Capsaicin in the treatment of dermatologic disease.

Capsaicin cream is the first of a class of neuropeptide active agents to be introduced into dermatologic therapy. Capsaicin's effects appear primarily related to its ability to deplete the neuropeptide substance P from local sensory terminals in the skin. The use of capsaicin cream in the treatment of postherpetic neuralgia and psoriasis is discussed. I believe that capsaicin and other neuropeptide active agents may become important therapeutic modalities for the dermatologist in the near future.