Psoriasis treatments: Dithranol

This page is for reference only as this product is now discontinued

Dithrocream® contained the active ingredient dithranol, a topical treatment used for subacute and chronic psoriasis. Dithranol belongs to a group of treatments known as antipsoriatics.

Dithrocream® has been discontinued in the UK and is no longer available from UK pharmacies. All strengths of the product were discontinued by the manufacturer in 2022. If you previously used Dithrocream® and need an alternative treatment, speak to your GP, pharmacist or dermatology team.

How does it work?

Dithranol works mainly by reducing the excessive production of skin cells associated with psoriasis. This helps to reduce the thickening and scaling of psoriatic plaques.

Dithranol was normally introduced at a low strength and increased gradually according to the person's response and tolerance. The aim was to find the lowest strength that provided an effective response without causing excessive irritation.

The strength required depended on factors including the thickness and location of the psoriasis and how the person's skin responded to treatment.

Who can get it?

No longer available

How is it used?

Dithranol was applied to the affected areas of psoriasis according to the strength prescribed and the instructions provided by the doctor or pharmacist.

Treatment could be given as short-contact therapy, where the cream was applied and washed off after a prescribed period, or as longer-contact treatment under medical guidance.

Dithranol needed to be applied carefully to psoriasis plaques because it could irritate normal skin. It could also stain the skin, hair, clothing, towels and bedding.

What are the side effects?

Skin irritation, redness, burning or a feeling of warmth at the site of application were common features of dithranol treatment.

Applying too strong a preparation or leaving it on the skin for too long could cause significant burning and irritation.

Dithranol could also cause temporary brown or reddish-brown staining of the skin and hair. It could stain clothing and other fabrics.

If severe burning or irritation occurred, the treatment should be washed off and medical advice sought.

Reviewed: August 2026

Version ID: 2/DIT/PST/08/26

This page is for reference only as this product is now discontinued

Micanol® Cream contained the active ingredient dithranol, a topical treatment for psoriasis. Dithranol belongs to a group of treatments known as antipsoriatics.

Micanol® Cream has been discontinued in the UK and is no longer available from UK pharmacies. Both the 1% and 3% strengths were discontinued by the manufacturer in 2017.

How does it work?

Dithranol works mainly by slowing the excessive production of skin cells associated with psoriasis. This helps to reduce the thickening and scaling of psoriatic plaques.

Dithranol treatment was normally started at a lower strength or with a short contact time and gradually adjusted according to the person's response and tolerance. The aim was to achieve an effective response without causing excessive irritation.

Who can get it?

Micanol cream is no longer available.

How is it used?

Micanol® Cream was applied sparingly to the affected areas of psoriasis once daily, following the prescribed strength and contact time.

The treatment was normally washed off after the recommended contact period using lukewarm water.

Dithranol needed to be applied carefully to psoriasis plaques because it could irritate normal skin.

Dithranol can also stain the skin, hair, clothing, towels and bedding. Hot water, soap and detergents can increase staining and irritation.

What are the side effects?

Skin irritation and a burning sensation could occur, particularly if too much cream was applied, if the preparation was too strong or if it was left on the skin for too long.

Dithranol could cause temporary brown staining of the skin and hair. It could also stain clothing and other fabrics.

If severe burning or irritation occurred, the preparation should be washed off and medical advice sought.

Reviewed: August 2026

Version ID: 2/MIC/PST/08/26

This page is for reference only as this product is now discontinued

Psorin® was a topical treatment for psoriasis containing dithranol, coal tar, salicylic acid and zinc oxide. It belonged to a group of treatments known as antipsoriatics.

Psorin® has been discontinued in the UK and is no longer available as a licensed product from UK pharmacies.

How does it work?

Psorin® contained several ingredients that worked in different ways.

Dithranol helped to slow the excessive production of skin cells associated with psoriasis. This helped reduce the thickening and scaling of psoriatic plaques.

Salicylic acid is a keratolytic. It helps to soften and loosen the outer layer of thickened, scaly skin, making it easier to remove.

Coal tar has anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative properties and can help reduce the scaling and inflammation associated with psoriasis.

Zinc oxide provided a protective and soothing component to the preparation.

Who can get it?

Psorin is no longer available.

How is it used?

Psorin® was applied topically to affected areas of psoriasis according to the product instructions.

Dithranol preparations need to be used carefully because they can cause irritation, particularly if too much is applied or if the preparation is left on the skin for too long.

Dithranol should not normally be used on the face and should not be used on acute, pustular or significantly inflamed psoriasis.

What are the side effects?

Psorin® could cause:

• Burning or warmth at the site of application
• Skin irritation
• Temporary brown or reddish-brown staining of the skin
• Staining of hair, clothing and fabrics

Using too much dithranol or leaving it in contact with the skin for too long could increase irritation and burning.

Reviewed: August 2026

Version ID: 2/PSO/PST/08/26