Dersol 18% Ointment belongs to the class of medication called ‘keratolytic agent' primarily used for peeling and shedding the outer layer of the skin in the condition of acne (pimple) and psoriasis. Dersol 18% Ointment possesses comedolytic (inhibits the formation of blemishes) and anti-inflammatory activity. Acne is a skin condition that occurs when the hair follicles become plugged with oil and dead skin cells. 

Dersol 18% Ointment contains ‘Salicylic acid’ that treats conditions of psoriasis and acne by reducing inflammation (swelling and redness) and unplugging blocked skin pores to allow pimples to shrink. Dersol 18% Ointment increases the turnover rate of upper skin cells, which eventually helps in peeling and shedding off the dead skin, thereby treating comedones (skin-coloured, small bumps due to acne). 

Dersol 18% Ointment is for external use only. Use it in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Common side effects of Dersol 18% Ointment include dry skin, erythema (skin redness), burning sensation, skin irritation and skin rash. Most of these side effects of Dersol 18% Ointment do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. If these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor. 

Avoid contact with eyes, eyelids, lips, mouth and nose. If the medicine comes in contact with any of these areas, rinse with water immediately. Do not use Dersol 18% Ointment on sunburned, windburned, dry or irritated skin. Dersol 18% Ointment can make the skin more sensitive to the sunlight; hence always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors. Care should be taken while applying Dersol 18% Ointment on sensitive areas, such as the neck. Avoid Dersol 18% Ointment contact with hair or fabrics since it has bleaching properties.

Dersol 18% Ointment contains ‘Salicylic acid’ used to treat acne (pimples) by exfoliating the skin and keeping pores clear. It is an organic compound with an irritant, keratolytic (removes warts and calluses), comedolytic (inhibits the formation of blemishes) and anti-inflammatory activity. Dersol 18% Ointment reduces inflammation and unplugs blocked pores (whiteheads) or open pores (blackheads). Dersol 18% Ointment increases the upper layer of skin cells' turnover rate, which eventually helps in peeling the skin and treating comedones (skin-coloured, small bumps due to acne). Dersol 18% Ointment also has a mild drying effect that allows excess oils and dirt to be washed away from the skin. Dersol 18% Ointment is also used to treat skin conditions that involve scaling or overgrowths of skin cells, such as psoriasis (a skin disease in which red, scaly patches form on some body areas), ichthyoses (inborn conditions that cause skin dryness and scaling) and prevention of dandruff in the scalp area. 

• ​​​​​​Dry skin
• Erythema (skin redness)
• Skin irritation
• Slight tingling sensation
• Skin rash
• Dizziness

Do not use Dersol 18% Ointment if you are allergic to any of its contents. It is essential to let your doctor know if you are pregnant, planning to conceive or are a breastfeeding mother. Dersol 18% Ointment may be flammable. Please do not smoke while using Dersol 18% Ointment or go near smoke or fire as it is inflammable in nature. Let your doctor know if you have any liver, kidney, gastrointestinal or heart diseases before using Dersol 18% Ointment. Please inform your doctor if you are using any other medications, including vitamins and herbal supplements. Dersol 18% Ointment can make the skin more sensitive in the sunlight; hence always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors. It is recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Do not apply Dersol 18% Ointment on irritated and sunburned skin. Please limit the use of products that contain large amounts of alcohol (astringents, shaving creams, or after-shave lotions), hair removal products and products containing lime or spices while using Dersol 18% Ointment. 

Drug-Drug Interaction: Dersol 18% Ointment may interact with other drugs used to treat acne (adapalene, alitretinoin, bexarotene, isotretinoin, tazarotene, tretinoin, trifarotene).

Drug-Food Interaction: No interaction found/established.

Drug-Disease Interaction: No interaction found/established.

• ADAPALENE
• ALITRETINOIN
• BEXAROTENE
• ISOTRETINOIN
• TAZAROTENE
• TRETINOIN
• TRIFAROTENE

• Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths.
• Avoid harsh products on your skin.
• Do not scratch or pick your skin to avoid getting the affected area infected.
• Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly and get plenty of sleep.
• Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.

• Consult your dermatologist if you do not notice any improvement after 4-6 weeks of treatment with Dersol 18% Ointment.

• If the acne doesn't improve, ultrasound scanning of the abdomen is advised to check if there is any possibility of PCOD (polycystic ovarian disease).

Acne (pimple): It is a skin condition caused when the hair follicles are plugged with oil and dead skin cells. Whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, cysts and nodules are types of acne. It commonly occurs in teenagers though all age groups are affected.

Psoriasis: It is a severe immune-mediated skin problem which causes skin cells to divide abnormally. It is characterized by dry, itchy, white scales covering and red bumpy patches. It is non-contagious in nature and does not spread from person to person.