Lichen Simplex Chronicus (Vidal) Treated Successfully With Podophyllin

THE PURPOSE of this paper is to report the results of treatment with podophyllin (resin of podophyllum N. F.) in seven cases of circumscribed neurodermatitis. The patients had been treated previously with little or no response to orthodox measures, including roentgen therapy. Although the series of cases is small, the response was sufficiently impressive to recommend the use of podophyllin as a treatment worthy of further trial. However, the impression should not be gained that the seven cases were consecutive. The patients were selected from a larger group treated since March 20, 1947 because they were observed for a sufficiently long period for careful evaluation of the results. A uniformly good result should not be expected. The history, pharmacology and mode of action of podophyllin have already been thoroughly discussed by Sullivan1and Sullivan and King,2who need not be repeated here. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forms of Podophyllin.