A method of treating gout comprising preparing a solution of colchicine and spraying the skin around the affected area. The solution may be 0.1-10 % colchicine in water, alcohol, or a mixture thereof. Also provided is a U- or hoop-shaped cartridge 10 for use in the treatment of gout where there is an internal container 16 containing a skin-penetrating drug effective against gout. The internal container 16 is connected to one or a plurality of nozzles 29 which project through the wall of the cartridge 10 inwards from the cartridge 10 towards the centre of the U or hoop. When pressure is applied to the internal container 16, the drug is expelled through the one or plurality of nozzles 29 into the centre of the U or hoop. The drug may be colchicine or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) such as ibuprofen, etoricoxib or diclofenac sodium.
