (which is free).
— Dr. Alexis Zarkov, Ph.D.
You can contact Dr. Zarkov at AskDrZarkov@yahoo.com.
Last modified 2005.Sep.13
References
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Inflammation

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Nutritional treatments

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Estrogens

Regulatory roles of sex hormones in cutaneous biology and immunology. J Dermatol Sci. 2005 Apr;38(1):1-7. Epub 2004 Dec 9.
Tamoxifen-induced remission of psoriasis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1999 Nov;41(5 Pt 2):887-9.
Vitamin D

Use of vitamin D in the treatment of psoriasis — a historical analysis
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1,25-(OH)2-vitamin D3 and calcipotriol induce IL-10 receptor gene expression in human epidermal cells. Inflamm Res. 1997 Jan;46(1):32-4.
Immunoregulation by 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3): Basic concepts. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2005 Jul 18
Calcitriol ointment and clobetasol propionate cream: a new regimen for the treatment of plaque psoriasis. Eur J Dermatol. 2003 May-Jun;13(3):261-5.
Antioxidants

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Pine bark extract pycnogenol downregulates IFN-gamma-induced adhesion of T cells to human keratinocytes by inhibiting inducible ICAM-1 expression. Free Radic Biol Med. 2000 Jan 15;28(2):219-27.
Flavonoids that mimic human ligands from the whole plants of Euphorbia lunulata. [Quercetin mimics IL-10.] Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2005 Mar;53(3):305-8.
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Antioxidant [N-acetyl cysteine] Useful For Dry Skin and Possibly Psoriasis
Topical N-acetylcysteine treatment in neonatal ichthyosis. Turk J Pediatr. 2003 Jul-Sep;45(3):245-7.
Alpha-Lipoic acid-based PPARgamma agonists for treating inflammatory skin diseases. Arch Dermatol Res. 2004 Aug;296(3):97-104. Epub 2004 Jun 24.
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A single ascending dose study of epigallocatechin gallate in healthy volunteers. J Int Med Res. 2003 Mar-Apr;31(2):88-101.
Cell growth inhibitors

Nutraceuticals as anti-angiogenic agents: hopes and reality. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2005 Mar;56 Suppl 1:51-69.
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Baicalein and baicalin are potent inhibitors of angiogenesis: Inhibition of endothelial cell proliferation, migration and differentiation. Int J Cancer. 2003 Sep 10;106(4):559-65.
Characterization of chemical constituents in Scutellaria baicalensis with antiandrogenic and growth-inhibitory activities toward prostate carcinoma. Clin Cancer Res. 2005 May 15;11(10):3905-14.
Bioavailability of anthocyanidin-3-glucosides following consumption of red wine and red grape juice. Can J Physiol Pharmacol. 2003 May;81(5):423-35.
The influence of chokeberry juice supplementation on the reduction of oxidative stress resulting from an incremental rowing ergometer exercise. Int J Sport Nutr Exerc Metab. 2005 Feb;15(1):48-58.
Fatty acids

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Probiotics

Lactobacillus casei reduces CD8+ T cell-mediated skin inflammation. Eur J Immunol. 2004 Sep;34(9):2520-8.
Avoidance therapies

Psoriasis patients with antibodies to gliadin can be improved by a gluten-free diet Br J Dermatol. 2000 Jan;142(1):44-51.
Cutaneous Effects of Smoking. J Cutan Med Surg. 2005 Jul 7
Salicylic acid

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Skin-Cap and zinc pyrithione

The Skin-Cap story Dave's Psoriasis Info
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FDA WARNS CONSUMERS NOT TO USE SKIN-CAP
Psoriasis patients talk about Skin-Cap
Dermatologists talk about Skin-Cap
Interleukin-10

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Immunomodulation by interleukin-10 therapy decreases the incidence of relapse and prolongs the relapse-free interval in Psoriasis. J Invest Dermatol. 2002 Apr;118(4):672-7.
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GotClearSkin.com (GCS)

Another perspective about Skin Cap

Another perspective about Skin Cap

* NONE of these studies involved patients. They were not tests to see if Skin Cap causes side effects.
* Glaxo Wellcome Inc. produces a prescription psoriasis treatment called Temovate. Supposedly, it was Glaxo who notified the FDA and The National Psoriasis Foundation as to the 'dangers' of Skin Cap. Do you think it's in their best interest to get the general public to stop using Skin Cap? (interesting aside: a source tells me Glaxo caused the Skin Cap controversy to squash Cheminova because Cheminova has a product which can cure herpes with an 80% effectiveness rate, which would *really* put a damper in Glaxo's business -- I have no idea whether this rumor has any truth to it)
* Glaxo's study found undisclosed (and probably trace) amounts of clobetasol propionate in Skin Cap. This is not necessarily cause for alarm. In fact, Temovate contains .05% clobetasol propionate.
* If you use Temovate for too long, it could eat a hole in your skin. I would know, because it happened to me. Using Temovate for too long means using it for more than two weeks. I, and many others, have been using Skin Cap for over a year without ANY side effects. It is difficult to understand how Skin Cap could have prescription amounts of a steroid as potent as that which is in Temovate (cp) without the side-effects being glaringly obvious.
* Numerous sources have indicated that Glaxo is a major funder for the NPF. (The NPF denies this, indicating that support from all drug companies consistitutes less than 4% of the total.)
* Has anybody thought it at all strange how well orchestrated this ban has been? How often do YOU see information about psoriasis treatments in the news? I wonder who paid for all those press releases and articles printed -- do you think it could be a drug company with alot of money? It's rather odd how much attention this has been getting, don't you think?

We, the people who have psoriasis, the people who KNOW this stuff works, have to band together. It is up to us to let the FDA know how Skin Cap has changed our lives for the better. Safely. They need to know that it is a miracle cure. I think many of these people would be more than happy to be participants in independant, unbiased study of results of long term safe use to determine the truth about Skin Cap.

Numerous sources indicate that Skin Cap is currently available throughout Europe -- and that the US and Canada are the only places where it is still banned.

Cheminova insists that there are not and have never been any steroids in the product. In a letter to the FDA, Cheminova explains that the Clobetasol peak encountered in United States tests was related to the denaturant used in Spain. The denaturant is what the distillers use to make alcohol in a product undrinkable. Prior to the controversy, Cheminova had been using 96 percent denatured alcohol as a component in Skin Cap. Cheminova was able to eliminate the Clobetasol peak in tests simply by switching to 99.5 percent denatured alcohol. Although 99.5 percent alcohol is more expensive, in order to eliminate confusion, the company has decided to only use 99.5 percent alcohol in Skin Cap formulations. They withdrew all 96 percent alcohol formulated Skin Cap from all markets.

But no matter what the 'truth' ends up being regarding the contents of Skin Cap, we all know Skin Cap works. Amazingly. And while alot of people have been saying there are dangers of side-effects, as most of you know, it's pretty difficult to find anyone who has personally experienced any negative side effects. Look at all of our other treatment options out there -- doesn't using Skin Cap seem far less risky than our alternatives?

The overwhelming majority of people who have contacted me want to be able to use Skin Cap whether or not it contains steroids. It has been the single most effective product they've ever used to treat their psoriasis, it has drastically changed their lives for the better, and they haven't experienced any side effects. Keeping Skin Cap available is what this site is about.

That said, here is what we currently know:

* Cheminova provides detailed explanation to the FDA for what they claim are false test results.
* Cheminova says there are NO STEROIDS in Skin Cap. Want details?
* Glaxo Dermatology, the FDA, and the Mayo clinic all have conducted studies which indicate the presence of clobetasol propionate in Skin Cap.

Cheminova claims that there is something about the way that Skin Cap has been formulated which can trigger false positives in steroid tests.

Spain authorities have ordered Cheminova to cease production of Skin Cap. I called Cheminova to verify this and was told that this was the result of tremendous international pressure, and that they were taking the necessary steps to try to rectify the situation.

The Vilana Company (a distributor) says tests are presently being conducted by the University of North Carolina and Utah (recognized laboratories by the FDA) in conjuction with Cheminova, to be presented to the FDA proving there are no steroids in Skin Cap. In an email received on September 16th, they informed me that "the tests have been concluded, but the results haven't been published yet to anybody and that we will have an definite answer by the end of next week. If you believe in it, this is the time to light the candles and hope for the best."

