Why Choose Coal Tar Shampoo
Coal tar shampoo is a standard medical treatment for psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, eczema, and other skin diseases for decades. It is known to help with the hardening and thickening of the scalp skin to decelerate the growth of skin cells. It improves the composure of your hair and scalp while also reducing itching due to dead skin. Your hair will not feel dry, and the scalp will be able to shed the dead skin cells.
You can approach your physician or any pharmacist to learn more about coal tar treatment. Several brands have come up with their own coal tar shampoo product, including TeraGel, Neutrogena T/Gel Original. PC-Tar, Polytar shampoo, Doak Tar, and DHS Tar.
Indirect Immunostaining Of Skin Equivalents Or Biopsies And Keratinocyte Cultures
Indirect immunoperoxidase technique with avidin-biotin complex enhancement was used to analyze epidermal differentiation. The following antibodies were used: antibodies against filaggrin loricrin involucrin and hornerin . For translocation of AHR and NRF2 , direct immunofluorescence labeling was performed using Alexa Fluor 488 conjugate in conjunction with fluorescence microscopy, and fluorescence intensity of nuclei and cytoplasm was measured by ImageJ software. The average mean FI nucleus/cytoplasm ratio of 10 cells per experimental condition was calculated from 3 keratinocyte donors. Preincubation of 2 g AHR human recombinant protein with a 1:200 dilution of AHR antibody for 1 hour at room temperature was performed prior to incubation with the cell cultures to determine antibody specificity.
How To Use A Coal Tar Shampoo
Using a coal tar shampoo topically is not rocket science if you have successfully chosen the right one for yourself. Just follow the steps mentioned and you will have a squeaky clean mane that is free from skin problems in just no time.
Step 1: Wet your hair well with lukewarm waterStep 2: Take a generous amount of shampoo, rub it on to the scalp to work up a rich lather.Step 3: Let the shampoo sit on the scalp for a few minutesStep 4: Rinse thoroughlyStep 5: Repeat step 2 if needed.
It is advised to steer clear of direct sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning booths after the usage of a coal tar shampoo as it may make the skin sensitive and may cause sunburns or blisters.
If you suffer from scalp psoriasis, topical treatments might not be enough. You should incorporate the best coal tar shampoos in your hair care routine. These shampoos will help you get rid of excess dead skin cells present on your scalp. They will ensure healthy hair while soothing the effects caused by these skin conditions. Their antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties work wonders on your scalp. The reviewed options in the list are free from synthetic chemicals, contain organic ingredients, and are suitable for everyday use. Go through the ingredients list, user reviews, and possible side effects of the product before choosing the best coal tar shampoos. Depending on the severity of the scalp condition, use this shampoo once or twice a week.
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What Are The Disadvantages Of Coal Tar Treatment
Most patients tolerate coal tar preparations well. It may initially cause mild stinging or skin irritation as your body gets used to the medicine. However, if this continues to stop using the preparation and see your doctor.
When used on the scalp, it may temporarily discolour bleached, tinted, light blond or grey hair. Coal tar also stains skin and clothing. The stain on the skin will wear off after you have stopped using the preparation.
Coal tar may cause photosensitivity, hence the need to stay out of direct sunlight when using these preparations. In some instances, your doctor may use the Goeckerman regimen, which is a combination of coal tar with UVB phototherapy. This has been found to be particularly successful in treating psoriasis.
There is some controversy over the carcinogenic potential of coal tar. In animal studies, it has been shown to increase the chance of skin cancer. However, in human studies, an increase in the incidence of cancers has not been found after 75 years of documented use.
Can Coal Tar Shampoos Cause Cancer
Theres been a number of controversies over coal tar in recent decades.
Coal tar contains as many as 10,000 different chemicals, but only about half of these have actually been identified. Many people have expressed concern over the unknown components that could be potential carcinogens or cancer-causing substances.
In the 1990s, studies appeared apparently linking coal tar exposure to cancer in animals . A number of countries including the EU, China and Taiwan banned the use of coal tar in cosmetics as a result of these findings.
Polytar, one of the most popular coal tar shampoos at that time, was completely withdrawn. Coal tar shampoos started to disappear from the shelves.
This prompted the EU to overturn its own ruling. The FDA maintains that there is no scientific evidence that the tar in OTC products is carcinogenic.
Despite its 75-year history of documented use without any clear evidence of increased cancer risk in low doses, some skepticism remains. Formulations containing more than five percent crude coal tar are listed as carcinogenic by the World Health Organization. California still insists that coal tars treatments are labeled, Warning: This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer.
