Exorex lotion

Coal tar has been used in skin conditions for hundreds of years, but it is still not fully understood how it works, mainly because it is made up of so many different compounds.

Coal tar has mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, and relieves itching. It is also absorbed into the skin cells and is thought to inhibit DNA replication in these cells. This slows down cell division and stops the cells from multiplying excessively. In turn, this reduces the thickening and scaling of the skin and clears up psoriasis plaques.

Coal tar may also work by breaking down keratin, a protein that forms part of the skin structure. This helps the skin cells shed from the treated area, thus reducing the thickening and scaling of the psoriasis plaques.

Exorex lotion should be applied to the affected areas of skin or scalp two to three times a day, or as directed by your doctor. For children under 12 years of age and elderly people, the lotion can be diluted by mixing with a few drops of freshly boiled and cooled water in the palm of the hand.

What is it used for?

- Psoriasis, including scalp psoriasis.

Warning!

- This medicine is for external use on the skin only.
- Avoid getting the lotion in contact with the eyes, mouth, inside of the nose, and genital or rectal areas. Rinse with cold water if accidental contact occurs.
- Do not apply the lotion to broken, inflamed or infected areas of skin.
- Wash your hands after applying this medicine to avoid accidentally transfering it to other areas.
- If skin irritation or acne-like eruptions occur, stop using this lotion and consult your doctor.
- This lotion may stain skin, hair or fabric.
- Coal tar increases the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. You should avoid exposing the skin to direct sunlight after applying this medicine.

Not to be used in

- Infected or broken areas of skin
- Sore, inflamed psoriasis
- Variant of psoriasis where blisters or pustules containing fluid appear on the skin (pustular psoriasis)
- Severe psoriasis, with a rapid onset and short duration (acute psoriasis).

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

- This medicine is not expected to have any harmful effects when used during pregnancy. However, as with all medicines, it should only be used on the advice of a doctor, particularly during the first trimester.
- This medicine is not expected to have any harmful effects when used by breastfeeding mothers. However, as with all medicines, it should only be used on the advice of a doctor. If you are breastfeeding, avoid applying the lotion on or near the breasts before giving a feed, to avoid the baby accidentally ingesting it.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

- Skin irritation
- Acne-like eruptions
- Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine is not known to affect other medicines.

The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use

© Copyright 1998 - 2008 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved