Dithranol

SPC §4.1: 'Treatment of sub-acute and chronic psoriasis, including psoriasis of the scalp, by the short contact therapy method.' §4.2 (verbatim, key sentences): 'Apply Micanol cream only to the affected areas being careful to avoid contact with normal skin. Use only a small amount, rubbing it in gently and thoroughly until it no longer smears. Micanol cream should be applied once every 24 hours and removed by washing off usually no more than 30 minutes after application.' 'The treatment should start with 1% cream on a limited surface. Where the response to dithranol has not been previously established contact with 1% cream should initially be not greater than 10 minutes. This may gradually be increased to 30 minutes over a period of about seven days depending on the individual response.' 'After 1-2 weeks patients may progress to Micanol 3% if necessary provided they do not show any sign of skin irritation. If the skin is irritated, patients should revert to 1% cream. Treatment should be continued until the skin is clear of psoriasis.' Strength (§2): dithranol BP 1.0% w/w (Micanol Cream 1%). The 3% cream is a separate strength of the product (its own SPC not retrieved) and 'Micanol 3% cream should always be used under medical supervision.' Wash off with plenty of LUKEWARM water only, no soap until the cream has been rinsed off. Scalp: wash hair with shampoo, rinse, apply cream to damp hair, leave up to 30 minutes, rinse with lukewarm water. No maximum amount or dose is printed, so none is stated (30 minutes is a contact time). This SPC does not cover other dithranol products/regimens (e.g. longer-contact or other-strength creams/ointments such as Dithrocream). Children: 'Micanol is not suitable for the treatment of infants and young children'; no paediatric dose is given.