In a 9/11/97 usenet post, John Kender states that "There is no evidence that any testing by UNC or Utah has taken place. The chemists I have talked to who are experts in such testing say that such alleged MALDI-TOF results would have been laughed out of court anyway; the method is not only unreliable for such a purpose, it is never used for it". Yet, strangely, in a post made one day earlier he said, "I called Exor Laboratories, the former Nova Medical Laboratories, at their 1-800-61-SPRAY number today, twice, talking to two different people. Both independently indicated to me that the FDA has notified them that the results of the private testing requested and arranged by Nova confirm the earlier results announced a month ago: there were steroids in the preparation.

"These tests were supposedly performed at the University of North Carolina and the University of Utah. According to earlier representations of the company, these universities were selected because only their MALDI-TOF machines ("there are only three in the US") were sensitive enough not to be fooled by what the company claimed were "false positive" indications of steroids by other tests."

As far as the study in the Netherlands goes, SOS Skin (a distributor) states that, "Cheminova Laboratories, has taken all legal measures in this matter and was successful in proving that the test was in error. According to the General Manager of Cheminova Mr. Aly Santa MArta, The Dutch Authorities allowed immediate return of Skin Cap to the Dutch market."

In a 9/19 Skin Cap Update, the NPF said they contacted the Netherlands Ministry of Health and were informed that the original tests were not found in error and that the formulations teststed contained clobetasol proprionate.

My opinion? Let the FDA straighten it out with the producers of the product, but don't make the patients suffer. It's the first cure we've ever had. What's the worst case scenario? That the FDA determines that all the hype is true and Skin Cap really does have steroids? What should that mean? Not that they should take the product away! Do what they have to do to make it legal, but make sure it's still available. The overwhelming majority of people who've written to me simply don't care if it has steroids. They're just glad it works for them without side effects.
Statement From Cheminova America Regarding Press Reports On Skin Cap
Reports in the media contain information concerning the presence of clobetasol propionate — a powerful prescription steroid — in Skin Cap, an over-the-counter drug formulated with pyrithione zinc as its active ingredient to treat dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Skin Cap is distributed in the United States by Cheminova America Corporation. The media reports reference testing conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and various other laboratories.

Cheminova America maintains that steroids are not present in Skin Cap. This is based on preliminary independent testing conducted by the Company which was negative for the presence of steroids and revealed that the way the product is manufactured may lead to false-positive tests. The Company is actively pursuing further testing to confirm this and is cooperating with the FDA in resolving this issue. In the meantime, it has agreed with the FDA to cease distribution until the matter is conclusively resolved to the satisfaction of both the Company and the FDA.

It should be noted that the same issue arose in Holland, when the Dutch Health Department believed they had found clobetasol propionate in the Skin Cap formula. Upon meeting with Cheminova officials, Holland authorities have now allowed Skin Cap back onto the market in that country. The Company notes that Skin Cap has been sold in the U.S. market for four (4) years and to-date, is not aware of any consumer complaint regarding the safety of Skin Cap, or its alleged side effect problem.

Cheminova America Corporation notes that Skin Cap has not been recalled, nor has it been asked by the FDA to recall existing retailer or wholesaler stock of Skin Cap.

The company is now completing laboratory testing with a well-known and respected U.S. university which it believes will confirm the experience of Skin Cap users — there are no steroids in the Skin Cap formula — as evidenced by the personal experience of thousands of Skin Cap users, as well as the finding of the Holland Government's Health Department.
The opinions of this site are of a personal nature, and not to be understood as a medical advice. Consult a qualified doctor for diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis.
We don't have any affiliation with the manaufacturers of Skin Cap, and we don't sell any products. If you are interested in Skin Cap, you can find a few Skin Cap distributors on the Internet.

Skin Cap user's opinions

Opinions pro o con Skin Cap collected from newsgroups:

after 16+ months of 95% clear, I now have worse P than I've had in years. I've also gotten neglegent and am not maintaining a regular treatment plan of any kind. I ordered a 6.6 Oz can of Skin Cap on Saturday and will see if it can help me get to a better state. I used it years ago and it worked great. Anyone have any recent experience with it? Any words of advise short of "don't use it"?

After reading about this miracle product in this Newsgroup I decided to try it. I've had P. for about 10 years and the worse I ever remenber it being was at the very beginning. Then about 70% to 80% of my body became covered with P. over a period of 3 months. At the age of 21, I thought this would be the end of my social and love life. Well, it wasn't. I was hospitalized at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital and there I learned to treat it. Eventually it would go away for 4 to 5 months then return, but never worse than before - always a little better. Mind you, I never stopped treating it, usually with PUVA and topical steroids. The side effects of the treatment were minor (i.e.nausea and, most importantly, frekles all over my body) but it worked. Then came Skin Cap. I though I'd give it a try after all reading all the rave reviews. The price was a little forbiding at $40 per can so I called relatives in Spain (where this stuff is manufactured) and asked them to buy me a half dozen cans. A flag was raised when my relatives called me back to inform me that Skin Cap was no longer being recommended for use with Psoriasis, but I told them to send it to me anyway. After the first two weeks improvement was gradual and I was amazed. I only had a few spots here and there and they seemed to be going away. It took me 4 weeks to use 2 cans, then I started to notice something odd. As older larger lesions started to clear smaller ones started to appear. I sprayed those and they would start to vannish and more new ones appeared at an even faster rate. I stopped using the product and to my complete horror my whole body became covered with it all over again, just as it was 10 years ago. Today I know deal with the problem more effectivelly so it's back to PUVA. As for those of you who plan to start using the product: Beware! The symptoms seem oddly simular to when one suddenly stops using Hydrocortisone. This raises the question: What is really in this product? Hope this helps anyone who might be thinking about using Skin Cap.

I've been using it for 2 1/2 months and I'm cleared up for the first time in 10 years.

I read several months ago in this column about skincap and decided to try it. I first ordered one can for about $34. I used it twice a day on both arms and hands. The can lasted about five days, but I could tell some difference in clearing. I have had P. for over 30 years and the lesions on my arms and legs are probably over 1/2 inch thick. I then ordered their 10 can deal for about $250. Each time the product was delivered in about 2-3 days. I then began a concerted effort to spray it on just my arms and hands. In about three weeks, both arms and hands were completely clear with no side effects that I discovered. The only problem is that seven cans were gone. The last three have been for follow-up on the same spots. I am now down to the last can and the lesions are reappearing on my arms and hands. I was pleased with the results and I feel it would have worked better if I did not have so much P. (estimated to have 70% coverage.) Has anyone else had this positive effect. It seems like any time I read about Skin Cap that it is negative. By the way, I think I am going to order another ten cans. I am going to investigate if my insurance will reimburse me 80% if I get a prescription even though this is not a prescription drug.

Skin Cap was the best thing ever for me. Yes, a few people over-used it and got a reaction when they stopped but for me it was super!! BTW, I've worked for a Pharmaceutical Co. and the high cost of drugs can be traced in large part to the loooooong development cycle (10-15+ years) and legal costs of Lawyers trying to get rich.

Does anyone really know and understand the scientific implications of skin cap and blue cap? I've heard the dreaded, "filled with steroids", more specifically temovate and all the harm that can come from it. However, I know that the stuff works, I can get it without perscription, although it takes forever to get here from Spain and its expensive. I know that I tried temovate and did not get the same results so it cannot be that simple. Is it possible that the FDA didn't get the requisite "donation" from the maufacturer to get approval? Why does this stuff work so well (I know its temporary, but so is everything else )? I've tried TAR, TAC, UVB, Dovonex (which is more expensive than Blue Cap or Skin Cap even with perscription coverage), Temovate, Tazorac, etc. etc. etc. ......NONE of it gives these kind of results. Why is it illegal REALLY........Has anyone ever tried to get to the bottom other than what the "main stream" feeds us. I hate being a freakin sheep and just buying in to what the FDA, and the AMA spews out, because frankly, if they find a cure, they stop getting paid. It isn't in their interest to find a cure.

I was just wondering why, after all of this time, we don't have answers to those questions. I had saved a little bit of a can for 4 years (how time flies!) I had a stubborn patch on my ankle that just wouldn't leave even though I am mostly in remission. I managed to get a few drops on to that spot and it went away. Here we are talking about spending $30,000 per year to alter our genes and no one has really figured out why Skin Cap worked. I also am not helped by steroids so there must have been something else in there. What was it and why don't we know by now? I did not know that one could get the real thing from Spain. Are you sure it's the same stuff? I thought it was being seized at the border or something? I apologize for starting up the skincap controversy again, but it does seem strange that no one knows for sure.

