Psoriderm Scalp Lotion Shampoo

Psoriderm Scalp Lotion is a medicated shampoo for treating scalp psoriasis – a skin condition that causes raised, red, itchy patches on your head, often covered with silvery-white flakes (scales) . It contains the active ingredient distilled coal tar at a strength of 2.5% . Coal tar has been used for hundreds of years to treat scaly skin conditions, and it is still widely recommended by doctors today . Psoriderm is available without a prescription from pharmacies and is suitable for adults, the elderly, and children . It is different from a standard anti-dandruff shampoo because it is designed specifically for the thicker scaling and inflammation of psoriasis, not just ordinary dandruff.

This is an interesting question because scientists don't fully understand exactly how coal tar works – it is made up of thousands of different compounds, so its effects are complex . What we do know is that coal tar does several useful things: Slows down skin cell growth. In psoriasis, skin cells reproduce much too quickly, building up into thick scales. Coal tar is absorbed into the cells and slows down this excessive cell division . Reduces inflammation and itching. Coal tar has mild anti-inflammatory and anti-itch effects, which calm the redness and discomfort . Helps shed scales by breaking down a protein called keratin, which is a major part of the skin's structure. This helps the thick, dead skin cells loosen and fall away . The shampoo also contains a second ingredient called lecithin, which softens the psoriasis scales and helps the coal tar absorb into the skin more effectively .

Using Psoriderm is straightforward, but following the steps correctly makes a big difference. For the best results, aim to use it daily at first, then reduce to once or twice a week as your scalp improves . Here is the step-by-step method: Wet your hair thoroughly with warm water. Apply a small amount of the shampoo directly to your scalp. For short hair, use about the size of a fifty pence piece; use a bit more for longer or thicker hair . Massage it in gently until you have a good, rich lather. Leave it on your scalp for a few minutes – this is really important because the coal tar needs time to work. A good rule is to use it at the start of your shower and let it sit while you wash your body. Remove the excess lather with your hands before rinsing thoroughly with warm water. If necessary, repeat the process for an even richer lather . After you have finished the treatment phase and your scalp is looking and feeling better, you can cut back to using it once or twice a week to stop the psoriasis from coming back . Many people find that occasional use – perhaps once every week or two – is enough to keep things under control.

The official advice is to use Psoriderm daily if you need to at first, then reduce the frequency to once or twice a week as your condition improves . One important rule: if you have seen no improvement after 4 weeks, or if your scalp seems to be getting worse, stop using the shampoo and speak to your doctor or pharmacist . This four-week check is there because if a coal tar shampoo is going to work for you, you should usually see some progress by that point. If you don't, it might mean your psoriasis is too severe for over‑the‑counter treatment and needs stronger prescription medicines such as steroid scalp applications or vitamin D analogues. Continuing with something that isn't working will not help and just delays getting the right treatment.

Yes, Psoriderm can be used during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. The ingredients have been in widespread use in this and similar preparations for many years without reports of problems . Having said that, no formal safety trials have been conducted, so if you want to be extra cautious, you can speak to your doctor or midwife before starting it. The amount of coal tar that gets absorbed through the scalp and into your bloodstream is very small, so the risk is considered extremely low. This makes Psoriderm a much safer choice for scalp psoriasis during pregnancy than many prescription steroid treatments, which doctors prefer to avoid if possible.

Serious side effects are rare, but a few things can happen. You should stop using Psoriderm and speak to a doctor if you experience skin irritation, acne-like spots on the scalp, or a sudden sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity) . A common complaint is staining. Psoriderm can stain skin, hair, or fabric a yellowish colour, so be careful around towels, pillowcases, and light-coloured clothing . The staining is not harmful and will wash out of skin and hair over time, but it can be annoying. To avoid ruining your towels, you might want to use old, dark-coloured towels while you are using this shampoo, especially in the first few weeks. Another thing to be aware of is that coal tar can make your skin more sensitive to the sun. For at least several weeks after using Psoriderm, try to keep your scalp covered or use a high‑SPF sunscreen on any exposed areas if you are going to be outdoors for long periods.

You should not use Psoriderm if: Your psoriasis is sore and angry-looking (very inflamed). You have pustular psoriasis – a rare and more serious type where the skin develops small, pus-filled blisters. The skin on your scalp is infected or has open sores/broken areas . You should also avoid getting the undiluted shampoo or the lather in your eyes, mouth, or inside your nose. If it does get into your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with cool, clean water . If you are allergic to any of the other ingredients listed on the bottle (such as preservatives or fragrances), you should not use it.

Coal tar shampoos like Psoriderm are designed for the dry, scaly, raised patches of chronic plaque psoriasis – the most common form, where the skin is red and flaky but not actively weeping or infected . On sore, angry psoriasis, the skin barrier is more damaged than usual, which means the shampoo could be absorbed more than intended and could cause stinging, burning or irritation instead of helping. On pustular psoriasis, the skin is very tender, inflamed and blistered. In that situation, the condition is unstable and could be made much worse by any irritating topical treatment. Pustular psoriasis often requires urgent medical attention and stronger prescription treatments such as acitretin or ciclosporin – not over‑the‑counter shampoos.

This is a concern that comes up from time to time. The short answer is: topical coal tar products like Psoriderm are considered safe for treating scalp psoriasis. There have been studies suggesting that very high occupational exposure to coal tar (for example, in workers handling industrial coal tar for many years) might be linked to a slightly increased risk of certain cancers. However, the distilled coal tar used in medical shampoos is much more refined than industrial coal tar, and the amount absorbed through the skin from occasional use on the scalp is extremely low. The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has reviewed the evidence repeatedly over the years and has not placed any cancer warnings on coal tar shampoos for normal use. Millions of people have used them for decades, and no increased cancer risk has been shown in the general population. Nevertheless, if you are concerned, you can speak to your doctor. But for standard use – a few times a week for a few weeks – most dermatologists consider Psoriderm very safe.

Yes, you can, but be sensible about it. After using Psoriderm, you can use a conditioner as normal – this can actually help with any dryness that medicated shampoos sometimes cause. However, there are a couple of things to keep in mind: Hair dye: The staining effect of coal tar might theoretically interact with hair dye or affect the final colour, especially on bleached or very light hair. If you are planning to dye your hair, it is worth finishing your course of Psoriderm first, or leaving a gap of several washes with a normal shampoo before dyeing. Other scalp treatments: If you are using a prescription steroid scalp application (like Betnovate Scalp Application) or a vitamin D scalp treatment, you should generally apply those to a clean, dry scalp – so use Psoriderm as your shampoo, rinse well, dry your hair, and then apply the other treatment afterwards. Do not mix them together in your hand or apply them at the same time – use one after the other with a gap in between. If you are unsure, ask your pharmacist.