Patient Information

Pride Partnership Effectiveness Care Respect Responsibility

Application of Dithrocream

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Patient Information

Patient Information on the Application of Dithrocream Page 1 of 2 V1 Feb 2008

Patient Information on the Application of Dithrocream

Dithrocream is an anti-psoriatic and helps to treat psoriasis by restoring normal skin development. It is a recommended treatment for sub-acute or chronic psoriasis, including scalp psoriasis. It is available in 5 different strengths, which are colour-coded packs: • Dithrocream 0.1% pale blue • Dithrocream 0.25% red • Dithrocream 0.5% purple • Dithrocream 1.0% brown • Dithrocream 2.0% yellow Do not use to treat acute and/or pustular psoriasis, which feels sore and looks angry. Do not use to treat areas of psoriasis on the face. Do not use if you are sensitive to any of its ingredients. Do not use on areas of folded skin, such as the groin or underneath the breasts Dithrocream may cause temporary staining of the skin and/or hair. Contact with fabrics, plastics and other materials may cause permanent staining and should be avoided. Dithrocream is for external use only. Keep it away from your eyes, nose and mouth. Always wash your hands thoroughly after use. Always start treatment with Dithrocream 0.1% continuing for at least one week, or as directed by the doctor and increase to 0.25%, followed by the 0.5%, the 1.0% and finally the 2.0%. Dithrocream 0.5%, Dithrocream 1.0% and Dithrocream 2.0% are for use only under the supervision of a doctor. Directions for Use Dithrocream should be applied sparingly to affected areas once daily. It should be rubbed in gently into the skin until completely absorbed. You will be informed by a nurse/doctor how long the application should be left on.

Patient Information

Patient Information on the Application of Dithrocream Page 2 of 2 V1 Feb 2008

Always wash hands immediately after use. After each period of treatment, a bath or shower should be taken to remove any residual cream. *To prevent the possibility of discoloration, always rinse the bath/shower with hot water immediately after bathing/showering and then use a suitable cleanser to remove any deposit form the surface of the bath/shower. For Scalp Application • Comb the hair to remove any dry, scaly debris • After suitable parting, rub the cream well into the affected areas • Always wash hands immediately after use. • After use on the scalp, a mild shampoo may be used to remove the Dithrocream residue. ***Great care must be taken when washing out the shampoo (which may contain some Dithrocream residue), to ensure that it does not get into the eyes or on the face. These daily treatments should be continued until the skin is entirely clear. *While Dithrocream is working, you may feel a mild local sensation of warmth. If treatment produces burning or excessive soreness or if the lesions spread, reduce the frequency of application or if severe stop treatment and contact the Dermatology Department on 01384 244799. Further Information For further information please contact 01384 456111. Originator: Sara Harris, RGN Date originated: February 2008 Version: 1 Review Date: February 2011