dithranol + tar

Dithranol + tar is a topical combination therapy used primarily for the treatment of psoriasis. Dithranol (also known as anthralin or cignolin) acts by suppressing the proliferation of skin cells (keratinocytes), thereby reducing psoriatic plaques. Coal tar has anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and keratoplastic properties and is also used to treat scaling and itching in various dermatological conditions. The combination of dithranol with coal tar (sometimes referred to as CSVT—cignolin-salicyl-vaseline plus tar) has been shown to reduce dithranol-induced erythema while increasing antipsoriatic efficacy compared to either agent alone[1][2]. This regimen is highly effective but may be less well tolerated due to staining and odor associated with both components[1]. The mechanism involves inhibition of DNA synthesis in epidermal cells (dithranol) and reduction of inflammation/itching via multiple pathways (coal tar)[6][3].

Other names

anthralin + coal tarcignolin + tarCSVT