TLDR Anthralin is effective for psoriasis and alopecia with minimal systemic side effects but can irritate the skin.
The document reviews the use of anthralin (dithranol) in dermatology, particularly for psoriasis and alopecia areata. It highlights anthralin's effectiveness and lack of systemic side effects, despite causing skin irritation and discoloration. The mechanism of action includes inhibiting keratinocyte proliferation and anti-inflammatory effects. Various treatment regimens are discussed to reduce side effects, with studies showing that short contact therapy can be as effective when applied less frequently. In a study of 29 patients, no significant difference was found between applying short contact dithranol therapy five times weekly versus three times weekly with UVB irradiation. Another study with 61 inpatients indicated similar psoriasis improvement with once or twice-daily dithranol application, but twice-daily required more nursing time. Anthralin was also found to be effective for scalp and nail psoriasis, childhood psoriasis, and is safe during pregnancy. In alopecia areata, anthralin had a 60% success rate in one study, and a combination with minoxidil showed a cosmetic response in 11% of patients with severe cases. The document also notes the high rate of adverse events with dithranol cream and suggests strategies to mitigate side effects, including the Ingram regimen and anthralin minute entire skin treatment as alternatives before systemic therapy for extensive plaque psoriasis.
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