DEAR DR. GOTT: I have three new uses for vinegar that I am sure you have not heard of before. I enjoy your common-sense approach to medicine and thought that you would enjoy these.

First, for years, I suffered from the itching and pain of psoriasis. I used every over-the-counter cream and lotion I could find, but nothing helped. On a whim, I started rubbing the affected areas (my arms, legs and hands) with distilled white vinegar. It hurts like the dickens for a few seconds, but it clears up the scaly patches. I now use it regularly to clear up spots as they appear.

Second, I had warts under my eyes that I couldn't get rid of. I carefully applied it with a cotton swab. In a few days, the warts came off.

Finally, my daughter had a rash on her abdomen so bad that she could barely function at her job. She rubbed vinegar on it, and, for the first time since she developed the rash, she slept through the night. After two or three more applications, it disappeared completely.

I don't know why vinegar works when everything else fails, but it does.

DEAR READER: Vinegar is quickly becoming a useful medicine-cabinet product and quickly approaching mentholated-chest-rub status. Vinegar also has the distinction of being able to create tasty vinaigrettes for healthful salads.

Readers, let me know of your success or failure in treating a malady with vinegar. I will print a follow-up column when I have received a number of replies.

DEAR DR. GOTT: I enjoy your column and was excited to read about the National Eczema Association. All three of my children suffer with this condition as well as with food allergies and asthma. Often, their attacks coincide.

My five-year-old daughter suffers the worst and is often treated cruelly because of it by other children. I was so happy to find a website to keep current on new treatments and possibly a support group to help all of us with the emotional effects this malady causes.

Eczema may not be fatal, but it is real and bothersome. Thank you for sharing the information.

DEAR READER: Thank you for the compliment. I am glad to have helped in some way. It is the reason I first began writing a medical column and continue to do so.

Eczema (the itch that rashes) is a relatively common skin condition that, by itself, is not harmful. It can, however, be annoying and cosmetically unpleasant. Persistent scratching can lead to a rash, which may result in bleeding, cracked skin that is wide open to infection. It is important that skin be kept clean, dry and well moisturized, especially in children who often cannot help but scratch the itchy areas.

Common home remedies include taking lukewarm or cool baths or showers, using oatmeal soap or bath additives and applying moisturizing lotion while skin is still damp as often as needed throughout the day. Avoiding scratching is the best way to prevent the rash but is often difficult to accomplish. Furthermore, keeping nails trimmed may reduce skin damage. Topical prescription medication is a final option for those who cannot find relief by using self-care techniques.