I bought the real stuff, and the P is 50% gone in a week.......

Only Cheminova (or whoever they think they are now) knows what they put into it on any given day, and they ain't talking. Maybe some big drug companies have put some work into figuring it out, or spying, or bribing their way to the ingredients, but if so, they ain't talking, either. Maybe one of the secret key ingredients is long-term harmful. Just *maybe* somebody knows, and there's no way to patent it, so they're doing their best to forget it, but it just seems unlikely. Even in the worst case, it would seem that somebody could make a pretty penny off of just making the Cheminova formula legit, almost no matter what's in it ... ... unless for some reason it just doesn't work at all as well in controlled trials. I know, the testimonials for it, including yours, are so common that it seems that would just not be the case. It would sure seem worthwhile to have some public trials of it. So, if you really want to get exercised on the issue, ask why that never happens. It's an interesting story, and maybe we haven't seen the end of it yet.

I have sebbhorea derm.and I use the Blue Cap. Works fantastic....I only have to use it once in awhile and it throws my Sebhorrea into remission. I have not seen or experienced any side effects.

after 7 years it stared to despear, with skin cap shampoo and skin cap spray, try it.

Like a number of us here, I used skin-cap back in the mid '90s until it was banned. It worked really well for me and I wish to this day I still had more. I understand the ban and have no trouble with it. However, it did work for many of us. Why has no other drug company come out with a similar product that uses a spray? I believe the spray allowed the medication to enter the skin area faster, with little worry of it rubbing off like many of the gels and creams that we can use. A derm that I talked to today didn't know and thought it would be a good idea. Based on what he said and what I have read before, I may very well look into Olux which is form based.

I am new here, but wish to say that Skin Cap has done WONDERS for me -- almost instantly! I was a total skeptic. Now if would only cost $10 a bottle!!!

Although you've probably heard it before... I just thought I would give my two cents regarding Skin Cap: It works. It works like a miracle. It takes me about 4 applications to elliminate any signs of psoriasis. Three or four days later I'm cured.... Now of corse they've pulled it off the shelves. Apparently, this steroid they found in it was just a freak batch tho' and it will soon be going on sale again. Although I cannot confirm that. Until that day, I will continue to get by with all these pointless creams they keep giving me. I believe I've tried everything, tho' I would be interested to know any other "miracle" cures out there that someone has found...like Skin Cap.

im 34 with psoriasis ,skin cap cleared it for a while but i could not get any more,today i got a package of skin cap spray,shampoo and cream so you can still buy it

I have had psoriasis for at least ten years. No treatment has ever worked for me, except for Skin Cap. It cleared my scalp and joints completely like no other medication. Since I can not get this any more I've given up and don't even go to the Dr. Does anyone know of a treatment containing similar ingredients that were found in skin cap. I've been asked to be in wedding next year and I need to do something to clear this stuff up.

I have used Skin Cap while it was available in Canada, and as far as I'm concerned there was no better product on the market for psoriasis remission. I have tried every prescription and skin cream, took daily uv light treatments at the Womens College Hospital (the most respected psoriasis treatment and research hospital in Canada) with varying degrees of success. Skin Cap (for me) has given unequivical results.

Skin-Cap's formula has been revised since the FDA banned it because a very small percentage of user had a flare-up of their Psoriasis' apparently when they stopped using it. I used the original one and it was fantastic!! I used 3 cans in about 16months and it caused some patches to disappear in 3 days after I had it for 15 years...and after I stopped using it a couple of the patches never came back and one knee stayed clear for almost 2 years after. There is something about the words "Skin-Cap" that drives some people crazy, like noise near to a 'Killer Bee' swarm and they go nuts....dunno why but they can't accept the fact that some folks had a good result from SK. Some who post here know of Pharmacies in Canada that can make-up a cream (I think) with the good stuff in it. Don't worry about the negative people here.

skincap left me with nice stretch marks (small ones) but enough to notice around my ankles. I already have stretch marks from temavate from my youth. I would highly recommend you avoid using skincap on your face. I dont want to scare you, but over use.. even light use may leave you with scars on your face. It will eventaully thin out skin on your face restarding the collegen and leaving small scars, or big ones (stretch marks)

I used Skin Cap for several years with great results. I had Seb. Derm. on my face. I still use it once in a while.

I have been using skin cap shampoo and spray for about four days and I will never be without this product again. My face and scalp are totally clear and the other patches are fading fast. I think this stuff is wonderful. The cost may seem high but to me it is worth every penny paid and it does not take very much per application for my needs. If it helps my psoriasis is psoriatic arthritis and classified as mild (yeah, right). Warning, the first day I used skin cap The flaking was noticably worse but the next day that stopped completely.

I am hesitant to say very much about the particular product that I have been using for four days...I don't want to start a flame war about promoting anything on behalf of a commercial enterprise. I am trying to be sensitive to all of the P* sufferers who read and post to this group, and I realize my own experience may not be the norm. However, I have never had such amazing results from a topical product. I went thru extensive and very expensive PUVA treatments last year...and stayed clear about 8 weeks. Every other morning, I swallowed awful pills, took my treatment, arrived at the office late, stayed nauseous until noon, and all the time wearing UV goggles for 24 hours after swallowing the pills. Although I have great insurance, my deductible portion was still around $1,000 before insurance took over and paid the rest. By the winter, my body was absolutely covered with lesions again. I found that my life was being engulfed by thoughts of P*. I couldn't participate in extra-curricular social activities, since I always had to rush home after work, strip off the clothes, and apply Dovonex to stop the awful itching. My weekends were spent laying around the house, keeping the Dovonex applied. I itched, I scratched, I went thru tube after tube of Dovonex, I used cortisone ointments sparingly on my face, I went thru bouts of deep dark depression, my sex life was non-existent, my work was suffering, I felt like a leper [I know a lot of the subscribers to this newsgroup have been thru the same things, so pardon my repeating these oft-described events and feelings]. I stopped smoking. I stopped using any caffeine. I changed my diet so many times I can't remember. Nothing helped, everything seemed to make my P* worse. Hoping I could avoid the awful nausea (from the PUVA pills), the accelerated skin aging, and the skin cancer/eye cataract risks, and another thousand bucks in this calendar year, I kept putting off a new round of PUVA treatments. Just as I was at my wits end, ready to call the hospital for new PUVA, my mom saw an 800- number in our local paper. I called it and ordered a can of Skin Cap. I had read all the previous postings here about this product. I had corresponded with a few users who had experienced clearing. Even then, I was VERY unsure, worried that the company selling the product might be internet jackals pushing false hopes. Well kids, guess what? My formerly bleeding elbows are practically healed after four days. My face is completely healed. My awful legs show great improvement. I am downright amazed. I know this is NOT a cure, but it sure is dramatic...and my depression has taken a big 180-degree turn. Caution, caveat emptor, etc: This stuff is expensive. I paid $40 for one can, and it looks like it might last me a week at best. I immediately re-ordered 4 cans at a time, where they pay the shipping and thus reduces cost-per-can to $35. I don't know if there are any side effects. Can says the "composition" is .2% Pyrithione Zinc; any chemists out there know what this is? It's kinda oily, but sure is less messy than the Dovonex cream. Manufacturer is Cheminova Internacional, S.A., Madrid, Spain. I don't know WHY this stuff is working, and if it will continue to work. All I know is that for the first time in about 8 months, I can actually wear a short-sleeved shirt, I can sit down without feeling painful cracking of lesions on my thighs, and I have HOPE.

I am also extremeley leery about Skin Cap. Finally I bought a spray can. I am approaching it slowly, on just a few spots, but in spite of all my skepticism, it seems to be helping. I have not used much. I don't understand why its a spray, since it ends up sort of an oil that I spread around with my fingertips anyway. I almost wish this was snake oil, but it does seem to help. I would be very interested to hear from anybody who has had bad results (or no results at all). In the meantime, I will continue... on larger patches...

Aha! It appears it's the way that Skin Cap is made. If I remember rightly the man from the UK company who distributes the product was telling me that the Spanish manufaturers process the ingredients in a certain manner which changes the end product. For some reason this (why can't I remember what he said!!??) process seems to make it different.

