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About DITHRANOL

DITHRANOL is an anti-psoriatic agent used to treat sub-acute or chronic psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin disorder in which skin cells multiply faster than usual. This causes scaling, redness, and thickness of the skin. Psoriatic patches generally occur on the knees, elbows, scalp, and lower back.
 
DITHRANOL contains ‘dithranol’, which slows down the production of new skin cells; this helps in reducing the thickening and scaling of the skin. DITHRANOL helps to clear patches of psoriasis by restoring normal skin development. Thereby, DITHRANOL helps in treating psoriasis.
 
You are advised to use DITHRANOL for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects, such as soreness and burning sensation. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
 
Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Use DITHRANOL only on the patches of skin affected by psoriasis. Avoid using DITHRANOL on the face, genitals, skin folds, and underneath the breasts. DITHRANOL might cause staining of clothes, skin, and hair. Skin and hair staining would gradually disappear after stopping the treatment with DITHRANOL. However, it causes permanent staining of fabrics and plastic.

Uses of DITHRANOL

Psoriasis

Medicinal Benefits

DITHRANOL is an anti-psoriatic agent used to treat sub-acute or chronic psoriasis. DITHRANOL helps to clear patches of psoriasis by restoring normal skin development. DITHRANOL slows down the production of new skin cells; this helps in reducing the thickening and scaling of the skin. Thereby, DITHRANOL helps in treating psoriasis. 

Directions for Use

DITHRANOL is for external use only. Apply DITHRANOL thinly only on the patches of psoriasis and rub gently until it is completely absorbed. If you are using DITHRANOL on the scalp, first comb the hair to remove any loose scales, part the hair and gently massage DITHRANOL onto the affected area. Thoroughly wash your hands immediately after use.

Storage

Store in a cool and dry place away from sunlight

Side Effects of DITHRANOL

  • Soreness
  • Burning sensation

In-Depth Precautions and Warning

Drug Warnings

Do not use DITHRANOL if you are allergic to any of the contents. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Use DITHRANOL only on the patches of skin affected by psoriasis. Avoid using DITHRANOL on the face, genitals, skin folds, and underneath the breasts. DITHRANOL might cause staining of clothes, skin, and blonde hair. Skin and hair staining would gradually disappear after stopping the treatment with DITHRANOL. However, it causes permanent staining of fabrics and plastic.

Drug Interactions

Drug-Drug Interactions: No interactions found/established.

Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.

Drug-Disease Interactions: No interactions found/established.

Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:

Safety Advice

  • Safety Warning

    Alcohol

    caution

    It is not known if DITHRANOL interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.

  • Safety Warning

    Pregnancy

    safe if prescribed

    DITHRANOL can be used during pregnancy if advised by the doctor. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

  • Safety Warning

    Breast Feeding

    safe if prescribed

    DITHRANOL can be used during breastfeeding if advised by the doctor. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.

  • Safety Warning

    Driving

    safe if prescribed

    DITHRANOL is unlikely to affect your ability to drive.

  • Safety Warning

    Liver

    caution

    Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of DITHRANOL in patients with liver impairment.

  • Safety Warning

    Kidney

    caution

    Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of DITHRANOL in patients with kidney impairment.

  • Safety Warning

    Children

    safe if prescribed

    DITHRANOL should be used with extra caution and regular supervision in children if prescribed by the doctor.

Habit Forming

No

Diet & Lifestyle Advise

  • Include foods such as cherries, berries, leafy vegetables, salmon, sardines, and fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Consume antioxidant-rich spices and herbs like cumin, ginger, sage and thyme.
  • Avoid processed foods, refined sugars, and fatty foods.
  • Limit intake of food that might trigger allergies, such as dairy products, soy, eggs, and nuts.
  • Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and fish in your diet.
  • Reducing stress and maintaining a good sleep cycle would be helpful.
  • Avoiding getting in contact with harsh soaps, detergents and rough fabrics.

Special Advise

  • Limit the contact time of DITHRANOL on your skin. Use it only as advised.
  • Do not use DITHRANOL on dressing, band-aids and make-up unless told by the doctor.
  • If DITHRANOL comes in contact with eyes, nose or mouth, rinse with water immediately.
  • Always wash your hands thoroughly after use.
  • Do not apply DITHRANOL on wounds, cuts, damaged skin, face, skin folds, genitals, or underneath the breast.

Patients Concern

Disease/Condition Glossary

Psoriasis: Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder in which skin cells multiply faster than usual, leading to skin build-up into bumpy (uneven) red patches covered with white scales. These most commonly appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Psoriasis is a chronic condition with no cure, but treatment aims to remove scales and stop skin cells from growing quickly. Triggers of psoriasis include infections, cold, and stress. 

FAQs

How does DITHRANOL work?

DITHRANOL slows down the production of new skin cells; this helps reduce the thickening and scaling of the skin. Thereby, DITHRANOL helps in treating psoriasis.

Does DITHRANOL cause staining?

Treated skin may gradually stain brown or purple. However, this is harmless and will gradually disappear within a few days after the treatment. Blonde/pink hair may take on a pinkish tinge whilst using DITHRANOL on the scalp. This will grow out after treatment stops. Avoid contact of DITHRANOL with fabrics, plastics, furnishings, and bedclothes as it might cause permanent staining.

Is it safe to use DITHRANOL with corticosteroids?

Consult your doctor before using DITHRANOL if you have been/are using corticosteroids. If you have been using topical corticosteroids regularly to treat psoriasis, it is necessary that you follow a treatment-free interval for at least a week before starting treatment with DITHRANOL. Plain skin moisturiser can be used in the meantime.

Can I cover the treated skin with dressings?

Do not cover the treated skin with dressings after applying DITHRANOL unless told by the doctor. Covering the skin can increase the amount of medicine absorbed through the skin leading to harmful effects.

Can I stop using DITHRANOL on my own?

Continue using DITHRANOL for as long as your doctor has prescribed it to you. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you experience any difficulty while using DITHRANOL.

Is it safe to use DITHRANOL on the face?

Avoid using DITHRANOL on the face, skin folds, genitals, and underneath the breasts as the skin’s response tends to be stronger in these areas. Talk to your doctor for further advice.

Available Medicines for

DITHRANOL