Common questions about Psoriderm (FAQ)
Q: What is Psoriderm cream/ointment actually used for?
A: According to official product information, Psoriderm products that contain distilled coal tar (such as the cream, ointment, and bath additive) are indicated for the topical treatment of sub-acute and chronic plaque psoriasis. These various forms are specifically designed to be applied to affected skin and the scalp.
Q: How quickly does Psoriderm start to make a difference on skin patches?
A: Regulatory documents do not specify an exact onset of action. However, official guidance for the coal tar formulations advises that if a lack of improvement is seen after four weeks of use, this is generally considered a reason for discontinuation.
Q: Can Psoriderm be used for types of eczema, or is it only for psoriasis?
A: The officially approved use (the regulatory indication) for Psoriderm is the treatment of psoriasis. While the active ingredients target inflammation, the official indications for Psoriderm products do not explicitly list the treatment of other conditions like eczema.
Q: Does Psoriderm make skin more sensitive to sunlight?
A: Yes, official safety information states that skin photosensitivity (meaning increased sensitivity to sunlight) can occur rarely as a side effect. Official safety documents indicate that if photosensitivity occurs, treatment should generally be stopped, and further guidance should be sought.
Q: What is the maximum amount of Psoriderm Clobetasol Propionate solution that can be applied per week?
A: For the Psoriderm Clobetasol Propionate solution, official guidelines strictly limit the total amount used to no more than 50 mL/grams per week. Regulatory documents do not typically translate this maximum dosage into a specific percentage of the total body surface area that can be treated.
Q: Can using Psoriderm for a long time thin the skin?
A: For the highly potent Psoriderm Clobetasol Propionate solution, official constraints limit therapy to no more than two consecutive weeks. This short treatment duration is officially constrained due to the drug’s high potency, which helps to mitigate potential adverse effects.
Q: Why is Psoriderm sometimes recommended for scalp psoriasis?
A: Psoriderm is suitable for the scalp because certain formulations, such as the Scalp Lotion Shampoo, are specifically indicated for hair-bearing areas. The liquid vehicle is designed to allow the active ingredient to reach the skin through the hair, aiming for uniform coverage.
Q: Why does Psoriderm have a distinct smell?
A: The distinct and characteristic odour of certain Psoriderm products is associated with the active ingredient, distilled coal tar. This smell is inherent to coal tar, which is the key therapeutic component in the cream, ointment, and bath additive formulations.
Q: What's the main ingredient in Psoriderm that helps with skin flare-ups?
A: The main active ingredient depends on the product. The very potent Psoriderm Clobetasol Propionate solution contains the corticosteroid Clobetasol propionate. Other Psoriderm products, such as the cream and shampoo, rely on distilled coal tar as their primary active ingredient.
Q: What is the difference between Psoriderm and coal tar shampoos?
A: Psoriderm coal tar products are regulated medicinal products with a specific strength of distilled coal tar. Other key features are the unique excipients (inactive ingredients) used in the formulation. These details are outlined in the official product information.
Q: Is it normal for the skin to feel slightly warm or stingy right after applying Psoriderm?
A: Official regulatory documents state that skin irritation is a possible adverse reaction. If this feeling is persistent or severe, official safety guidance suggests discontinuing use and seeking further professional guidance.
Q: Can Psoriderm be used on the face or sensitive skin areas?
A: The regulatory warnings advise that the product should be kept away from highly sensitive areas such as the eyes, mouth, nose, genital, and rectal areas. This is due to the potential for irritation in these areas.
Q: What is the purpose of the bath oil version of Psoriderm?
A: The Psoriderm Emulsion Bath Additive is an oil formulation designed to be added to bath water. Its purpose is to assist in the treatment of sub-acute and chronic plaque psoriasis affecting large areas of the body.
Q: Do you need to wash off Psoriderm after a certain amount of time?
A: Yes, depending on the formulation. The Scalp Lotion Shampoo and Bath Additive require rinsing or a soak time, respectively. The shampoo must be left on for a few minutes then rinsed out; the bath additive requires soaking for about five minutes, followed by patting the skin dry.