I have been reading this group over a year with no comments made, I have enjoyed the experience greatly. I have been a sufferer of P and PA over 10 years and have tried every "snake oil" which seemed to offer any logical argument. I bought one can of "skincap" used it for a week on some of my major patches, which were scaling, and bleeding from scratching. I almost went into shock at the pain experienced on initial application, it was intense, but the good news is, after using this stuff for one week the scaling has stopped, and there is no more itching. I immediately ordered two more cans, and have almost finished them, the P is under control, and now I just have reddened skin where the worst patches were. I have experienced no side effects orther than a greatly lightned wallet, I did some checking around and found I could purchase the active ingredient to produce around 1000 cans of spray for under $100.00 so I think the product is greatly overpriced if measured against cost of production, but I can say it does work as advertised and that is more than I have been able to say about anything else I have ever used.

The people that have reported on Skin Cap seem to be giving favorable reviews. Granted, high prices for even a fantastic product sucks the big bo bo. Yet as capitalists, enough information on the active ingredient has been displayed on the net to realize that if Skin Cap does turn out to be all that it claims, it would behoove the manufacturer to bring prices down to a reasonable level or they wind up making it worth our while to come up with our own formulation. Sounds like from the pain Jim experienced on first application the spray has alcohol in the formula. If the product passes through state borders, a product is forced to display its ingredients in order of volume of %. Also if this is a patented formula that can be looked up to at the nearest patent library. As for if it works, I await those that have graciously laid down their skin on our behalf. If you are disappointed with the effectiveness of the Revlon Shampoo, I don't blame you. Without being a chemist, If Skin Cap is effective at .2 - 2% zinc and is left on indefinitely, how high a % do you need in a product that only stays on the scalp in a diluted combination with shower water for only a few minutes? In fact this question applies to all shampoos sold to psoriatics. If it takes 10% crude coal tar left on skin for 5 or more hours, in conjunction with high exposures of UVB, for 30 days to clear, then how long will it take for your scalp to clear with a shampoo with 2% LCD (a weaker form of Coal Tar) rinsed off after 2 minutes? Sounds like we be suckers. While we are on the subject, any one interested in a class action law suit against the company that manufactures "Head and Shoulders"? It seems like dates have been scarce since they explained to the opposite sex that my problem is actually dandruff, and they hold the cure. Well just a thought.

Some thoughts on Skin Cap: Head and Shoulders is 1% Zinc Pyrithione; I called the manufacturer. The maximum permitted percentage of ZP appears to be 2% in a shampoo; Lederle makes one (but it stings the eyes). The sting from Skin Cap may be due to the menthol which reportedly is in it, too, as an anti-itch ingredient, not necessarily to alcohol (which really wouldn't make a whole lot of sense in a can). It may also be due to propolyene glycol, which would remain behind and is a bit oily feeling. This last chemical is safe (it is in fact a food additive, and a major ingredient of stick deodorants) and is a good carrier for other chemicals that need to penetrate the skin. ZP itself is an antifungal; the postulated action against psoriasis is due to its action of killing off common yeasts that psoriatics appear to be allergic to. However, the advantage of a topical application is that it remains behind, whereas shampoos are rinsed. A fairer contest would be to leave the lather in your hair for 20 minutes (as Pagano, the diet guy recommends). There may be some systemic effects from ZP that you should watch out for. The molecule is really simple, but my guess is that it may stress the liver. I'll check MedLine to see if there is anything known about ZP toxicity. If you want a cheap alternative, just rub H&S on the lesions and keep it there overnight. It will tend to dry things out due to the detergent, but the ZP will be there just the same. But, you might consider the Mom test: if you won't put it in your mouth, don't put it on your skin. Disclaimer: never used Skin Cap. Don't have a financial interest in it. Think it has a weird name (sort of like Skin Sock). Probably is priced at the rate that market will bear, and if it gets real popular, will probably go up rather than down.

Interesting string here. Being skeptical myself, I bought one EXPENSIVE can of this stuff and tried it only on my knees. I continued using Dovonex everywhere else. Wow. Its been about 2 months now. My knees are basically clear (first time in 10 years) with a little bit of thin red still remaining. No scaling, smooth skin. The US distributor will be getting very rich, very soon. Wish I had a spraycan factory for making it myself.......

Hello there...end of third day on skincap and notice a definite response. Skin is far smoother and not as red. Could this be it, folks?? Note, however .. that the literature which accompanies the skincap does stress that this is not a cure..that continuous application is necessary to keep things under control. Although I plan to order more, I am going to let a week pass between cans in order to see what the rebound effect might be. If it does exist, however, I'm inclined to believe that it's probably not the skincap, per se, but the nature of the p ... having experienced rebound in countless forms over past years, regardless of treatment de jour.

I guess I just don't understand the constant posting about skin cap. Zinc Pyrithione (Zinc Omindine-Olin Chemicals ) is a biocide (much of Olins literature mentions that it is a fungicide).....that has been used for several years. In addition it is the active ingredient in Head and Shoulders Shampoo. I am not sure what the formulation weight of Omindine is in Head and Shoulders but I am not so sure that 0.2% is much higher. Having had P for over 30 years and having used products before that were experimental Zinc Omindine formulations I am not so sure that this is such a miracle. Especially at $30.00 per can, you can buy kilos of the raw material for that. Also the MSD for Zinc Omindine does warn of prolonged skin contact etc...... The only thing that I could imagine is that they have come up with an ajuvant that aids in the trans dermal diffusion of the zinc compound.

I have begun using Sin Cap and had relief after 25 years of symptoms. Was gone in one week. Have tried many, many, many treatments. Questions, Why zinc? What are the hazards, if any? C. Johnson

Well, I've had some mixed results. Tried it on one hand and wrist and it took over a week before there was even a sign of improvement. And even after that it didn't clear it all, and after I stopped it came back. Then I tried a patch on my arm, which cleared slightly faster and after 2 or 3 weeks is still clear of scales and lumpiness. The skin there is still faintly pink (which I think is just the extra capillaries prompted by P taking time to go away), but otherwise seems clear. All that took up one can, but I was spraying without the small pipe thingy and wasting a fair deal - the small pipe whatsit makes it much more efficient. With the next can I made a start on my face, and the scales from that cleared very fast - almost all scales gone in 3 days. That was *impressive*. I'd forgotten what it was like to have ears that didn't feel like they were made of sandpaper. Still, it doesn't work for everyone, but I'd guess 3 out of 4 people posting here have had good results (that may not be indicative of the real effectiveness, but it's the only measure we have so far).

I have been working on my first can of Skin Cap for over a week now...with little or no improvement...I sprayed a spot on my leg, and one on my torso...the spot on my torso seems to be reacting better...I would encourage others to try this, though, because not all treatments work for everyone...we have all read how this product has helped others...just not working for me...which may be a blessing, as it is $40 US, which translates into about $60 per can up here in the great white north...stay strong...

My hubby has psoriasis and is now on his third can of SK. It has worked great but is much too expensive. I'm trying to get him to use it only once a day to make it last longer. The trouble is, it seems to just come back when he stops the SK.

I have used it for about 3-4 days on lesions on my forehead, right under the hairline...it is clearing slowly...a lot of redness has disappeared, and is less scaly...one tip...definitely use some sort of moisturizer after the Skin Cap...

I too wondered what this Skin Cap was when I discovered this group a couple of months ago. I have followed the postings re: skin cap with much interset. Many people reported alleviation of symptoms. I decided to try it. I have been using Skin Cap for three weeks, only on my hands. The P. on my hands is most definitely improving. I use it three times a day. Is the improvement due to Skin Cap? Who knows. I am of the oipinion that it is worth a try. They do offer a money back guarentee.

Skin cap- Be VERY, VERY careful with this. I do not use this very often but I have had good results with this....skin cap or bluecap seems to work better with Sebbhorea then Psorasis. Just so you know, its been reported that Skin/Blue Cap has steroids in it that can cause serious side effects and this product has been banned from sale in the U.S. But, again in limited use...it has been effective for me.

For what its worth, I have had P. for over 10 years. Puva up till now has worked best for me. I just started Skin Cap last week (1 can)and the results have been astonishing. Curious if others have had similar results.

"An enterprising doctor imported a remarkable product-zinc pyrithione- from Spain and called it 'Skin Cap'. It caught on quickly by word of mouth for the treatment of psoriasis, because it really works. It was sold over the counter and was reasonably priced. Not surprisingly, it snowballed in popularity; so the FDA took the appropriate (for them) action: They declared Skin Cap a dangerous compound and took it off the market. A year later, a new psoriasis 'wonder drug' under the brand name Temovate was put on the market, and presto, it wasn't dangerous at all (so they say). But, it IS FDA-approved, patented by the phara giant GlaxoSmithKline, expensive, and available only by prescription (which raises the cost even further.) Get the picture?"

