Dithranol

Uses

*An old, but still effective, medication for treating psoriasis.

Dithranol, also known as anthralin, is an old but good treatment for stubborn patches of psoriasis. It's not often prescribed anymore, but it is one of most effective preparations available for treating psoriasis.

Dosing

Dithranol comes in a cream that is applied to psoriasis patches. Leaving Dithranol on too long will result in red and sometimes tender skin. Weaker 0.1-0.5% preparations are applied overnight, but stronger 1-2% products are applied for between 30 minutes and one hour depending upon the formulation. The \short contact\" method is a higher concentration that's applied for only ten minutes then washed off with soap

Staphylococcal Folliculitis
Centrifugal scarring alopecia
Pseudopelade of Brocq
Tinea capitis

Diagnosis

The diagnosis is often made clinically. A culture and scrapings can be done to rule out bacterial and fungal infection, respectively. A scalp Biopsy can also be performed if the diagnosis is in doubt.

Treatment
Isotretinoin
Topical and oral Antibiotics
* Epilation and laser surgery in extreme cases

Dissecting Cellulitis, or Perifolliculitis Capitis Abscedens et Suffodiens, responds unpredictably to treatment. If treatment is started early enough it is possible to reverse the disease before hair follicles become permanently damaged or destroyed. Oral Isotretinoin or antibiotics are the primary treatment choices in most cases. Other treatments that have been used successfully include laser treatments and incision and drainage of painful nodules.