Dithranol
About
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
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
Storage
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
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
- 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
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.
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.
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.
