Although not frequently prescribed today, dithranol (also called anthralin) is one of the most effective preparations available for treating psoriasis.
In New Zealand, dithranol is available in pharmacies as 1% cream called micanol cream. Consult your dermatologist to see if it is suitable for your skin problem.
Dithranol should be used with care because:
- It is irritating, especially if applied to normal skin.
- It stains.
The pharmacist can combine it into several different pastes, ointments and creams, and the concentration can range from 0.1 to 4%. It is most often used in hospitals or day treatment centers.
Dithranol can be effective even if it is only left on the skin for 10 minutes. This "short contact" method allows you to use higher concentrations of dithranol with much less burning and staining. The stronger the dithranol, the better the effect on psoriasis.
Temporary staining due to dithranol applied to psoriasis.
Method for short-contact dithranol treatment
A small amount of dithranol should be accurately applied to psoriasis once or twice a day before a shower or bath. Delicate areas like the neck of the face, armpits, and groin should be treated with caution as they are more likely to become irritated. Use a lower strength of dithranol on these sites.
Keep it away from normal skin and be careful not to touch your eyes. Wash your hands after use - it may burn! Keep dithranol away from clothing and furniture. Avoid exposure to sunlight.
After 10 to 30 minutes, the dithranol should be removed. Use cotton wool, soaked in oil or a mild detergent (not soap), and then shower or bathe.
Dithranol can also be applied to the scalp. Comb and wash the hair First and after leaving, rub the dithranol on the affected area. Wash it off after about 30 minutes. Dithranol is not suitable for blonde hair as it dyes brown or purple.
How long to continue treatment
Repeat the treatment daily until the skin feels completely clear, that is, when there is nothing to feel with your fingers and the texture is normal. Gradually increase the strength of dithranol until it is effective or irritation makes it too uncomfortable.
Generally, it takes six to twelve weeks to achieve authorization.
Staining
Dithranol stain on the skin is harmless and will gradually disappear after stopping treatment. You should not try to remove the color from your skin. Any hair stains will grow back and can be minimized by careful application to the scalp.
Keep Dithranol away from fabrics, plastics, and other materials. Rinse the tub / shower with lukewarm water immediately after showering; wash off the dithranol and use a suitable cleanser, such as bleach, to remove any deposits on the shower / bath surfaces.
Cautions
Do not use dithranol on very sore and angry-looking psoriasis. If the treated areas become inflamed, reduce the frequency of application and consult your dermatologist.
Other uses for dithranol
Dithranol has been used to treat alopecia areata. Small unbranched trials have shown variable hair growth when dithranol ointment applies to bald areas. It is believed to work by causing a irritating Contact dermatitis.