Psorin scalp gel

How does it work?

Psorin scalp gel contains two active ingredients: dithranol and salicylic acid. These are 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.

Dithranol can irritate and stain the skin, so the treatment is usually only applied for a short time every day. This is called 'short contact therapy'.

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. It can also help the dithranol to penetrate into the lower layers of skin.

When starting treatment, Psorin scalp gel should be applied on alternate days to the affected areas of scalp and washed off after 10 to 20 minutes. As treatment progresses, you can use the gel every day and, if necessary, build up to leaving it on the scalp for up to an hour before washing off.

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

What is it used for?

Psoriasis of the scalp

Warning!

Before you start treating your psoriasis with this scalp gel, it is recommended that you test how your skin reacts to it first. Apply a small amount of the gel 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 scalp gel should only be applied to the areas of skin affected by psoriasis, as it can irritate the surrounding normal skin. Take care to avoid getting the gel on normal healthy skin and avoid contact with the eyes and face. You should wash your hands thoroughly immediately after applying the gel, or wear gloves to apply it.

The gel should be washed off after 10 to 20 minutes initially, but it can be left on for up to an hour as treatment progresses. The gel should be washed off using warm water and shampoo in a bath or shower.

Take care that the gel doesn't get into the eyes or on the face when washing it out of the hair. If you accidentally get the gel in the eyes or on the face, wash it off with plenty of lukewarm water.

Dithranol stains skin and hair. This is not harmful and will gradually fade within one to two weeks after you stop using the gel. To avoid staining the bath or shower, always rinse it with hot water after you have washed off your gel. If any deposits of dithranol are left on the surface of the bath or shower you can use a suitable cleanser to remove them.

Dithranol may also stain fabric such as clothing, bed linen and furniture. This staining may be permanent, so when using the gel, wear old clothes that you don't mind getting stained.

Dithranol can cause skin irritation, such as redness or a burning sensation. If any irritation becomes severe, leave the gel on for a shorter length of time, or use it less frequently. If any skin irritation persists, or if you get irritation of the healthy skin around the psoriasis, stop using the gel and consult your doctor.

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.

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 make sure that the gel 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 scalp.

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.

Redness or burning sensation of the treated skin or the surrounding skin

Brownish staining of the treated skin or the surrounding skin (this will disappear within one to two weeks after finishing treatment)

Temporary staining of hair

Allergic skin rash.

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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