I have had P for 25 years and have tried everything with mixed results and it always returned. I started reading this newsgroup a few weeks ago and had never heard of skin cap. 3 Days ago I went to my local pharmacy and they had skin cap on the shelf. The pharmacist said he had several people report back to him that it really works. I bought a can of spray for $30.00 and have been using it for 3 days, twice a day. I must say I have never seen such rapid healing. Already the flaking skin is gone, patches of white are coming around the red. I'm not going to get to optimistic yet, I've been there before but the early results are pretty amazing.

I just wanted to drop in and let you all know that I am a veteran of about 15 years of Psoriasis and have been back and forth to the Derm many times over that period. I never really felt that I had it under control. My psoriasis is relatively light (scalp-----which I've been able to keep clear with "Tarsum" shampoo, elbows, knees, knuckles, shins). I am relatively light skinned, so the red lesions look awful. Someone who had P mentioned to my mother that they had been using Skin Cap for a number of years and they were able to keep theirs in check (i\I think they found out about it even before it was available in the US). SO........with my head to the computer, I did some searching, found this group and read about Skin Cap. I wasn't sure what I was getting into, but I ordered some cans of the spray about 2 months ago. I used the spray on my knees and elbows and noticed some very quick clearing(about 2 weeks). The surrounding skin took a beating(dried out) from the spray since it contains a propellant and alcohol?? I wasn't real happy with that part of it but I hung in and ordered some cream. Once I got the areas cleared with the spray, I have been applying a light layer of cream two times a day(morning and night) and not only has it kept my areas clear but the dry spots have healed up as well. I still have some reddened areas (thinning skin) but this is from long-term steroid use. I had used all kinds of steroid products (Diprolene, Westcort, etc). I am hoping that these red areas will fade some time in the future. I can't describe what this does for my daily state-of-mind!!! Even if this is a short term solution, I am very happy with the results right now. I approach this treatment as any other...Knowing that it will not cure my psoriasis, but help me manage to control it. I will continue to use the cream and I will keep you all posted with any effects (good or bad) and I will keep my ears open for any news re: the long-term effects of this treatment.

Thanks for sharing your personal experience with skincap. I also had very, very think skin from prolonged steroid use. The derm even said it would *always* be that way. After using skincap, however, I've cleared up the lesion, grown a new layer of epidermis and it's *not thin*! Look "normal" like the rest of my skin. So...hopefully your's will be too. Keep us posted. Thanks.

The opinions of this site are of a personal nature, and not to be understood as a medical advice. Consult a qualified doctor for diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis. http://www.skin-cap.ws
We don't have any affiliation with the manufacturers of Skin Cap, and we don't sell any products. If you are interested in Skin Cap, you can find a few Skin Cap distributors on the Internet.

Skin Cap user's opinions 7

From Tom Keller -- 9/13/97 3:10 AM:

Help me skin cap is the only product that has ever helped my acute psoriasis...I have been on every steroid creme known to man. Have tried methotrexate and tegison without much success and light treatment as well. I desperately need to find a pharmacy outside of the US that would ship a few cans for personal use. Any help you could give would be appreaciated.
From Peter M. Eckman -- 9/10/97 10:05 PM:

Upon browsing your web pages, I noted a section asking for comments from users of Skin-Cap. As a former user, I was eager to comment. I have had light (but relatively extensive) psoriasis for approximately 15 years. I have tried a number of different treatments including but not limited to: UV (and PUVA), tar, tape, Aclovate and Dovonex. Of these, I found Skin-Cap to be the most efficacious (by far) as well as the easist to use. I was delighted to have found a product that appeared to be a safe and effective treatment option and was pleased to take part in a clinical trial of Skin-Cap by Dr. Charles Crutchfield at the University of Minnesota. The results were striking. I did notice some dilation of small vessels near the treatment area, but wasn't concerned as I believed that the product was as safe as it was efficacious.

Upon being told by a dermatologist that Skin-Cap had been shown to contain a dangerous steroid, I reluctantly discontinued my usage of the product and returned my remaining supply to Cheminova for a refund. After an argument with the sales representative as to whether the product had been shown to contain the material in question (as a scientist myself, I'm inclined to trust places like Glaxo and tho Mayo Foundation), I was able to send my remaining cans back for a refund. I was very disappointed at this response as the person answering the phones was clearly answering my questions from some sort of script without regard to the dangerous nature of their product and the harm that it could cause their customers.

You mentioned on your web page that:

"Glaxo's study found undisclosed (and probably trace) amounts of clobetasol propionate in Skin-Cap. This is not necessarily cause for alarm. In fact, Temovate contains .05% clobetasol propionate."

Although Skin-Cap may indeed contain very small amounts of the compound in question, the amount alone is not a reliable indicator of side effects. Botulin toxin is deadly enough to kill in nanogram quantities. There are plently of other examples in the medical literature.

You also state:

"If you use Temovate for too long, it could eat a hole in your skin. I would know, because it happened to me. Using Temovate for too long means using it for more than two weeks. I, and many others, have been using Skin-Cap for over a year without ANY side effects."

That's why Temovate is a prescription drug. Use even WITH a doctor's supervision can be dangerous. The same is true of Skin-Cap. The product is obviously useful (I was part of a clinical trial of Skin-Cap) but that doesn't mean that it is safe to sell as an over the counter remedy for psoriasis.

"Has anybody thought it at all strange how well orchestrated this ban has been? How often do YOU see information about psoriasis treatments in the news? I wonder who paid for all those press releases and articles printed -- do you think it could be a drug company with alot of money? It's rather odd how much attention this has been getting, don't you think?"

Are you aware that the product was banned in other countries (Netherlands is one that I am aware of) first and reports from there were what prompted the FDA investigtion? I don't buy your conspiracy theory for a second.

"Cheminova says there are NO STEROIDS in Skin-Cap."

Do you think that it's in THEIR best interest to keep people using their product? Of course it is. Look how long it took to get tobacco manufacturers to admit cigarettes as a carcinogenic substance.

I firmly believe that Cheminova has acted in a blatantly unethical fashion and I am very upset by the fact that they continue to deny the presence of clobetasol propionate in their product. I have since experienced what I would consider a significant rebound in my psoriasis and am hopeful that the NPF and the FDA will be able to stop Cheminova from selling such a potentially harmful product.

You have my permission to print my comments, although I'd be pretty surprised to see an opposing viewpoint on your page. Please re-consider your advocacy of Skin-Cap as an OTC product. If your really want to use such a powerful drug, you should be able to find a dermatologist who can accept your willingness to risk the severe side effects that are associated with superpotent steroids.
From Judy King -- 9/9/97 11:42 AM:

I have written a letter to the NPF which I am attaching to this note to you. I have been so distraught at their approach to reporting on Skin-Cap, I feel I have to withdraw my support from the organization. I hope others will join me and that you can be a catalist for this. Please use my letter to promote the idea. Thanks, Judy King


From Jim Balutis -- 9/8/97 4:23 PM:

Skin Cap has made my life liveable... I'm a publicist at a major record label and have some pretty heavy media contacts...let me know if I can help! I'd like to pitch a story on psoriatics and Skip Cap to Prime Time Live...
From Fred Kofler -- 9/8/97 3:53 PM:

Great Idea, we got to get together and save skincap. The shit works like a miracle and I'm mad as hell it was taken away.
From Jody D. in Central MA -- 9/7/97 1:58 PM:

Cant' tell you what the miracle of Skin Cap did for my 11 year old daughter who was diagnosed with one of the worst cases of scalp P any Dr. had seen.. We went through & ders, in four year and every steroid on the market, even met with one of the found ing Drs. of EXOREX at Boston Universsity.. and the ONLY thing that has worked is Skin CAO.. Thank God for Great Lakes Pharmacuetcai, my daughters order just arrived in time..It's the pharmacuetical companies in this country that DON'T want an over the counter cure.. it's been a true miracle here..
From Rita Hugelmann -- 9/6/97 11:13 PM:

We can all bet that if some of the people who are trying to deprive us of skin-cap had psoriasis or anything similar and suffered the way we had and then came across this miracle we've found they'd be doing anything in their power to keep it around for all who choose to have a normal life
From Howard Fields:

I have suffered with psorasis for 20 years. I tried virtually every topical ointment I could find both over the counter and by prescription. After 12 years of little success, I began UVB treatments three times a week for the next three years. For two years, the UVB treatment worked taking 6 months to substntially (not completely) clear my skin. Then after two years, my lesions returned. My dermatologist then went on to steroid injections. Approximately 75 injections monthly. These proved to be almost useless.

