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Anthralin psoriasis treatment is quite popular. Anthralin is a low potency topical medicine that has been used to treat psoriasis for hundreds of years. Anthralin is derived from a South American tree called araroba; it’s an anthracene derivative. In some countries, it is sold without a prescription. In the USA, Anthralin psoriasis treatment options are sold only by prescription.
Anthralin psoriasis treatments work similarly to topical steroids, but with no known long-term side-effects. It can even be used on the scalp. Mechanism of action: Anthralin inhibits T-cells, slows down the rapid growth of skin cells, and reduces inflammation. This medicine can be prescribed in varied concentrations, and there are different modes for its use.
When Anthralin oxidizes, it darkens and can easily stain everything it comes in contact with – it leaves brown and purple spots. It can stain the unaffected skin, clothes, and bed linens. Salicylic acid used in some Anthralin products prevents Anthralin compounds from oxidation and thus also from staining.
If left on the skin for too long, Anthralin can cause skin irritation around the treated lesion (on the healthy skin surrounding psoriasis). This side effect can be reduced by the use of antioxidants in the treatment.
Treatment Schemes
1. It can be used with UVB, coal tar, and salicylic acid. In this case, an Anthralin cream with salicylic acid is applied for 24 hours; the patient receives coal tar baths and UV light therapy. Salicylic acid improves the effectiveness of anthralin, coal tar and UVB therapy.
2. Anthralin can be used on its own and for shorter lengths. This helps to reduce its side-effects and make the treatment more acceptable to the patients. In this case, Anthralin cream is applied for 1 hour and then washed off quickly. This scheme is very effective also, and can match the effectiveness of treatment with corticosteroids.
Anthralin psoriasis treatment options like ointments, creams, lotions, and other forms thereof are widely available. Some of the common names are: Zithranol-RR, Psoriatec, Dithranol, and Dritho-Scalp.
If you have any comments that you can add about Anthralin and psoriasis, please feel free to comment below.
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