Dermatologist Discovers 'Oral Nickel' Cures Most Common Jewelry Allergies

Main Category: Dermatology
Also Included In: Allergy;  Public Health
Article Date: 23 Jan 2007 - 0:00 PDT

email to a friend   printer friendly   view / write opinions

Plymouth Pharmaceuticals(R), Inc. announced today that it has introduced Psorizide(R) Forte, prescription tablets for the treatment of contact dermatitis due to nickel (costume jewelry allergy).

Nickel jewelry allergy, commonly known in the medical community as Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD), affects 15-20 percent of women. Nickel exposure is the most common cause of ACD. Its primary onset is during adolescent years and is marked by itchy red patches where costume jewelry touches the skin. Most people who have ACD are forced to discontinue wearing any jewelry that is not 18 Karat gold, silver, or surgical stainless steel. Other than avoidance of costume jewelry, the common treatment for nickel jewelry allergy is corticosteroids, which have side effects and only treat the symptoms.

Dermatologist, Dr. Steven A. Smith, MD, FACP, was searching for a better way to treat patients with nickel jewelry allergy and thus formulated Psorizide(R) Forte. "Psorizide(R) Forte is a prescription, biochemical homeopathic tablet that is safe and completely steroid free," Dr. Smith said, a fellow of the American College of Physicians. "Most cases of common jewelry allergy can now be cured by a novel pill containing the actual offending agent -- Nickel. A unique program of oral nickel desensitization (Psorizide(R) Forte) prevents this angry, itchy, red skin reaction that affects 15-20% of women."

Smith, a board certified dermatologist, has successfully cured many of his patients with so-called jewelry dermatitis. "From ancient times women have sought a cure for this frustrating skin beautification problem," Smith said. "Previously women had to abstain from using costume jewelry altogether or use a corticosteroid, which only treats the symptoms, not the underlying problem. This is good news for millions of women. Psorizide(R) Forte can be prescribed by any licensed practitioner but is currently understood best by dermatologists and allergists. It works through a well-known process called desensitization. This process of desensitization is very similar to hay fever desensitizing shots given by allergy doctors; however, Psorizide(R) Forte is given orally. The idea is to initially administer very small doses of the allergic substance (nickel), then gradually increase the dose until the body begins to accept nickel instead of causing an allergic skin reaction."

Miles Smith, the company's Vice President, said, "Psorizide(R) Forte tablets can be swallowed, chewed, or dissolved by mouth for easy use. Side effects are few and price is very competitive with other prescription treatments. Our goal is to assist Dermatologists and Allergists in the fight against nickel jewelry allergy. McKesson, Cardinal Health and Amerisource Bergen, the three largest US drug wholesale distributors, currently stock Psorizide(R) Forte; pharmacies routinely use one of these distributors to fill a prescription."

A clinical case study treating nickel allergic patients with oral nickel (Psorizide(R) Forte) has been completed with positive results. 81 percent (48 out of 59) successfully completed a 6 week course of nickel desensitization. All patients available for post-study analysis, 11 out of 11 (100 percent), stated that their nickel jewelry reaction had improved markedly. All patients were able to wear costume jewelry without any allergic reaction (data on file). "Psorizide(R) Forte is an effective, inexpensive, safe, and easy to use, unique prescription treatment. It is the first alternative treatment developed in decades for this problem and the only one that reverses the root cause," Dr. Smith said.

Dr. Smith will be available for physician to physician consultations and media interviews at the annual AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) meeting in Washington, DC during the week of Feb. 2-6, 2007 by advance appointment only. The company's tradeshow booth is #4125, right beside Neutrogena. Please call the number above if you desire a consultation or interview. For more information about Plymouth Pharmaceuticals'(R) products, visit http://www.PsorizideForte.com.

Plymouth Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
http://www.plymouthpharmaceuticals.com