Child's bedroom with oversized medicine bottles, representing the dangers of medication.

Dithranol Disaster: A Toddler's Skin Emergency & How to Avoid Medication Mishaps

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Elliot Brynn in Health & Wellness August 2025 • 4 min read.

"When psoriasis cream turns into a pediatric crisis: A cautionary tale of accidental exposure, skin reactions, and the vital importance of medication safety in homes with children."


Atopic dermatitis (AD), a common inflammatory skin condition, often presents diagnostic and management challenges, especially in young children. While typically characterized by dry, itchy skin, AD can manifest atypically, complicating both diagnosis and treatment. A recent case highlights the potential dangers lurking in seemingly safe households, emphasizing the critical need for parental vigilance and awareness.

According to a study conducted in Spain, Atopic Dermatitis (AD) presents as idiopathic in 58% of cases, while 42% are associated with sensitization to allergens. In that 42%, 10% were related to food and 26% to airborne allergens. The skin plays an important role in the development of allergic reactions.

Adverse drug reactions are serious public health concerns, leading to increased rates of morbidity and socioeconomic costs. The case of a 2.5-year-old girl with atopic dermatitis reveals how easily medication errors can occur and the importance of careful medication storage.

Accidental Exposure: When Psoriasis Cream Becomes a Hazard

Child's bedroom with oversized medicine bottles, representing the dangers of medication.

A seemingly ordinary day took a concerning turn for a 2.5-year-old girl with atopic dermatitis. After a history of atopic dermatitis since the age of 2 months, managed with a dairy-free diet, and treatment, she developed severe inflammatory skin lesions accompanied by intense itching. The doctors were initially puzzled. The girl's parents were observant, stating the recent flare-ups of AD, had no connection to foods, consumption or other external factors.

However, a crucial piece of information was later revealed: the child's grandmother, who was being treated for psoriasis, had mistakenly applied her dithranol 2% ointment (a strong topical medication) to the child's skin without informing anyone. This highlights how easily accidental exposure can occur, especially in households where multiple medications are present.

  • What is Dithranol? Dithranol, derived from the araroba tree, has long been a treatment for psoriasis.
  • Concentrations: Pediatric use requires lower concentrations (0.016%-0.625%) compared to adult applications (0.1% to 5%). The presented case used 2% Dithranol ointment.
  • Why is it risky? Adverse effects include burning, irritation, and allergic contact dermatitis. Dithranol's irritant potential complicates allergy testing, potentially exceeding hypersensitivity detection thresholds.
In children, skin is more vulnerable and can induce both topical and systemic effects. When applied to a large skin area, Dithranol can be dangerous and potentially lead to kidney damage, central nervous system disturbances, and methemoglobinemia. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the risks associated with common medications.

Protecting Children: A Guide to Medication Safety at Home

This incident emphasizes the necessity of diligent medication management and storage. Ensure all medications are stored out of reach of children, clearly labeled, and that family members are aware of potential risks associated with each medication. It also underlines the importance of disclosing to physicians about the accidental exposure in children. By implementing these safeguards, parents and caregivers can create a safer environment and prevent accidental exposures. Being informed, communicative, and proactive is key to protecting children from medication-related harm.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

1

What is Atopic Dermatitis?

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common inflammatory skin condition, particularly in young children. It's characterized by dry, itchy skin, but it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose because it doesn't always appear in the same way. It is significant because its variable presentation can complicate both diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the different ways AD can manifest is crucial for effective management and care, especially in children where skin is more vulnerable.

2

What is Dithranol and why is it important to know about its concentration?

Dithranol is a medication used to treat psoriasis. It is derived from the araroba tree. It comes in different strengths, with lower concentrations (0.016%-0.625%) typically used for children, while adults may use higher concentrations (0.1% to 5%). Dithranol is significant because while effective for psoriasis, it can cause adverse effects like burning, irritation, and allergic contact dermatitis. Its irritant potential means caution is needed, especially when used on children due to their more vulnerable skin.

3

Why is accidental exposure to a medication like Dithranol so concerning?

Accidental exposure to medications, like Dithranol, can have significant consequences, especially for children. Because children's skin is more vulnerable than adults, both topical and systemic effects are possible. In the case of Dithranol, if applied to a large skin area, it could potentially lead to kidney damage, central nervous system disturbances, and methemoglobinemia. Accidental exposure incidents underscore the need for vigilant medication management and storage to prevent harm.

4

What are some key steps to ensure medication safety at home?

Medication safety is essential, particularly in households with children. It involves several key steps: storing all medications out of reach of children, ensuring medications are clearly labeled, and making sure family members are aware of the potential risks associated with each medication. This is extremely important in order to avoid incidents of accidental exposure, especially with strong medications such as Dithranol.

5

What should I do if my child is accidentally exposed to a medication?

If a child is accidentally exposed to a medication like Dithranol, it's important to inform physicians about the exposure. Disclosing this information helps healthcare providers understand the child's symptoms, and determine the appropriate course of treatment. This enables them to accurately assess the situation and provide the best possible care, considering the potential effects of the specific medication involved.

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