Low strength anthralin in psoriasis.

Anthralin in low concentrations (0.01%--0.03%) was applied in an ointment form once per day in the hospital to 130 psoriasis patients. The treatment program included also the use of UVB light, emollients and bath oil and an antihistamine. Clearing of psoriasis was achieved in all patients in an average time of 4 weeks. The involution of the lesions was carefully studied by correlated clinical observations, light microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Striking healing of the holes in the stratum corneum and of the gaps in the basement membrane occurred. Low strength anthralin, in addition to its effectiveness, did not produce irritation, staining or side-effects.