Salicylic Acid+coal Tar
About Salicylic Acid+coal Tar
Salicylic Acid+coal Tar belongs to a medication called 'keratolytic agent' primarily used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis and dandruff and control seborrheic dermatitis (scaly patches and red skin on the scalp). Salicylic Acid+coal Tar reduces the hardening, thickening, and scaling of the skin. Psoriasis is a skin disorder in which skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than usual, leading to skin build-up into bumpy (uneven) red patches covered with white scales. These commonly appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
Salicylic Acid+coal Tar is composed of two medicines: Salicylic acid (peeling agent) and Coal Tar (keratoplastic). Salicylic acid is a keratolytic medicine (softens, separates, and causes desquamation (peeling) of the cornified epithelium or horny layer of skin). Salicylic acid increases moisture in the skin and dissolves the substance that causes the skin cells to stick together. It breaks down the clumps of keratin, removes dead skin cells, and softens the skin. Salicylic acid is also an anti-inflammatory agent and topical antibacterial. Coal tar belongs to a class of drugs known as keratoplastic (thickens the keratin layers). It works by removing dead cells from the skin’s top layer and slowing the growth of skin cells. This effect reduces scaling and dryness, thereby alleviating itchiness associated with various skin conditions.
Salicylic Acid+coal Tar is for topical use only (for skin application). Salicylic Acid+coal Tar has common side effects, including warmth, a burning sensation, skin irritation, itching, and redness at the application site. The burning sensation typically lasts for five minutes after application. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and usually resolve on their own over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, please consult your doctor.
Let your doctor know if you have any allergic reactions to Salicylic Acid+coal Tar or other medications. Do not apply a dressing or bandage to the affected area unless instructed to do so by a doctor. Please consult your doctor before using Salicylic Acid+coal Tar if you have kidney or liver disease, folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease), broken or infected skin, diabetes, poor blood circulation, or other skin infections. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before starting Salicylic Acid+coal Tar.
Uses of Salicylic Acid+coal Tar
• Treatment of Psoriasis: Salicylic Acid+coal Tar can help reduce the symptoms of psoriasis, such as scaling, inflammation, and erythema, by promoting skin shedding and reducing excessive cell growth.
• Management of Eczema: The anti-inflammatory properties of the Salicylic Acid+coal Tar can soothe irritated skin, provide relief from itching, and heal dry, flaky patches associated with eczema.
• Relief from Dermatitis: Salicylic Acid+coal Tar can be effective in treating various forms of dermatitis, including contact dermatitis, by reducing inflammation and the associated discomfort.
• Control of Seborrheic Dermatitis: Salicylic Acid+coal Tar can help manage seborrheic dermatitis, particularly on the scalp, by alleviating flaking and scaling while providing moisture to the affected area.
• Soothing Minor Skin Irritations: Salicylic Acid+coal Tar can help treat minor skin irritations or rashes caused by various factors, promoting healing and reducing itchiness and redness.
Medicinal Benefits
Salicylic Acid+coal Tar consists of Salicylic acid (peeling agent) and Coal Tar (keratoplastic). It is used to treat psoriasis and control seborrheic dermatitis (scaly patches and red skin on the scalp). Salicylic acid is a keratolytic medicine that increases skin moisture and dissolves the substances that cause skin cells to stick together, thereby breaking down clumps of keratin (a hair protein), removing dead skin cells, and softening the skin. Coal tar is a keratoplastic (thickens the keratin layers) agent that causes the shedding of dead cells from the skin’s top layer and slows down skin cells' growth, decreasing scaling and dryness, and relieving itchiness.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Work the soap into a nice lather and apply it to the affected areas with your hands. Gently massage in circular motions and rinse off with clean water.
- For external use only.
