[Dithranol in the treatment of scalp psoriasis]

Abstract

Dithranol in its usual petrolatum base cannot be effectively applied to the scalp. The washable cream base is not often employed in Germany, both because this form of application is not well-known and because the positive effects are underestimated while the adverse effects are overestimated. Therefore we have searched the literature for appropriate studies, application recommendations and reports on side effects. We list scalp preparations containing dithranol available in neighbouring European countries together with recommendations and warning notes. Since the dithranol molecule contains hydrophilic and lipophilic parts, it can be easily incorporated into soaps. The stability of such preparations is limited; their effectiveness is supported by the usage of dithranol in an emulsifying oil base in the Charité Department of Dermatology for more than twenty years. The special vehicle used, bio-wash-oil, is an oily fluid soap which was designed for cleaning the heavily soiled hands of factory workers. It can be easily applied to the scalp and washed off with water. Here we re-examine the original study on dithranol in bio-wash-oil published by Meffert et al. in 1979, summarize our subsequent experience and present a recent comparative study paying special attention to side effects, practical notes, and patient comfort and satisfaction.