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What Drugs And Food Should I Avoid While Taking Coal Tar Topical
Do not use coal tar together with other psoriasis medications unless your doctor tells you to.
Avoid getting coal tar topical in your eyes. If this does occur, rinse with water.
Do not use coal tar to treat the skin of your groin or rectal area.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays . Coal tar can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result.
When To Speak With Your Doctor
Talk to your doctor before using tar soap to treat psoriasis. They can give you tips on how much soap to use and how often.
If you experience the symptoms of an allergic reaction while using tar soap, seek medical help immediately. Those symptoms may include:
- chest tightness
If the treated area becomes red, itchy, or irritated, or your symptoms worsen or dont improve, call your doctor as soon as possible.
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How Should I Use Coal Tar
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Apply coal tar cream, lotion, ointment, or solution according to the directions on the medication label. Some forms of coal tar may be applied 1 to 4 times per day.
To use coal tar bath oil, pour 1 to 3 capfuls into a warm bath before bathing. The oil can make the bathtub slippery. Take care to avoid a fall.
Shake the coal tar shampoo well just before each use. Use enough shampoo to create a rich lather. Massage the shampoo into your scalp and rinse thoroughly. Apply the shampoo a second time and leave it on your scalp for 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Coal tar shampoo may discolor blond or colored hair. This effect is usually temporary.
Do not use coal tar to treat large skin areas. Do not use coal tar over long periods of time without your doctor’s advice.
Some forms of coal tar can stain fabric or other surfaces.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine tightly closed when not in use.
How To Take Coal Tar Topical
Use Coal Tar Topical exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Apply coal tar cream, lotion, ointment, or solution according to the directions on the medication label. Some forms of coal tar may be applied 1 to 4 times per day.
To use coal tar bath oil, pour 1 to 3 capfuls into a warm bath before bathing. The oil can make the bathtub slippery. Take care to avoid a fall.
Shake the coal tar shampoo well just before each use. Use enough shampoo to create a rich lather. Massage the shampoo into your scalp and rinse thoroughly. Apply the shampoo a second time and leave it on your scalp for 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Coal tar shampoo may discolor blond or colored hair. This effect is usually temporary.
Do not use coal tar to treat large skin areas. Do not use coal tar over long periods of time without your doctor’s advice.
Some forms of coal tar can stain fabric or other surfaces.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine tightly closed when not in use.
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How Are People Exposed To Coal Tar And Coal
The primary routes of human exposure to coal tars and coal-tar products are inhalation, ingestion, and absorption through the skin. Exposure to coal tars and coal-tar pitches may occur at foundries and during coke production, coal gasification, and aluminum production. Other workers who may be exposed to coal-tar pitches include those who produce or use pavement tar, roofing tar, coal-tar paints, coal-tar enamels, other coal-tar coatings, or refractory bricks.
The general population may be exposed to coal tars in environmental contaminants and through the use of coal tar preparations to treat skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff.
Uses And Benefits Of Coal Tar Shampoo
When it comes to hair, we all want to make it look clean and stylized enough to make an impact. Bad hair days criminally undermine our guise, making haircare a critical part of self-care. Moreover, the treatment is not limited to the quality and thickness of our mane. It extends to the skin underneath as well. Dandruff and itchy skin diseases like psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis are commonplace and treatable with the proper medication. Coal tar shampoo is your over-the-counter safe and affordable solution to hair treatment. It belongs to a class of drugs called keratoplasty.
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Alternative And Complementary Treatments
Acupuncture: This ancient Eastern practice is based on the belief that paths of energy flow through the body. When they become blocked, your health takes a hit. By gently inserting thin needles just under the surface of your skin, energy is âunstuck,â and your health may improve.
Studies show that people with eczema who try acupuncture or acupressure get relief from itching after only a few treatments.
Relaxation techniques: Thereâs a strong link between stress and your skin. Plus, youâre prone to scratch more when your emotions are running high.
Self-hypnosis, meditation, and biofeedback therapy have all been shown to ease eczema symptoms. You may also want to see a therapist. Doing so can ease stress. It can also help you change habits or negative thought patterns that may be adding to your skin problems.
Coconut oil: It seems to lessen the amount of staph bacteria on the skin, which lowers the chance of infection. Apply it to damp skin once or twice a day. âVirginâ or âcold pressedâ coconut oils are best because they donât have chemicals that could irritate the skin.
