Dithranol
About Dithranol
Dithranol is a prescription medicine used to treat chronic plaque psoriasis. It helps slow the rapid growth of skin cells, reducing scaling, thickening, and redness while promoting the gradual healing of psoriatic plaques. This treatment is most effective when used exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
To get the best skin results, apply this medication consistently as directed by your healthcare provider. It is typically applied once daily, and since it is a topical treatment, you do not need to take it with food or alter your eating schedule. Making simple lifestyle adjustments, such as using gentle skin moisturisers and avoiding harsh soaps, can also significantly support your treatment.
While using Dithranol, you may experience common side effects like temporary skin redness, warmth, or harmless temporary staining of the skin and hair. If you experience severe burning, painful skin irritation, or signs of an allergic reaction, stop using the product and consult your doctor immediately.
Talk to your doctor before starting this medicine if you have sensitive skin, active skin infections, or pustular psoriasis. You should not use this medicine if you have highly inflamed, raw, or blistered skin, or if you are currently experiencing a severe, acute psoriasis flare-up.
Avoid using other skin-peeling agents or strong topical products on the same area to prevent severe irritation. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a family before applying Dithranol to ensure it is safe for your situation. If this medicine is being considered for children, it should be used only under medical supervision, as the strength and duration of treatment may need adjustment based on age and skin sensitivity.
Uses of Dithranol
Medicinal Benefits
Dithranol helps reduce plaque build-up and scaling, supporting healthier-looking skin and improving daily comfort.
- Clearer, Flake-Free Skin: Helps reduce skin shedding and flaking by targeting factors responsible for plaque formation, promoting smoother skin and improved confidence.
- Smoother Skin Texture: Regular application helps flatten raised plaques, gradually restoring a smoother and healthier appearance to the treated skin.
- Targets Stubborn Plaques: Helps manage persistent patches that may not respond well to other topical treatments, providing support for localised psoriasis flare-ups.
Directions for Use
- Dithranol is for external use only.
- It is usually applied once daily; however, follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication for better recovery.
- Apply a thin layer of Dithranol to the psoriasis-affected areas and gently rub it in until completely absorbed.
- If you are applying Dithranol to the scalp, first comb the hair to remove any loose scales, part the hair, and gently massage the medication into the affected area.
- Leave it on for the prescribed time, usually 10-60 minutes, then wash it off thoroughly.
- Wash your hands immediately after use.
- Avoid contact with unaffected or broken skin, mouth, eyes, or other sensitive areas.
Storage
Side Effects of Dithranol
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Temporary redness or warmth in the treated area
- Mild itching or a slight burning sensation upon application
- Temporary brownish-purple staining of the treated skin and nails (this wears off naturally after stopping treatment)
- Staining of hair, clothing, bedsheets, and bathroom fixtures
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Severe skin burning, blistering, or painful swelling
- Signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as a rash, hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, or difficulty breathing
- Spreading of redness or irritation to untreated, healthy skin areas
Drug Warnings
- Patch Test: Always perform a patch test on a small area of skin before your first full application, as directed by your doctor.
- Avoid Sensitive Areas: Keep the medicine away from your eyes, nose, mouth, and groin to avoid painful irritation.
- Avoid Skin Folds: Do not apply Dithranol to skin folds, such as the underarms or groin, where rubbing may increase the risk of severe burning.
- Prevent Staining: This medicine may permanently stain fabrics, plastic baths, and acrylic surfaces. Rinse baths and showers immediately after washing the medicine off.
- Do Not Cover the Area: Do not cover the treated area with tight dressings, bandages, or plastic wrap unless your doctor specifically advises you to do so.
- Light Therapy: Inform your doctor if you are receiving UV light therapy or PUVA (psoralen plus ultraviolet A) treatment, as Dithranol may increase skin sensitivity and require closer monitoring.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines or skin products may affect how Dithranol works or increase the risk of skin irritation. Inform your doctor about all topical treatments you are using before starting treatment.
- Topical Corticosteroids: Using Dithranol with strong topical steroids may affect skin response and should be done only under medical supervision.
- Phototherapy (UV light treatment): Using Dithranol with UV therapy, including PUVA (psoralen plus ultraviolet A light therapy), may increase skin sensitivity and the risk of irritation or burns. Use only under your dermatologist’s guidance.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known if Dithranol interacts with alcohol. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
safe if prescribedDithranol can be used during pregnancy if advised by the doctor. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Breast Feeding
safe if prescribedDithranol can be used during breastfeeding if advised by the doctor. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Driving
safe if prescribedDithranol is unlikely to affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Dithranol in patients with liver impairment.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding the usage of Dithranol in patients with kidney impairment.
Children
safe if prescribedDithranol should be used with extra caution and regular supervision in children if prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Protect healthy skin: Before applying Dithranol, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to the healthy skin surrounding the plaque to act as a protective barrier against irritation and staining.
- Wear old clothing: Because this medication causes permanent purplish-brown stains, wear old clothing and use old bedsheets during your treatment period.
- Avoid hot showers: Wash off the medication using cool or lukewarm water, as hot water can open up your pores and increase skin irritation.
- Moisturise regularly: Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser to your skin daily to keep it hydrated, but avoid applying it at the exact same time as Dithranol unless directed by your doctor.
- Manage stress: Stress is a known trigger for psoriasis flares. Incorporate evidence-based relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation into your daily routine to help manage systemic inflammation.
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
Dithranol is used to treat sub-acute or chronic psoriasis, a skin disorder in which skin cells multiply faster than usual.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It can cause temporary purplish-brown stains on your skin and nails, which will naturally fade away after you stop using it. However, it will permanently stain clothing, towels, bedding, and plastic or acrylic bathroom surfaces. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for tips on how to manage staining.
The contact time is highly individualized. Your doctor may recommend leaving it on for as little as 10 to 30 minutes before washing it off, or for a longer duration. Always follow your doctor's exact instructions. Talk to your doctor if you are unsure.
If you experience painful burning, extreme redness, or blistering, wash the medication off immediately with cool water. Stop using the product and talk to your doctor or pharmacist before applying it again.
The safety of this topical medicine during pregnancy has not been fully established. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor to weigh the benefits and potential risks before starting treatment.
To prevent permanent staining, rinse your bath or shower with hot water and clean it with a suitable household cleaner immediately after washing the medication off your skin. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you need more advice.
Yes, but you should not apply them at the exact same time on the same skin patch unless instructed. Applying a moisturiser to healthy surrounding skin before treatment can help protect it. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Dithranol may be used in children in some cases, but it should only be used under a doctor’s supervision. The strength and duration of treatment may need to be adjusted based on the child’s age and skin condition.
