How and when to use coal tar - Brand names: Alphosyl, Exorex, Neutrogena, Polytar, Psoriderm

Dosage and strength

Coal tar comes in different strengths:

• shampoo and scalp lotions contain 1% to 5% coal tar
• cream and ointments contain 1% to 12% coal tar
• bath liquid (emulsion additive) contains up to 40% coal tar

To find out how much coal tar to use and how often, follow the instructions from your pharmacist or doctor, or check the product label.

How to use it

Always use the recommended amount of coal tar. Do not use it for longer than recommended.

Do not use coal tar together with other skin treatments unless your doctor tells you to.

How to use cream or ointment

Coal tar is available as a cream and ointment.

Cream is better for skin that is moist or weepy. Ointment is thicker and greasier, and is better for dry or flaky areas of skin.

Sometimes, the amount of coal tar cream or ointment you need to use is given in fingertip units. This is the amount you can squeeze onto the end of your finger.

A fingertip unit is generally enough to treat both sides of your hand.

For children, the right amount of cream or ointment depends on their age. A doctor or pharmacist can advise you.

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Mark Thomas/Science Photo Library https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/463425/view

1. Wash your hands.
2. Squeeze out a fingertip unit of cream or ointment.
3. Carefully smooth the cream or ointment in a thin layer over the affected area.
4. Be careful not to get the cream or ointment onto broken skin or cuts.
5. Wash your hands afterwards.

If you need to use a dressing, like a bandage or plaster, wait at least 10 minutes after putting on coal tar cream or ointment.

Use once or twice a day or as recommended by a doctor.

Some creams, like Psoriderm, should only be used on the particular type of skin condition that they're recommended for. Check the packet or ask your doctor or pharmacist.

How to use shampoo

1. Wet your hair thoroughly.
2. Use enough shampoo to lather your hair, scalp and immediately surrounding areas if they're also affected.
3. Using your fingertips, massage your scalp and affected areas well.
4. Rinse off the shampoo thoroughly with water.
5. Repeat steps 2 to 4.
6. Wash and rinse your hands.

Coal tar shampoo should be in contact with your scalp for between 3 and 5 minutes.

Use once or twice a week or as recommended by a doctor.

How to use scalp lotion

1. Shake the bottle thoroughly before each use.
2. Wash your hands.
3. Unscrew the bottle cap and place the nozzle directly on your scalp.
4. Gently squeeze the bottle to cover the scalp area with a thin and even layer of liquid.
5. Do not use more than the recommended amount and try not to get it into your eyes.
6. Massage the area gently with your fingertips.
7. Leave the treatment to dry for 1 hour. Your scalp will feel cool while the liquid is drying.
8. Wash the scalp lotion out with warm water.
9. Wash your hands straight after use.

For children and older people, the liquid can be diluted. Boil and cool some water. Pour the recommended amount of scalp treatment into the palm of your hand and add a few drops of the cooled water. Apply the mixture to the scalp and massage. Continue with steps 7, 8 and 9.

How often you use the scalp lotion depends on your symptoms. If they are mild, use it once a week. If your symptoms are more severe, use it daily for the first 3 to 7 days then reduce to once a week.

How to use bath liquid (emulsion additive)

1. Add 30ml of the liquid to a bath of warm water.
2. Get into the bath and soak for 5 to 20 minutes. Check your medicine instructions for information on how long to soak for.
3. The bathtub may be slippery, so take care when getting out.
4. Pat your skin dry with a soft towel. Avoid rubbing with the towel as this can make your skin condition worse.

Use this as your doctor tells you and always follow the instructions that come with your medicine. This will help to prevent your symptoms coming back.

If you forget to use it

If you forget to use coal tar, use it as soon as you remember, unless you do not remember until it's nearly time to use it again. In this case, just wait and use it at the usual time.

Do not use double the amount to make up for a missed use.

If you use too much

Using more than the recommended amount of coal tar is unlikely to harm you but it may increase the risk of skin irritation. Speak to your pharmacist if you're worried.

If you put on too much cream or ointment, wipe off the extra with a tissue.

If you use too much scalp lotion, rinse your hair with water.