title: Transepidermal water vapour loss is not increased during and following dithranol irritation.
abstract: Dithranol is established as a very successful treatment for psoriasis. Its main disadvantages are irritation and staining at sites of application. The aim of the present study was to elucidate further the mechanism of dithranol-induced irritation, in particular to what extent this is related to an impairment of the skin barrier. Dithranol 3% in cream, paste and petrolatum was applied to the forearm skin of 20 volunteers and left in situ for 1 h. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) was measured during a period of 2 weeks following dithranol application. In addition, a visual scoring system and colorimetry were used to assess erythema. The study showed conclusively that TEWL was not affected by the application of dithranol, even though pronounced erythema occurred.
authors.affiliation: Academisch Ziekenhuis Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Snater
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Janssen
authors.forename: P G
authors.initials: PG
authors.lastname: van der Valk
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: van de Kerkhof
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000875:Anthralin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003124:Colorimetry; D004817:Epidermis / Q000503:physiopathology; D004890:Erythema / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects*; D013997:Time Factors; D014870:Water Loss, Insensible / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D000875:Anthralin