Remission of Psoriasis Vulgaris From the Use of Nerve-Blocking Agents

Abstract

<h3>To the Editor.—</h3> This protocol is a reply to Dr. Dewing's letter in theArchives(<b>104</b>:220-221, 1971) entitled "Remission of Psoriasis Associated With Cutaneous Nerve Section." Dr. Dewing concludes with the query "Could nerve blocks be helpful?" Apropos of this question, I should like to present my own interest in it. <h3>Report of Cases</h3><h3>Case 1.—</h3> A 43-year-old man came to me (Sept 5, 1968) with classical lesions of generalized psoriasis which he had had since 1936. On the third visit, the patient reported his only relief had occurred after a spinal injection for a foot operation, following which he had enjoyed complete remission for about a month. The surgeon's reply to my subsequent inquiry named the anesthesia as novocain crystals dissolved in spinal fluid. Accordingly, with considerable trepidation, I administered lidocaine (Xylocaine) hydrochloride, in a dose of 0.3 ml of 1% solution intralesionally into a good-sized psoriatic plaque