Q: Can Psoriderm help with the itchiness of psoriasis?
A: Official information for the coal tar products notes that the active ingredient, distilled coal tar, is generally included in treatments for its ability to help soothe irritated skin and relieve itching associated with psoriasis.
Q: What is the shelf life of Psoriderm after opening the tube?
A: Official storage instructions state the medicine must be used before the expiry date printed on the packaging. While a dedicated 'in-use' shelf life after opening is not always specified, directions mandate that the cap must always be replaced tightly after use to maintain product integrity.
Q: Why do people sometimes find Psoriderm messy to use?
A: Psoriderm products may be perceived as messy because staining of the skin, hair, or fabrics can occur in rare cases. This staining is a known effect of coal tar preparations.
Q: Does Psoriderm contain parabens or other preservatives?
A: Official regulatory documents list all of the product’s excipients (non-active ingredients). These lists confirm that the formulations may contain other substances, such as the preservative phenoxyethanol.
Q: Is it true that Psoriderm can sometimes cause acne or folliculitis?
A: Official safety information states that acne-like eruptions can occur rarely as an adverse reaction. Folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles) is not specifically listed as a common reported side effect in the official documents.
Q: How does Psoriderm help reduce inflammation?
A: The Clobetasol Propionate solution is a very potent corticosteroid used to reduce localized inflammation. The coal tar products are also noted to have mild anti-inflammatory properties and influence the body's local immune response in the skin.
Q: Are there any long-term health concerns associated with Psoriderm use?
A: Regulatory documents include constraints on use to manage potential risks, such as limiting the Clobetasol solution treatment to two consecutive weeks. There is also a Special Safety Warning regarding the fire hazard associated with product residue on fabrics, and users are advised of the necessary precautions related to fire safety.
Q: Do I need to avoid showering or bathing immediately after applying Psoriderm?
A: The instructions for creams and ointments generally state to apply the medicine and then wash your hands. The product is generally expected to remain on the skin to be effective, which is why immediate washing of the treated area is typically avoided, although an explicit waiting period is not always specified in the directions.
Q: Can applying too much Psoriderm cause side effects?
A: Official instructions for the Clobetasol solution advise using only the minimum quantity needed to cover the area. For the coal tar cream, regulatory documents state that if excess is applied, it should simply be removed with a tissue.
Q: Is it normal for the skin to get worse after starting Psoriderm?
A: If a user's skin condition appears to look or feel worse, official patient information advises discontinuing use and seeking further guidance. If there is no improvement after four weeks of using the coal tar products, treatment should also be stopped.
Q: Why is it important to wash hands thoroughly after applying Psoriderm?
A: The directions for use state to always wash your hands after application. This is a standard safety measure intended to prevent accidentally transferring the active ingredients to sensitive areas like the eyes, mouth, or other untreated skin.
Q: What percentage of the active ingredient is in Psoriderm?
A: The active ingredient strength varies by product. The Psoriderm Clobetasol Propionate solution is 0.05%. The Psoriderm Cream contains 6.0% w/w distilled coal tar, and the Scalp Lotion Shampoo contains 2.5% w/v distilled coal tar.
Q: Can Psoriderm be used under occlusion (bandages or wraps)?
A: For the Psoriderm Clobetasol Propionate solution, official instructions state that the treated area must not be covered with occlusive dressings, bandages, or wraps unless specifically instructed by a physician. Occlusion (covering the area) is specifically constrained for the Clobetasol solution as it may affect the way the medicine works.
Q: Are there any ingredients in Psoriderm that people commonly have allergic reactions to?
A: Psoriderm is contraindicated (should not be used) if a patient has a known allergy or hypersensitivity to its active ingredients (clobetasol propionate or distilled coal tar) or any of the inactive ingredients (excipients). The excipient propylene glycol is also specifically mentioned in official documents as potentially causing skin irritation.
