Dithrocream (dithranol)

How does it work?

Dithrocream contains the active ingredient dithranol, which is a medicine applied to the skin to treat psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a condition in which thickened, scaly patches or plaques of skin form. These are the result of excessive production of skin cells.

Dithranol works by slowing down the process of skin cell production. It is applied only to the psoriasis plaques and not to normal healthy skin. The dithranol is absorbed into the skin cells and inhibits DNA replication in these cells. This slows down cell division and stops the cells from multiplying excessively. In turn, this reduces the thickening and scaling of the skin and clears up the psoriasis plaques.

Dithranol can irritate and stain the skin, so the treatment is usually only applied for a short time every day. This is called 'short contact therapy'. The strength of dithranol used is gradually increased so that the skin becomes used to the treatment.

Dithrocream comes in five different strengths: 0.1%, 0.25%, 0.5%, 1% and 2%. Treatment should start with the 0.1% cream on small patches of affected skin only. If your skin has not improved after one to two weeks and you don't have any signs of skin irritation, treatment can progress to the 0.25% strength. If necessary this can be followed by the 0.5%, the 1.0% and finally the 2.0% strength. However, the 2% strength is only available on prescription and should only be used under medical supervision. If your skin gets irritated by using any strength cream you should go back to using a lower strength.

Dithrocream should be applied to the affected areas of skin once every 24 hours and should then be washed off, no more than 60 minutes after application. Alternatively, if you are using the 0.1%, 0.25% or 0.5% strength cream, you can apply the cream before going to bed, leave it on overnight and wash it off in the morning. (The 1% and 2% creams are too strong for this and should not be left on for longer than 60 minutes.)

You can also use Dithrocream to treat psoriasis on the scalp. First comb the hair to remove any scales, then part the hair as necessary and rub the cream into the affected areas. Leave in contact for up to 60 minutes and then rinse off. Alternatively, if you are using the 0.1%, 0.25% or 0.5% strength cream, you can apply the cream before going to bed, leave it on overnight and wash it off in the morning. (As with treating the skin, the 1% and 2% creams should not be left on the scalp for longer than 60 minutes.)

The daily treatment should be continued until the psoriasis plaques have cleared up, as long as your skin doesn't become irritated by the cream.

What is it used for?

Psoriasis

Warning!

Follow the instructions provided with this medicine carefully. Dithrocream should only be applied to the areas of skin affected by psoriasis, as it can cause severe irritation to the surrounding normal skin. Take care to avoid getting the cream on normal healthy skin and avoid contact with the eyes and face. Use only a small amount of cream and rub it in gently and thoroughly until it is completely absorbed. You should wash your hands thoroughly immediately after applying the cream, or wear gloves to apply it.

The 1% and 2% creams are only suitable for 'short contact' therapy and should be washed off after up to 60 minutes. The 0.1%, 0.25% or 0.5% strength creams can also be used in this way for 'short contact' therapy, or alternatively they can be applied before going to bed, left on overnight and washed off in the morning. The cream should be washed off using warm water and ordinary soap or shampoo in a bath or shower.

Take care that the cream doesn't get into the eyes or on the face when washing it out of the hair. If you accidentally get the cream in the eyes or on the face, wash it off with plenty of lukewarm water.

Dithrocream stains skin. This is not harmful and will gradually fade within one to two weeks after you stop using the cream. To avoid staining the bath or shower, always rinse it with hot water after you have washed off your cream. If any deposits of Dithrocream are left on the surface of the bath or shower you can use a suitable cleanser to remove them.

Dithrocream may also stain fabric such as clothing, bed linen and furniture. This staining may be permanent, so when using the cream, wear old clothes that you don't mind getting stained.

Dithranol can cause skin irritation, such as redness or a burning sensation. If any irritation becomes severe, either use the cream less frequently, or go back to using a lower strength. If any skin irritation persists, or if you get irritation of the healthy skin around the psoriasis, stop using the cream and consult your doctor.

Use with caution in

Children.

Not to be used on

Infants and young children

Pustular psoriasis

Inflamed, broken, blistered, raw or oozing areas of skin

Skin on the face, genitals, flexures or in skin folds.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It should only be used by pregnant women if clearly necessary. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.

Women who are breastfeeding should not apply this cream to the breast area, to avoid the infant accidentally ingesting it. Make sure that the cream does not come into contact with the baby's skin or mouth. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication is to be spread thinly and sparingly on the skin.

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