Sunflower oil: This oil is particularly good at holding in moisture. It may also lessen inflammation. Rub it in a couple of times a day, at least once after a shower or bath to seal in moisture. Donât use it if youâre allergic to sunflower seeds.
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Original Articleno Increased Risk Of Cancer After Coal Tar Treatment In Patients With Psoriasis Or Eczema
Coal tar is an effective treatment for psoriasis and eczema, but it contains several carcinogenic compounds. Occupational and animal studies have shown an increased risk of cancer after exposure to coal tar. Many dermatologists have abandoned this treatment for safety reasons, although the risk of cancer after coal tar in dermatological practice is unclear. This large cohort study included 13,200 patients with psoriasis and eczema. Information on skin disease and treatment, risk factors, and cancer occurrence was retrieved from medical files, questionnaires, and medical registries. Proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate differences in cancer risk by treatment modality. Patients treated with coal tar were compared with a reference category of patients treated with dermatocorticosteroids . The median exposure to coal tar ointments was 6 months . Coal tar did not increase the risk of non-skin malignancies 0.92 95% confidence interval 0.781.09), or the risk of skin cancer . This study has sufficient power to show that coal tar treatment is not associated with an increased risk of cancer. These results indicate that coal tar can be maintained as a safe treatment in dermatological practice.
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What Side Effects May I Notice From Receiving This Medication
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
irritation, swelling or redness
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention :
increased sensitivity to the sun
staining of skin, nails, or clothing
stinging
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Dosages Of Coal Tar Shampoo
Shampoo
Dosage Considerations Should be Given as Follows:
Scalp Psoriasis and Seborrhea
- Apply to wet hair/scalp, lather for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly and repeat
- Application frequency depends on severity
- Age under 2 years: Safety and efficacy not established
- 2 years and older: As adults apply to wet hair/scalp, lather for several minutes, then rinse thoroughly and repeat
- Application frequency depends on severity as directed by physician
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Before Taking This Medicine
You should not use coal tar topical if you are allergic to coal tar.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have other medical conditions, especially:
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if you are allergic to any drugs or
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if you are receiving ultraviolet radiation treatment for your psoriasis.
Coal tar products may contain lanolin, mineral oil, or other emulsifiers. Check the label of any coal tar product you are using. Talk with your doctor before using coal tar if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Do not allow a young child to use this medicine without adult supervision.
What Other Drugs Will Affect Coal Tar
It is not likely that other drugs you take orally or inject will have an effect on topically applied coal tar. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
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Is There A Cancer Risk
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There is no scientific evidence that coal tar causes cancer when the concentration ranges between 0.5 and 5.0%.
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Some studies suggest that ingredients in coal tar can cause cancer when a person is exposed to very high concentrations, such as in roofing and road paving.
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Further research is needed to know whether using coal tar on the skin can cause skin cancer.
Where Should I Keep My Medication
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C . Keep container tightly closed. Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
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How Is This Medicine Best Taken
Use coal tar shampoo as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Do not take coal tar shampoo by mouth. Use on your scalp and hair only. Keep out of your mouth, nose, ears, and eyes .
- Wash your hands before and after use.
- Wet hair and scalp.
- Put on enough shampoo to make a lather.
- Lather well and leave on as you have been told.
- Rinse and put on again.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Put on a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not put on 2 doses or extra doses.
What Are Warnings And Precautions For Coal Tar Shampoo
Warnings
This medication contains coal tar shampoo. Do not take Neutrogena T/Gel Original, DHS Tar, Doak Tar, Ionil T Plus, PC-Tar, Pentrax, Polytar Shampoo, TeraGel, or Zetar if you are allergic to coal tar shampoo or any ingredients contained in this drug.
Keep out of reach of children. In case of overdose, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.
Contraindications
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Does Coal Tar Cause Cancer
Dermatologists have been prescribing coal tar for over 100 years to treat psoriasis, so experts generally consider it to be safe. However, in some places, such as California, coal tar products need to carry a cancer warning.
The cancer warning is also partly based on previous research into occupational studies focusing on individuals working with coal tar.
However, researchers have found no evidence to suggest that coal tar with a concentration of between 0.5 and 5% causes cancer.
Some studies have found that certain ingredients in coal tar can cause cancer if a person becomes exposed to very high concentrations, such as during paving roads or roofing.
People who are sensitive to the sun or take medicine that makes them more susceptible to UV light should not use coal tar.