SKIN-DISEASE experts have given a cautious welcome to a new soap which, its inventors claim, offers the first "cure" for psoriasis.

More than 25,000 people have contacted brothers Eric and Albert Rutter after they unveiled their skin care soap less than a week ago.

The brothers, from Trimdon, have even locked their secret soap formula in a bank vault because of fears of industrial espionage.

After their new website was visited by thousands of would-be customers in less than a week, the Rutters realised they could be sitting on a gold mine.

Since launching their £55-a-time treatment packs a week ago, the Rutters have taken up to 300 calls a day.

The website advertises packs of special "health soap" and a specially formulated washing powder which is said to cure psoriasis and other skin disorders within weeks.

Gladys Edwards, chief executive of the Psoriasis Association, said: "Currently, psoriasis is not curable. It is a condition which can come and go. You have phases when you are clear of it but it will come again."

While a range of skin products were available to relieve symptoms, Mrs Edwards urged sufferers to be cautious over claims of a cure.

Dr Peter Farr, consultant dermatologist at Newcastle's Royal Victoria Infirmary, said ; "I recognise most of the ingredients on the website and it seems cheaper than some other products but I would say to patients, don't build your hopes up." Eric said he stumbled across the healing properties of the product when he was trying to invent soap which would float.

"It has been phenomenal and it hasn't even hit the national press yet," said an elated Eric, who used to work as a bricklayer before turning his hand to inventing.

The brothers, who are trading as Pharos Health Products Ltd, are determined to keep the formula a secret.

"It is in the bank at the moment, so nobody can get to know the formula or the manufacturing process," said Eric.

So far the brothers have largely relied on family and friends, but by the weekend they hope to be manufacturing their products in a small factory in nearby Fishburn.

"The factory is probably not big enough but it will do for a month or so. We have also tried to buy some machinery in Italy. It looks as though we are going to need it," said Eric.

An appearance on Tyne Tees television last week produced a massive response.

A spokeswoman for the station said: "We had hundreds of calls."

But claims that the products can cure psoriasis, as well as other skin disorders, should be taken with a pinch of salt, according to the Psoriasis Association.

l Pharos can be contacted on (01429) 881589 or (01429) 880743 or 07950 226889. The website address is www. healthsoap.com