Anthralin Treatment for Psoriasis
I. Definition:
Anthralin is a medicine applied to the skin of people with psoriasis. It controls the extra-rapid growth of skin cells. It is not a cortisone, but a strong medicine that can cause the skin to become sore and irritated. Anthralin does not start to work until it has been used for several weeks. One of the advantages of anthralin over cortisone ointments is that once the psoriasis goes away, it stays away for a longer period of time.
II. Treatment:
Anthralin is available as a greasy ointment (Anthraderm) and also as a non-greasy vanishing cream (Dritho, Lasan).
In using anthralin, you should follow these directions:
- Keep anthralin away from your eyes, it may cause severe eye irritation. Wash your hands after applying anthralin so that you do not accidentally touch your eyes.
- Do not apply anthralin to the skin-fold areas such as the armpits, groin, genital, and rectal regions because severe soreness may occur.
- Use very small amounts of anthralin. Apply it to your psoriasis, and gently rub it in. After 30 minutes of contact with your skin, you should wash it off in a bath or shower. You can increase the amount of time the medicine is in contact with your skin up to 1 hour.
- If the anthralin irritates or burns, the skin too much, you can wash it off sooner than 30 minutes.
- If severe irritation occurs, stop the anthralin and contact the office.
III. Drawbacks:
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