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  Anthralin can improve the appearance of patients with psoriasis but it has a number of side effects. One of them is staining. This synthetic compound usually leaves a temporary brown stain on the skin which disappears in weeks. It can also stain clothes as well as tiles and bathroom fixtures. This can be avoided with careful application and washing the stained areas as soon as possible with strong chlorine bleach. Staining is less likely to occur with the newer anthralin formulations used in the Short Contact Anthralin Therapy or S.C.A.T. method. This treatment which can be done at home involves treating the skin for a much shorter period of time starting with low concentrations of anthralin.The cream formulation is easy to use and causes fewer problems. "Initially, anthralin will stain the skin surrounding the area being treated. Eventually, the plaque itself will take up the stain. The stain usually clears two to three weeks after stopping treatment. Treatment of the stained skin with a keratolytic agent such as salicylic acid will help to hasten the removal of stained skin," said the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) in Portland, Oregon. To benefit most from topical anthralin therapy, here are some tips from the NPF: Apply anthralin cream/ointment only to psoriasis; do not apply to normal skin. You may prefer to use plastic disposable gloves to apply anthralin. Anthralin cream should be rubbed in well and any excess should be wiped off. Anthralin ointment should be left on for 10 to 30 minutes and showered off with liquid soap and running water. Anthralin will stain a brown color. Use old clothing and sheets when anthralin is on the skin. If staining occurs, rinse with water and do not use soap. Expect to see a brown stain on the normal surrounding skin after using anthralin. This is good sign and indicates that the anthralin is working. When the stain occurs in the center of a lesion, the psoriasis is clearing. Should irritation or burning occur on the skin, stop using the anthralin until this settles and apply petrolatum (petroleum jelly). Then restart application cautiously at a lower strength. If no irritation occurs, the anthralin strength may be increased weekly. Start at 0.1 percent and increase to 0.25 percent, 0.5 percent and 1 percent. The psoriasis is clear when it cannot be felt, even though the brown stain is present. Stop treatment and the stain will clear in one to weeks. Wash hands after applying anthralin; do not rub eyes with anthralin-contaminated fingers. Do not apply anthralin near eyes. Should eye irritation occur, irrigate the eyes with water and consult your physician. (Next: Risks and rewards of steroids for psoriasis) To strengthen your body, take Immunitril – your first line of defense in maintaining a healthy immune system. For details, visit http://www.bodestore.com/immunitril.html. Read also order aciphex online