Storage
Side Effects of Salicylic Acid+coal Tar
- Burning sensation
- Skin irritation
- Itching
- Redness at the application site
Drug Warnings
Do not use skin products containing ammoniated mercury on the same affected areas that have been treated with Salicylic Acid+coal Tar. Doing so can cause a foul odour, skin irritation, and black stain on the skin. Salicylic Acid+coal Tar may temporarily discolour blond, bleached, or tinted hair. Before using Salicylic Acid+coal Tar, inform your doctor if you have a history of kidney or liver diseases, folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease), broken or infected skin, diabetes, poor blood circulation, other skin infections, and allergic reactions to Salicylic Acid+coal Tar and other medicines. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before starting Salicylic Acid+coal Tar.Do not apply a dressing or bandage to the affected area unless instructed to do so by a doctor. Do not go near naked flames since the fabric that comes in contact with Salicylic Acid+coal Tar may burn easily. Washing the fabric may decrease the risk, but it does not delete the product.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Salicylic Acid+coal Tar may interact with other dermatological medicines (adapalene, isotretinoin, tazarotene), psoriasis medicines (methoxsalen), tumour-treating drugs (porfimer), and eye-related medicines (verteporfin).
Drug-Food Interaction: No drug-food interactions found/ established. However, avoiding fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine can effectively manage infections.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Brief your doctor if you have a medical history of kidney/liver diseases, folliculitis, lupus erythematosus, broken or infected skin, diabetes, poor blood circulation, other skin infections, and allergic reactions.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
safe if prescribedNo interactions were found. Please consult your doctor before using Salicylic Acid+coal Tar.
Pregnancy
cautionIt is not known if Salicylic Acid+coal Tar affects pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you are planning to conceive or are already pregnant before starting Salicylic Acid+coal Tar.
Breast Feeding
cautionThere is limited data on how Salicylic Acid+coal Tar affects breastfeeding. Please consult your doctor before starting Salicylic Acid+coal Tar.
Driving
safe if prescribedSalicylic Acid+coal Tar has negligible influence on the ability to drive or use machines.
Liver
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of liver diseases or hepatic impairment before using Salicylic Acid+coal Tar.
Kidney
cautionLet your doctor know if you have any history of kidney diseases before using Salicylic Acid+coal Tar.
Children
safe if prescribedSalicylic Acid+coal Tar is to be used only on children below 12 years of age when prescribed by a doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Use mild soap when taking baths, and opt for warm baths.
- Always wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid further sweat and the spread of the fungal infection.
- Regularly change your socks and wash your feet. Avoid wearing shoes that cause your feet to sweat and feel hot.
- Do not walk barefoot at places like gym showers to prevent infections.
- Do not scratch the affected area of the skin, as this can spread the infection to other parts of the body.
- Avoid sharing towels, combs, bed sheets, shoes or socks with others.
- Wash your bedsheets and towels regularly.
- Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.
- Avoid scratching or picking at your skin to prevent the affected area from becoming infected.
- Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and get a good night's sleep.
Special Advise
- Contact your doctor if the infection symptoms persist or worsen after two weeks of treatment. Before applying Salicylic Acid+coal Tar, clean and dry the affected area.
- Avoid contacting Salicylic Acid+coal Tar with the nose, mouth, or eyes. If Salicylic Acid+coal Tar accidentally comes into contact with these areas, rinse thoroughly with water.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Psoriasis: It is a skin disorder in which skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than usual, leading to skin build-up into bumpy (uneven) red patches covered with white scales. These most commonly appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.
Seborrheic dermatitis: The skin disease causes scaly patches and red skin, mainly on the scalp. It can cause stubborn dandruff.
FAQs
Salicylic Acid+coal Tar is used for the treatment of Psoriasis and Seborrheic dermatitis.
Salicylic Acid+coal Tar consists of Salicylic acid and Coal tar, which helps treat skin conditions like psoriasis, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis. Salicylic Acid+coal Tar works by shedding the outer layer of skin, removing dead skin cells, and softening the skin.
Salicylic Acid+coal Tar is for topical (for skin) use only. Do not apply Salicylic Acid+coal Tar on mucous membranes, lesions, or large areas of skin. If the medicine gets into your eyes, nose or mouth, rinse with cold water.
Please inform your doctor if you have any kidney or liver diseases, folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease), diabetes, poor blood circulation, broken or infected skin, and other skin infections before using Salicylic Acid+coal Tar.
It is not advised to stop using Salicylic Acid+coal Tar even after your symptoms are relieved. You should complete the full course of treatment. You may experience improvement in your symptoms, but the disease may not be completely cured.
Do not use any skin products containing ammoniated mercury on the same affected area as this Salicylic Acid+coal Tar. Doing so can cause a foul odour, skin irritation, and black stain of skin. Salicylic Acid+coal Tar may temporarily discolour blond, bleached, or tinted hair.
