Nitric oxide is thought to play a major role in a number of inflammatory diseases.
Psoriasis is a common inflammatory disease of the skin.
Nine individuals with chronic plaque-type psoriasis were treated with nitroglycerin ointment for 6 weeks. The plaque of one individual improved with the application of nitroglycerin. By contrast, one individual's nitroglycerin-treated plaque improved dramatically about 6 weeks after cessation of treatment. On the other hand, the plaques of five individuals worsened with nitroglycerin treatment. Nitroglycerin ointment and, by extension, nitric oxide, may affect both the initiation and resolution of psoriasis.