This a a message I read from a newspaper 29/06/05 :-
SCIENTISTS have made what they claim is a breakthrough in treating the skin condition psoriasis, which causes red, scaly patches. They have found that an ointment used to treat the disease was killing off the cells that are the cause of the problem. Professor Nick Reynolds and Dr Mark Birch-Machin fromt he University of Newcastle studied the effects of the ointment dithranol and found it targeted skin cells' mitochondria - the part of the cell form which it draws its energy - causing the cells to die with 48 hours of application of the ointment.
I hope information I pasted here can help some P sufferers as I am one of them as well. I am not sure this ointment is in the market yet. If anyone knows or used please advice. Thanks
Hi 4peaceofmind
Dithranol has been in use for a long time & a lot of people have had some success with it even though there are a few drawbacks with its use - Short contact versions of it seem to be better tolerated.
It appears that the researchers have just discovered how it works.
Dithranol has been used in the treatment of psoriasis since the beginning of the century. It is an effective treatment but one drawback is that it can irritate the skin and stain clothing. These effects can be minimised if dithranol preparations are used for a short period every day and the strength is gradually increased so that the skin becomes used to the treatment. Dithranol is usually a safe treatment and will clear psoriatic plaques eventually in many people with psoriasis. It is important to follow instructions carefully and to persevere with the treatment as success often takes several weeks.
Wear plastic disposable gloves and wash hands thoroughly after using dithranol.
Dithranol stains normal skin a brownish colour. It also stains clothes and sheets. It would be best to use old pyjamas and sheets and rinse them in cold water after use as ordinary soap and some washing powders can increase staining. Use a liquid soap for personal washing and Stergene for clothes and laundry.
Baths may also be stained. If possible, have a shower after using dithranol treatment or if you have a bath, clean it immediately with Stergene. A little vinegar added to rinse water helps to reduce staining.
If staining of the skin occurs in the centre of the plaques of psoriasis, this means the psoriasis is starting to clear.
Dithranol preparations come in ointments or creams. Try to apply the cream or ointment only to the plaques of psoriasis. For creams, apply sparingly, rub in well and wipe off any excess. For ointments, apply sparingly.
Leave the cream or ointment on for 30 minutes then wash it off. Avoid getting any in or near the eyes. If eye irritation occurs wash thoroughly with water and if it persists, see your doctor.
A common treatment plan is to start with 0.1% dithranol. If there is no irritation this is applied daily for 30 minutes for one week. The strength is then often increased to a 0.25% preparation which is continued for a further week before moving on to a higher strength. The aim is to build up to the higher strengths, with the strength of cream or ointment increased every week or so until the strongest preparation tolerated. If any irritation or burning occurs at any time, stop the dithranol and apply vaseline to the skin until the skin has settled. Then start again at a lower strength.
Carry on with the treatment until the skin feels almost normal to the touch. Continue for a further 2 weeks then stop. Any staining of the skin will clear usually in about 2 weeks.
If there are still problems with irritation or if there is no improvement after three weeks at the highest concentration you can tolerate, then further advice from a doctor is advisable.
AussieGuy (Informing)
