Psorin ointment

How does it work?

Psorin ointment contains three active ingredients: dithranol, salicylic acid and coal tar. These are all medicines that are applied to the skin to treat psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a condition in which thickened, scaly patches or plaques of skin form. These are the result of excessive production of skin cells.

Dithranol works by slowing down the process of skin cell production. It is applied only to the psoriasis plaques and not to normal healthy skin. The dithranol is absorbed into the skin cells and inhibits 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 the psoriasis plaques.

Salicyclic acid is a type of medicine known as a keratolytic. It works by breaking down keratin, a protein that forms part of the skin structure. This helps the skin cells shed from the treated area and helps reduce the thickening and scaling of the psoriasis plaques.

Coal tar has anti-inflammatory properties (ie reduces redness and itching) and also acts as a keratolytic.

There is only a low strength of dithranol in Psorin ointment (0.11%). Unlike other dithranol-containing medicines (see end of factsheet), this means that the ointment can be used twice a day and does not need to be washed off a short-time after applying it.

Psorin ointment should be applied every morning and evening to the affected areas of skin only. Rub it into the affected areas thoroughly. For the first seven days you should apply the ointment thinly. If no redness occurs, you can then start to apply it more liberally if needed.

The daily treatment should be continued until the psoriasis plaques have cleared up, as long as your skin doesn't become irritated by the ointment.

What is it used for?

Psoriasis

Warning!

Before you start treating your psoriasis with this ointment, it is recommended that you test how your skin reacts to it first. Apply a small amount of the ointment to a small area of skin and leave for 24 hours. If there is no major reaction after this time, full treatment can be started.

Follow the instructions provided with this medicine carefully. Psorin ointment should only be applied to the areas of skin affected by psoriasis, as it could irritate the surrounding normal skin. Take care to avoid getting the cream on normal healthy skin and avoid contact with the eyes and face. You should wash your hands thoroughly immediately after applying the cream, or wear gloves to apply it.

Stop using this medicine and consult your doctor if your skin gets irritated after using it.

You should avoid spending long periods of time in direct sunlight while you are using this medicine on your skin.

Not to be used in

Unstable psoriasis, where the skin is hot to the touch and itchy and tends to get worse in sunlight

Pustular psoriasis

Inflamed, broken, blistered, raw or oozing areas of skin

Skin on the face, genitals, flexures or in skin folds.

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.

The safety of this medicine for use during pregnancy has not been established. It should only be used by pregnant women if clearly necessary. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.

Women who are breastfeeding should seek medical advice from their doctor before using this medicine. If you do use it while breastfeeding, you should not apply this ointment to the breast area, to avoid the infant accidentally ingesting it. Make sure that the ointment does not come into contact with the baby's skin or mouth.

Label warnings

This medication is to be spread thinly and sparingly on the skin.

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.

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.

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