Then a friend told me about skincap. In two weeks, my psoriasis was GONE. Not better, GONE. The only lesion I had left was on my butt, which I could not reach to spray. My wife sprayed it for 1 week and it is now gone. I cut down application from twice daily to once daily and now only when a legion reappears, which does not happen often.

I have been virtually psoriasis clear for a full year. I have had no side effects. No flare ups. No headaches.

The only semi side effect I had was that my knees and elbows (where my legions were at their worst) could sunburn quickly when I was a regular skincap user, but sunscreen handled that problem. Now that I am using the spray only very rarely, I have not problem.

I have never wanted to write a testamonial before, but this product deserves it.
From Paul Venezia:

I've had psoriasis for the past 7 years. In that time, I've been hospitalized for treatment 4 times, each time lasting 3-5 weeks, costing over $1,000 a day. I left those treatments usually 80-95% cleared, but the condition always returned within a few months. I had given up, and decided that it was my fate to live with psoriasis.

Then I was given a number to call, to get Skin-Cap.

I got 2 spray cans, which lasted my less than a week, since I had a lot of area to treat. Even though I only had a weeks' exposure to the product, I've cleared 100% in some places, and not less than 50% in others, and I haven't treated any areas in 4 days. I've never seen nything work this well. Not triamcinolone, hydrocortizone, PUVA, or even anthralin. All three have made my condition worse in some cases.

I'm reminded of the story 'Flowers for Algernon'. I know that there are new-found risks about Skin-Cap, and to tell the truth, I could care less right now. I can now see clear, new skin in places where there have been plaques for over 4 years.
From Brigitte Ball:

I'm in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, and we have only had Skin-Cap available to us for the past 4 months. I have heard that it is supposed to contain the highest level (7) of steroids in it, but the manufacturer in Spain denies that there is anything other than Zinc in the product. The lastest rumour around our city is that it's the Dermatologists that are beind the removal/recall of the product. Supposidly, the skin doctors in Canada got together (and perhaps that includes the U.S. doctors) and formed a large & powerful lobby group that convenced Health Canada (and the FDA) to pull the product (which was recalled 2 days after the U.S. recall). In any case, this conglomeration of dermatologists apparently see Skin-Cap as a threat to both THEIR income and the income of the pharmiceutical companies, and proceeded to approach the Spanish manufacturer and tryed to buy it out. When that failed, they are said to have offered the maker a blank cheque. In other words, name your price - we'll give you as much money as you want. The update to this story is that the Canadian Distributor (who now has approx. 60,000 cans in his warehouse) has contacted the manufacturer in Madrid, and the the Madrid owners will be coming to Canada within a few weeks from now to join with our Distributor and hiring some first rate lawyers to fight the Case against the Health Canada recall in a court of law. Now...I would imagine that if Madrid comes to the Great White North to fight a legal battle, it would stand to reason that they'd also be doing the same with lawyers and the FDA. Hopefully we'll find out fairly soon what the outcome will be. As for the Mexican theory, no that won't happen, because the product is an aerisol can, and items such as these cannot be brought into a country via air or through the mails. If border purchase was possible, it would have to be via road traffic. I have just started a local Windsor Chapter of the "Psoriasis Society of Canada" which has it's head office in Halifax, Nova Scotia. So far I've received a pile of literature and am organizing a "Walk for Psoriasis" which is to take place on Sunday, October 5th, in order to raise research monies for our ailment. I've been told the the U.S. also has a Psoriasis Society, with chapters all over the states. If anyone knows the address (E-mail or snail mail) please pass it on, cause I'd like to join their group. Haven't done it yet, but I intend to do up a WEB PAGE that will cover the psoriasis subject.
From anonymous:

At one time P covered 70% of my body. Torso, legs, and arms. PUVA was effective but treatments were expensive and inconvenient. Skin Cap has allowed my P to clear almost 100%. Distubing to think that "Big Brother" will remove the one treatment of psoriasis in my lifetime that has a dramatic effect on a malady that is akin to leprecy.

I have just e-mailed National Psoriasis Foundation, to withdraw my financial support (albeit meager) because they've sided with Glaxo. If they had our well-being in mind they would have encouraged Glaxo to come up with the same formula as Cheminova. Bottom line -- Skin Cap works for me like nothing else ever has, but NPF is fighting it. Whose bed are they in?
From LRud@aol.com:

I have been using SC for 6 months with no side effects. I have used Dovonex, Temovate, Kenalog, and probably everything available OTC. Nothing, Nothing has ever completely cleared me like SC. I only need to use it sparingly now whenever I see a small, small spot appearing. Otherwise I stay clear and happy.
From anonymous:

I'm a health professional with a DEA liscense to prescribe drugs. I've monitored my blood levels and they're absoutely normal! I've had P for over twenty years and tried just about EVERYTHING. None of it worked for any length of time. Finally, Skin Cap came along and I've been completely free and clear for over a year. I've got a social life again and my practice is booming. If I don't keep this P under control my practice will probably DIE and I'll go Bankrupt! So you can see, this is no light matter.

How can I get the stuff? Can I go to Mexico and just drive back across the border with the stuff? Where does one go in Mexico and how does one go about it? How much does it cost there?

BTW has anyone used HydraSkin with good results?

I'm calling the FDA in the morning to see what I can find out.
From Bob L.:

I had a minor case of psoriasis (elbow, small spots on legs) and I had been going forPUVA for 5 years. We stopped the PUVA because of the cancer risks and also because I was developing some psoriasis on my elbow and small spots on the legs despite the PUVA. PUVA was also a major hassle because of the nauseating PUVA drugs I had to ingest and also because you must shield your eyes from sunlight for 18 hours after you take those drugs.

I have been using Skin-cap for the past year. It cures it all. When it is not used, the P comes back over time. So I have been using it sparingly, about 3 weeks per can.

I'm glad I have about 6 cans left and will use them very sparingly.

I'm thinking this whole FDA mess may have good consequence - eventually: I'm expecting Skin-Cap or the exact equivalent of skin-cap to become available via prescription. That way the derms can get a piece of the action. Then a pretty effective solution to P will be available to us all. And then those of us with prescription plans will be able to save lots of money as well. All parties can win!
From Roger:

Thank you very much for staying on top of things for the rest of us suffurers, after having used this miracle cure and having it taken off the market, even here in Canada. I would appreciate you keeping me posted on future development as they happen. If you need any help, pleased advise and I will do what I can. Thanks again.
From Robert Boulden:

I have used Skin Cap for 1 year and had my P clear up in 2 weeks. I was under the care of a physician who was giving me the Goeckerman Regimen. I started using the S.C. during the last 2 weeks of my treatment on my legs only. The nurse told me that my legs cleared up remarkably fast. I did not tell them about the S.C. I have used it since then as a maintenance medication with good success along with MG 217. I was not happy with the price and small portion. I hope that this medication returns to the market as it did help me. Robert
From Don Gould:

Hey, sign me up as a beleiver. Skin-CAP is almost like a miracle, I have wrestled with psoriasis for 20 plus years and this is the first product to actually WORK. I don't need FDA and greedy drug companies to save me from myself.. I need SKIN-CAP to save me from Drs. who have over the years injected 117 doses of corticosteroids up my posterior and prescribed a small fortune worth of useless, frustrating skin scarring topical junk. Donations to the wealthy "pharmicuetals" I for one do not beleive they or the NPF give a fat damn about " until a cure is found" effective treatment for us poor slobs if it means lost dollars or elimination of thier positions. To endorse an OTC effective in-expensive product COULD MEAN SELF-DESTRUCTION for a few fat cats if you get my message. I have 17 tubes (I like the cream) and 10 on the way. I have but one request,,, What is the shelf life of my favorite (topical) OTC product??????????? I beleive it to be a pertinent question as I read the net about others stocking up as I have done. SC is still available it would seem as I bought ten tubes of cream this morning. If you are unable to secure the answer to my question perhaps you could pass it on along on your response memo. SC is so effective and requires such a small application quantity that one may be unwise to overstock?????
From anonymous:

I'm a Nashville resident and have been using Skin Cap for about 3 months. Like the rest of your supporters, it is the first medical application I've discovered that truly works, fast and without any apparent side effects. Of course, like the rest, I was over-joyed at the discovery of this miracle cure. Finally, something that works, and from what I knew, no harmful side efffects! I, too, once used Temovate for two weeks years ago and, although I enjoyed better results than with other creams (but not as good as with Skin-Cap), the damaging aspects were quickly apparent, especially the thinning of skin where it was applied. I haven't noticed a comparable effect from Skin-Cap at this point.
From Wendy R.:

I totally share your enthusiasm and concern about Skin Cap. I got psoriasis at age 9, and the dermatologist had to look up the name, which he could not pronounce, in a journal. I spent my tender teen years feeling and looking like a leper, since no medicine worked. I used to sit indoors with a hat on because my scalp itched so badly that somehow the pressure of the hat seemed to help. I spent my early marriage years using horrible treatments, including sleeping with arms and legs wrapped in SARAN WRAP to concentrate the awful greasy smelly tar junk. (My husband really loves me.) Nothing worked. When I was 30 I got fed up and spent 3 weeks in the hospital with tar baths, greasing up and taking light treatments. That worked!! I was clear for the first time in so many years. But, I became a slave to the light box, which at that time was an hour away from home. So 2 to 3 times a week for years, I dragged my little boy to the hospital so I could get undressed and sweat. But the psoriasis came back, and I had 2 basal cell SKIN CANCERS removed this summer!!!! Now, at age 50, I have been using Skin Cap for a year; my skin is CLEAR and I have had no side effects AT ALL. My 26 year old daughter, who inherited this joy from me, also has used everything under the sun (no pun intended), and the only thing that worked for her was light treatments, which she became a slave to and finally gave up on. She has been using Skin Cap for a year with FABULOUS RESULTS....clear skin, no side effects!!!!!! I HOPE THE FDA READS THESE TESTIMONIALS. LET US HAVE OUR SKIN CAP.
From Janine Belli:

I'm a long-time sufferer of P. and SC is the ONLY thing I have ever used with such great results! We have to have it back! ... I want to thank you again. Because of your web page, I was able to order a dozen more cans of SC. It was like a ton being lifted off my shoulders, knowing that I have SC for a while longer, hopefully long enough for them to get this mess straightened out. I will be getting a letter off, so that hopefully we will not have to go back living without SC. BTW, I forgot to mention that I have had NO side effects from my use of SC. I have been using it for about 1 1/2 yrs. and have not suffered even skin thinning much less psychosis. (although my husband may debate that, :-). ) Thanks again for your efforts. I'm not really a take charge person, so thank heavens some of you are!
From WLP:

I admire your stance against the recent upheaval over the FDA's action against Skin Cap. I truly hope SC is everything it has been to millions who suffer from psoriasis.

It is beyond disbelief that such actions could be taken against a product, which is the first in 100 years that has provided any hope to sufferers of psoriasis world wide.

The FDA and any other governing body that holds the cell block keys to this product must be made aware of the devastating impact they are creating for millions who have, for the first time perhaps, in their lives, found away out of their leper style confounds.

I've been subjected to medications that threatens my liver (MTX), thins my skin (Psorcon) and literally burns holes (Glaxo Wellcome Inc's prescription psoriasis treatment called Temovate) in it. I've had year round suntans (PUVA) that dries my skin even after applying absurd amounts of moisturizers. But the most difficult to combat is the social embarrassment one must face daily. I'd rather have cancer.

Skin Cap is the first and only product that clears psoriasis (period). For me, I've enjoyed nearly 100% remission for 6 months. More importantly, I haven't suffered, not one, side effect the FDA claims could exist or that Glaxo might be counting on to exist. The only effect I've experienced is the return of my social life, my self esteem and my near death dignity.

If Skin Cap is withdrawn from the market perpetuated by the greed of Glaxo or any other company which deems Skin Cap threatening to their bottom line. I hope the soulless and heartless individuals who knowingly sentenced millions to a life of pain and heartache one day find themselves rotting in hell and accept that as our receipt to them for what they've done. FYI: I'm going to write to the FDA , NPF and Glaxo. Also it might interest you to know with regards to Dermatologist endorsement's of Skin Cap, my Dr. is an Associate with (New Haven, CT) Yale's School of medicine; Dermatological dept. and was the one who recommended SC.

My sister's head of a Trauma Center in Washington and her Husband is a Cardiovascular and Thoracic surgeon, both of whom are very well aware of Skin Cap and have, even this early in the controversy, expressed that much of the to-do over SC is a farce.
From John Gorman :

"I had ugly psoriasis on my shins for 20 years. Hydrocortizone cream could keep it from scaling and itching, but not from being ugly.

"I have just started using Skin-Cap two weeks ago, and my skin is rapidly clearing. A friend of mine had the same results, which is how I heard about it."
From anonymous:

"Just one month ago I started using skin-cap. And within 2 weeks - my spots were gone! Now I am nearing the end of my bottle and the stress this 'ban' is giving me is going to cause a major flare up!! Over 5 years and none other did what skin cap did. Where can I find some more??!! Your efforts are GREATLY appreciated by sufferers like myself. Let me know what else I can do!!"
From Rob Dirne:

"It was interesting reading your piece on Skin Cap. I have just used Skin Cap for five days and for the second time in my life, my psoriasis is gone ! The first time was after the PUVA light treatment."
From anonymous:

"I have been using skincap for the past three weeks and my lesions are almost gone.I am devastated at the thought of going back to products that won't work and will make me flake like crazy.... So I said:SAVE skincap!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
From anonymous:

"I have used many different medicines for my psoriasis. I have had psoriasis for 20 years.I started using skin cap on my scalp with great results. I've never seen such a fast inprovement in my psoriasis in about 3 days the psoriasis were gone.I still use skin cap about once a week.GREAT STUFF. I hope they bring it back on the market soon."
From Scott M. Gray :

Date: Saturday, August 23, 1997 1:54 AM

I have had P. for over 23 years. I have used just about every drug that Military Dermatologists and outside doctors have recommended. I have read the internet for over three years for all the latest on this subject. I have been 80% cleared once from a months stay in the Hospital at Fort Gordon GA when I was put through UVA and Tar with Tridesilon *Ointment* (Desonide) on at all other hours. It did 80% and was back within a month, even worse.

I purchased a product (new at the time in the united states) about 18 months ago named EXOREX (OTC), very expensive, and it also did well for me. I put it on 2 to 3 times a day, ruined a lot of clothes with stains in the process and it cleared me in about 7 weeks to a point of shorts wearing for 2 1/2 weeks and boom, it all came back (worse than ever)

I have been using Skin-Cap for only a month. Within three days I saw more improvement than I have ever had, and I have used Temovate, Diprolene, All Tar based products, Westcort, Lydex, and just about every other drug that was the "Time of Choice" in its hay-day. Skin cap by far has cleared me faster and more effectively than any other treatment I have ever encountered. One of the great side effects I have had is more time in my life. It takes me less than two minutes to apply it in spray form and I am about 80% covered (or was) in my mind and the Docs call it a 50+ % coverage from the waist down and about 20% coverage from the waist up. Well, since I have only been using it a month, I would say I am about NOTHING covered and just am awaiting the rest of the red spots to disapper.

This treatment has changed my life. I am now 38 years old and for the first time I can go in public and wear shorts, not get stared at, not be asked if I have AIDS or did I get burned when I was little. I am FINALLY looked at like a normal human being and I will do WHATEVER it takes to continue to get skin-cap, if that meant flying to Spain to purchase it and fill up my suitcase, mail it to myself or smuggle it in. I am not a criminal, do not have a criminal mind even; however this MUST be approved by someone. It is apparent to me that this is more of a pissing contest with Drug Companies being pissed and embarrassed that they are losing a great deal of money and did not find it first. Even if it has CP in it, it is nothing that is not being prescribed to us all ready ..... SO MAKE A COPY of the damn thing!

I will continue to use SC no matter what happens. as of August 22, 1997, I have and accumulated over 20 Beautiful Blue Cans and will continue to aquire as much as I can until our Infamous FDA quits kissing the drup companies ass'.

