Dithranol für Psoriasis

About dithranol

Dithranol is used to treat chronic plaque psoriasis - this is the most common type of psoriasis. It is a condition where red scaly patches called plaques develop on your skin. The most common areas affected are over your elbows and knees, the scalp, and the lower part of your back. The patches may vary in size from time to time, and can be itchy. Treatment for psoriasis aims to clear the plaques as much as possible.

Psoriasis is caused by cells in the outer layer of your skin multiplying faster than normal. This causes the older and dead skin cells to build up on the surface of your skin, causing the scaly patches. Dithranol helps to control psoriasis by slowing down the production of new skin cells.

Dithranol is available on prescription, and you can also buy some preparations without a prescription at a pharmacy. Some dithranol preparations also contain other ingredients, such as salicylic acid, zinc and coal tar.

Before using dithranol

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using dithranol it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• wenn Sie schwanger sind oder stillen. Denn während Sie schwanger sind oder ein Kind stillen, sollten Sie Arzneimittel nur auf Empfehlung eines Arztes einnehmen.

• Wenn einer der Bereiche der Psoriasis wund ist, sich entzündet oder mit Eiter gefüllte Blasen aufweist. Dies liegt daran, dass schwerere Formen der Psoriasis wie diese von einem Hautarzt behandelt werden sollten.

• Wenn Sie andere Hautpräparate verwenden. Dazu gehören alle rezeptfrei erhältlichen Präparate sowie pflanzliche und ergänzende Arzneimittel.

• Wenn Sie schon einmal eine allergische Reaktion auf ein Arzneimittel hatten.

How to apply dithranol

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about applying dithranol and a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from using it.

• There are several strengths of dithranol preparations. The aim is to find the strength which gives you the most benefit, but which doesn't lead to irritation/burning. Start by applying a low-strength preparation (such as 0.1% dithranol) for a week, and then increase the strength gradually over the next few weeks until you find the strength that suits you best. Then continue to use this strength. It should be possible to clear the patches within about 4-6 weeks of treatment.

• Apply a thin layer of dithranol and rub it into your skin gently. Apply it to the affected areas of your skin only - it is important that you try to avoid getting it on any healthy areas of your skin. Use it once a day only - you can choose a time of day that suits you best.

• It is usual to use dithranol for a 'short contact' time. This means leaving it on your skin for no more than an hour, and then washing it off in a shower or bath. More intensive treatment with dithranol involves leaving it on overnight under a dressing. This is usually only done under the supervision of a specialist skin doctor or nurse.

• Remember to wash your hands well after applying dithranol. This will help to prevent it accidentally getting on healthy areas of your skin. Some people choose to apply it using gloves to protect their hands.

• Dithranol is not suitable for use on your face, or in the creases of your skin (flexures) such as your armpits, groin, or under breasts. Do not apply it to these areas.

Das Beste aus Ihrer Behandlung herausholen

• You will be given a low-strength preparation to start with and then a higher-strength preparation if you are not having any problems. Although it is normal to feel a sensation of warmth when dithranol is applied, if you begin to feel a burning sensation this can mean that it has been left on too long or the strength is too high for you. Let your doctor or pharmacist know if this happens.

• Wenn Sie ein Präparat auf der Kopfhaut verwenden, achten Sie darauf, dass es beim Abwaschen nicht in die Augen gelangt. Sollte dies dennoch geschehen, spülen Sie es sofort mit warmem Wasser aus.

• Versuchen Sie, alle regelmäßigen Termine mit Ihrem Arzt wahrzunehmen. So kann Ihr Arzt Ihre Fortschritte überprüfen.

• Dithranol can stain your skin, hair and clothing. You should try to avoid any contact between the preparation and your clothes and furniture, as this could cause permanent staining. It can also stain the bath or sink, so it is best to clean these straightaway after use. Any skin staining will disappear soon after the treatment is finished.

Can dithranol cause problems?

Dithranol can cause skin irritation, such as redness, itching and a burning sensation. If this continues or if it becomes severe, stop using dithranol and ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Dithranol can stain your skin, hair and clothing. Skin staining will disappear within a few days after you stop using the product. Stained hair will grow out. Wear old clothing and use old bed linen when using dithranol.

Wenn Sie andere Symptome haben, von denen Sie glauben, dass sie auf dieses Arzneimittel zurückzuführen sind, sprechen Sie mit Ihrem Arzt oder Apotheker.

How to store dithranol

• Bewahren Sie alle Arzneimittel außerhalb der Reichweite und Sichtweite von Kindern auf.

• An einem kühlen, trockenen Ort aufbewahren, vor direkter Hitze und Licht schützen.

Wichtige Informationen über alle Arzneimittel