Abstract: A lenitive composition is provided for application to the skin of an anthralin patient for reducing anthralin-induced inflammation and the staining associated with anthralin use. The lenitive composition is a single phase aqueous treating solution comprising an organic amine and a film-forming agent dissolved within a nontoxic dermatologically acceptable carrier. The organic amine is selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl and lower alkanol primary, secondary and tertiary amines and comprises about 1 to 25 percent by weight of the single phase aqueous treating solution. The solution is topically applied to the anthralin-treated areas so as to completely cover the treated areas. The solution is applied before or after anthralin wash off, preferably in the form of a fine spray or mist.