DO NOT TAKE MY LIFE AWAY FROM ME AGAIN... I JUST GOT IT BACK FROM WHEN I WAS 14!"
From bla4@hotmail.com:

"I am writing in regards to your site on skin cap spray. I, like yourself, have had psoriasis since I was 14 years old. I too have used the topical creams and ointments, used uvb lights and suffered burns repeatedly. I started using skin cap spray about 3 months ago and I have been absolutely amazed at the results that I have had from it. I noticed results after the first use. I find myself very angry that a big time company would once again like to steal away from us the little people just to make a fast buck. Skin Cap has allowed me to regain my self-confidence back, to be able to look at myself in the mirror, and smile again. I had the gasps and looks of disgust, some even afraid to sit next to you in fear that what you have is contagious. I'm sure there are millions of us out there all with the same kinds of horror stories but with the Skin Cap we should be allowed to have a happy ending. When i think of that 14 year old teenager walking down the hallway of school being looked at as a walking disease, well it cuts to the heart because I've been there. I am also sending a letter to the NPF and GLAXO and FDA giving my support to Skin Cap, because I have had no side effects using the spray only relief."
From AromaBliss@aol.com:

"I want to congratulate you on your efforts to save Skin Cap. I too use it and have had NO side affects. I have a cousin that uses it and has had NO side affects. We both have been using Skin Cap for about 6 months. The fact is, we use very little Skin Cap in comparison to the 10's of years of steroid injections and creams ..with...100% satisfaction from Skin Cap."
From anonymous:

"I have had this disease since I was 21 years old ( more than 45 years ) and I have tried many medications of all types, including tars and steroids. I have also tried UV treatments, at great expense.

"The first time steroids were perscribed ( about 35 years ago ), I experienced complete clearing for about 2 weeks, after which it returned - but with increased intensit. Since then, with a variety of medications - most recently, Dovonex - the best I have been able to achieve has been to reduce the intensity and keep it stable with continuous topical treatment.

"Three months ago, my dermatologist gave me Skin-Cap. After 4 days, the patches were drasically reduced in size and color. After 2 weeks, my skin was clear.

"However, I was concerned about the continuous use of Skin-Cap because it had such a powerful effect. I decided to minimize its use, and used Dovonex to treat the new patches when they appeared, until the disease again became of such a level that the patches were becoming unsightly again. Then, I again used Skin-Cap for a few days ( 3 to 7 ) until the disease was under control again. The cycle seems to be about 4 days of Skin-Cap, about 2 weeks of Dovonex, to maintain cosmetically acceptable results. This routine has been used for only a short time ( 3 months ), but I have experienced no apparent side-effects.

"For the first time in these past 45 years, I can wear short sleeves and short pants, and go swimming without emarassment and comment. It is wonderful to have this freedom again, and I hope that we can find a way to maintain it."
From lisatcc@polarnet.com:

"As a 30 year veteran of psoriasis I've tried every possible approach to controlling this disease. Anyone with this experience knows how it goes. Starving yourself works...but it also kills you in the long run. Intense light therapy helps, but you end up with prematurely aged skin like mine, or cancer which I've managed to escape so far. Then there are the endless, expensive tubes of steroids that take hours and hours of your life to pay for and apply, with less than exciting results. And don't forget the coal tar...now there's an ideal treatment for ya. Skin Cap works quickly, wonderfully, and requires a minimum of effort. I for one, have stocked up big time on this product since it seems that the big boys will be taking it away soon. Would love to help in any efforts to keep this available."
From pigman@primenet.com:

"I tried using vitamins and minerals for about three months and found they had little effect. There was another pump spray that came to me via Scarborough, but it was not effective. SKIN CAP, however decreased the scaling, lightened the color and took away that horrible itch. There was a time when the psoriasis would burst into full-life after a hot bath... Now I can luxuriate without worry. I'm sorry to hear that something as good as this product is being considered a danger to the public :("

(Submit your own feedback or view newer responses)

Copyright © 1997 by Save Skin-Cap. All rights reserved.
Revised: 23 Jun 1998 16:26:34 -0700."Cheminova says there are NO STEROIDS in Skin-Cap."

Do you think that it's in THEIR best interest to keep people using their product? Of course it is. Look how long it took to get tobacco manufacturers to admit cigarettes as a carcinogenic substance.

I firmly believe that Cheminova has acted in a blatantly unethical fashion and I am very upset by the fact that they continue to deny the presence of clobetasol propionate in their product. I have since experienced what I would consider a significant rebound in my psoriasis and am hopeful that the NPF and the FDA will be able to stop Cheminova from selling such a potentially harmful product.

You have my permission to print my comments, although I'd be pretty surprised to see an opposing viewpoint on your page. Please re-consider your advocacy of Skin-Cap as an OTC product. If your really want to use such a powerful drug, you should be able to find a dermatologist who can accept your willingness to risk the severe side effects that are associated with superpotent steroids.
From Judy King -- 9/9/97 11:42 AM:

I have written a letter to the NPF which I am attaching to this note to you. I have been so distraught at their approach to reporting on Skin-Cap, I feel I have to withdraw my support from the organization. I hope others will join me and that you can be a catalist for this. Please use my letter to promote the idea. Thanks, Judy King


From Jim Balutis -- 9/8/97 4:23 PM:

Skin Cap has made my life liveable... I'm a publicist at a major record label and have some pretty heavy media contacts...let me know if I can help! I'd like to pitch a story on psoriatics and Skip Cap to Prime Time Live...
From Fred Kofler -- 9/8/97 3:53 PM:

Great Idea, we got to get together and save skincap. The shit works like a miracle and I'm mad as hell it was taken away.
From Jody D. in Central MA -- 9/7/97 1:58 PM:

Cant' tell you what the miracle of Skin Cap did for my 11 year old daughter who was diagnosed with one of the worst cases of scalp P any Dr. had seen.. We went through & ders, in four year and every steroid on the market, even met with one of the found ing Drs. of EXOREX at Boston Universsity.. and the ONLY thing that has worked is Skin CAO.. Thank God for Great Lakes Pharmacuetcai, my daughters order just arrived in time..It's the pharmacuetical companies in this country that DON'T want an over the counter cure.. it's been a true miracle here..
From Rita Hugelmann -- 9/6/97 11:13 PM:

We can all bet that if some of the people who are trying to deprive us of skin-cap had psoriasis or anything similar and suffered the way we had and then came across this miracle we've found they'd be doing anything in their power to keep it around for all who choose to have a normal life
From Howard Fields:

I have suffered with psorasis for 20 years. I tried virtually every topical ointment I could find both over the counter and by prescription. After 12 years of little success, I began UVB treatments three times a week for the next three years. For two years, the UVB treatment worked taking 6 months to substntially (not completely) clear my skin. Then after two years, my lesions returned. My dermatologist then went on to steroid injections. Approximately 75 injections monthly. These proved to be almost useless.

Then a friend told me about skincap. In two weeks, my psoriasis was GONE. Not better, GONE. The only lesion I had left was on my butt, which I could not reach to spray. My wife sprayed it for 1 week and it is now gone. I cut down application from twice daily to once daily and now only when a legion reappears, which does not happen often.

I have been virtually psoriasis clear for a full year. I have had no side effects. No flare ups. No headaches.

The only semi side effect I had was that my knees and elbows (where my legions were at their worst) could sunburn quickly when I was a regular skincap user, but sunscreen handled that problem. Now that I am using the spray only very rarely, I have not problem.

I have never wanted to write a testamonial before, but this product deserves it.
From Paul Venezia:

I've had psoriasis for the past 7 years. In that time, I've been hospitalized for treatment 4 times, each time lasting 3-5 weeks, costing over $1,000 a day. I left those treatments usually 80-95% cleared, but the condition always returned within a few months. I had given up, and decided that it was my fate to live with psoriasis.

Then I was given a number to call, to get Skin-Cap.

I got 2 spray cans, which lasted my less than a week, since I had a lot of area to treat. Even though I only had a weeks' exposure to the product, I've cleared 100% in some places, and not less than 50% in others, and I haven't treated any areas in 4 days. I've never seen nything work this well. Not triamcinolone, hydrocortizone, PUVA, or even anthralin. All three have made my condition worse in some cases.

I'm reminded of the story 'Flowers for Algernon'. I know that there are new-found risks about Skin-Cap, and to tell the truth, I could care less right now. I can now see clear, new skin in places where there have been plaques for over 4 years.

The opinions of this site are of a personal nature, and not to be understood as a medical advice. Consult a qualified doctor for diagnosis and treatment of psoriasis.
We don't have any affiliation with the manufacturers of Skin Cap, and we don't sell any products. If you are interested in Skin Cap, you can find a few Skin Cap distributors on the Internet.