Earlier studies have suggested that the rate of healing is somewhat slower for the new microencapsulated dithranol formulation, Micanol, than for petrolatum or paraffin based formulations. The less smeary Micanol formulation may need more vigorous application. A population of 29 patients with chronic, stable plaque-type psoriasis was divided into two groups, both receiving short contact treatment. One group received standard patient information while the other received information stressing the importance of being thorough when rubbing the dithranol cream into the lesions. Regarding composite sign severity score, there was a significant difference (about 50%) in favour of the extra information group after 6 weeks. This result suggests that thoroughness of application is an important factor for the rate of healing in short contact treatment of psoriasis with Micanol.