Dithranol-UV-A phototherapy (DUVA) for psoriasis: a treatment without dressings

Dithranol in yellow soft paraffin with 2% salicylic acid was applied daily (increasing concentrations from 0.2% to 5%) for 1 hour to twenty consecutive patients with diffuse psoriasis. The ointment was then washed off and patients were irradiated with 10 J cm-2 of UV-A radiation since the absorption spectrum of dithranol is maximum in the UV-A waveband. The median clearance time was 14 days (range 7-39 days). No dressings were required. The patients were allowed to apply an emollient if the skin became dry.