Treatment of psoriasis with 6-aminonicotinamide.

Topical applications of a 1.5 percent aqueous solution of 6-aminonicotinamide for four weeks resulted in substantial improvement or complete clearing of plaques of psoriasis in 27 of 34 patients. These results were clearly superior to those that were obtained with the solvent alone. Dermatitis or marked itching occurred in five of 34 patients. Topically applied thionicotinamide also produced improvement or clearing of some psoriatic lesions in an initial screening trial. The toxic hazards of 6-aminonicotinamide to the central nervous system are discussed.