I have just looked up the Patient leaflet online ( https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9022.pdf ) .

Dermal confirmed to us that Psoriderm Bath Additive was permanently discontinued in June 2021. They issued the following statement: It is important that people who are taking ciclosporin orally should be stabilised on a particular brand as switching between brands without close monitoring may lead to clinically important changes in ciclosporin levels in the body. Switching between brands should be carried out in consultation with a dermatologist. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before using Exorex Lotion. Dermal Laboratories regret to announce that due to supply chain and other external issues, it has not been possible to manufacture further supplies of Psoriderm Bath, which has regrettably led to the decision to discontinue the product. Coal tar makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Exposure to direct sunlight (such as sunbathing) should therefore be avoided after application of the lotion. There may be a very small increase in the risk of skin cancer in patients with psoriasis who are treated with coal tar products, but this is not proven.

Who may not be able to use coal tar

If any of the side effects gets serious, or if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet, please tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible. My own feeling is that Exorex would not harm your face,, but of course I am not a doctor or a dermatologist. BUT be vigilant for any feeling of irritation, as with any topical treatment applied to sensitive skin. You may experience skin irritation, increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight, or acne-like outbreaks of the skin.If this happens consult your doctor or pharmacist. The Deximune® brand of ciclosporin 25mg, 50mg and 100mg capsules remain available and can support an increase in demand, and alternative brands of ciclosporin capsules (Neoral®, Vanquoral®, Capsorin®, and Sandimmun®) also remain available, however these brands have limited or no availability to support an increase in demand. Take care when applying the lotion around the eyes and other sensitive areas of the body such as the mouth. If any lotion accidentally enters the eyes, rinse with water immediately.

Beiersdorf apologised for any disappointment that this discontinuation may cause and told us they recognise that the circumstances and frequency of use of emollients differ greatly by individual. As such they recommend that anyone who requires an emollient on prescription for their condition speak to their GP or Pharmacist. We apologise for any inconvenience that this may have caused and advise patients affected by the discontinuation of Dithrocream Creams to speak to their GP or dermatology specialist.' If switching between brands of ciclosporin is necessary, the individual should be monitored closely for changes in ciclosporin levels (where clinically appropriate), serum creatinine, blood pressure, disease control, and adverse events. Propyl hydroxybenzoate (E216) and methyl hydroxybenzoate (E218) may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed).The higher strengths of Dithrocream 0.25%, 0.5% and 1%, were discontinued in May 2021. The lowest strength, Dithrocream 0.1%, has now also been discontinued. Instead, Beiersdorf has relaunched the products with new formulations, under the names Eucerin UreaRepair ORIGINAL 10% Urea Cream and Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 10% Urea Body Lotion. However, these two new products have been registered as ‘cosmetic’ rather than as medicines which means that, unlike the previous Cream and Lotion, neither Eucerin UreaRepair ORIGINAL 10% Urea Cream or Eucerin UreaRepair PLUS 10% Urea Body Lotion is available on prescription. Dermal Laboratories regret to announce that due to supply chain and other external issues, it has not been possible to manufacture further supplies of Dithrocream (dithranol cream), which has regrettably led to the decision to discontinue the product.

The alternative coal tar products in the Psoriderm Range, Psoriderm Cream and Psoriderm Scalp Lotion Shampoo, remain available. We apologise for any inconvenience that this may have caused and advise patients affected by the discontinuation of Psoriderm Bath to speak to their GP or dermatology specialist.”

Coal tar and fertility

About Exorex Creams, Lotion & Treatments for Psoriasis Give your skin the right treatment with Exorex from Chemist Direct Be careful when applying the lotion around the eyes and other sensitive areas of the body such as the mouth. If any lotion accidentally enters the eyes, rinse with water immediately. " Dermal clarified that the higher strengths of Dithrocream (0.25%, 0.5% and 1%) had already been discontinued, but the 0.1% strength would remain available until Autumn 2022.

Hydrogenated polyoxyl castor oil may cause skin reactions. Methyl and propyl hydroxybenzoates may cause allergic reactions that might be delayed." If any Exorex Lotion is accidentally swallowed call your doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital accident and emergency department. Take the bottle with you so that the product may be easily identified. Ciclosporin remains a popular treatment option for moderate to severe psoriasis, and so it is likely that any impact on supply will be felt particularly in areas of the treatment pathway which rely on individuals having tried methotrexateor ciclosporin before consideration of a biologic, and also in women of childbearing age where ciclosporin can be used (including, where necessary, in pregnancy).