[Dithranol and combined treatment procedures: pro and con].

The combination of different antipsoriatics or treatment regimens should increase the therapeutic effect and reduce the adverse reactions. The combination of dithranol and tar (cignolin-salicyl-vaseline + tar, CSVT) reduces dithranol erythema and increases the antipsoriatic effect. CSVT treatment is highly effective, but patients tend to accept it less than other treatment regimens. On the other hand, Goeckerman therapy (tar + UV irradiation) is more accepted but less effective. Combinations of dithranol with UV irradiation or with tar and UV irradiation (Ingram regimen) are not advantageous. Dithranol and Goeckerman therapy are relatively secure treatment regimens, as they have been applied for more than 50 years without knowledge of significant late defects. PUVA therapy, although highly effective, is not superior to dithranol therapy. Even though PUVA therapy is more easily accepted than dithranol treatment, PUVA therapy should be applied only in severe cases. The combinations of aromatic retinoid with (selective) UVB irradiation (ReSUP) or with PUVA therapy (RePUVA) are highly effective. Retinoids can reduce the UV doses and most likely limit the risk of late damage. For routine treatment, ReSUP is preferable to RePUVA therapy.