To the Editor.—
Naproxen (d-2-[6′-methoxy-2′-naphthyl]propionic acid) is a nonsteroidal, anti-inflammatory drug currently undergoing clinical evaluation in the United States. The compound has demonstrable efficacy in the management of arthritis.1,2 In the course of these investigations, we received a number of isolated reports of improvement in the skin of psoriatic patients who were being treated with naproxen for their arthritis. Further, in the active "underground" of psoriatic patients, reports of the favorable effect of this drug have been circulated, and a number of patients are purchasing this drug in Mexico and Canada, where it has been marketed for some time. In view of this situation, it seemed advisable to conduct a carefully controlled double blind study to test the efficacy of this drug in the treatment of psoriasis.
Materials and Methods.—
Adult patients with stable, chronic psoriasis volunteered to participate in the study after being informed as to the nature