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Dithranol

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Dithranol is a topical agent used in the treatment of psoriasis.

Dithranol may be cosmetically more acceptable than tar. It must be used with caution as it can cause severe skin irritation, or may stain the skin, hair or clothes. Traditionally, it is applied as 0.01-4% dithranol in Lassar's paste, and is left for 24 hours. Staining is reduced by giving as a short contact 0.1-2% cream which is left on for 30 minutes and then washed off once a day.

Prolonged use is not associated with skin malignancy.

Contra-indications to the use of dithranol include rapidly spreading lesions, pustular psoriasis and the use of potent steroids in the recent past (1).

Check the summary of product characteristics before prescribing this drug.

Reference:

  • Wood AJ, (1995). Treatment of psoriasis, NEJM, 332 (9), 581-7.

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