Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid
About Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid
Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid is a topical medication used to treat chronic plaque psoriasis and other dry, scaly skin conditions. It works by reducing skin cell buildup, softening tough scales, and soothing inflammation to help clear persistent skin plaques. This treatment is specifically designed for localised skin areas that require deep, targeted action.
To get the best results, you must apply Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid consistently and exactly as directed by your doctor, typically once daily. Always apply it to clean, dry skin. Along with this medication, keeping your skin well-hydrated with gentle moisturisers and avoiding common skin irritants can greatly support your healing process.
While using Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid, you may experience some mild, expected side effects like temporary skin redness, a warm sensation, or temporary staining of the skin and hair. However, if you experience severe skin burning, blistering, or signs of an allergic reaction, stop using it and consult your doctor immediately.
Talk to your doctor before starting Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid if you have sensitive skin, kidney problems, or are prone to sunburns. Do not use this medicine if you have active skin infections, open wounds, or highly inflamed skin conditions like pustular psoriasis.
This medication can interact with other topical skin treatments or light therapies, which may increase skin sensitivity or irritation. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or an older adult, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid to ensure it is safe for your specific situation.
Uses of Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid
• Treatment of Psoriasis: Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid is often used to relieve symptoms of psoriasis, including scaling and itching. Its active ingredients work to reduce inflammation and improve the skin's appearance.
• Relief from Eczema: Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid helps soothe irritation and restore moisture to the skin, providing comfort and reducing the likelihood of flare-ups for individuals dealing with eczema.
• Management of Dermatitis: Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid may be effective in treating various forms of dermatitis, offering relief from redness and swelling while alleviating discomfort.
• Easing Itching and Inflammation: Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid is useful for reducing itching and inflammation caused by allergic reactions or irritants, making it suitable for general skin irritations.
• Soothing Dry Skin: With its emollient properties, Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid helps hydrate and soften dry skin, creating a protective barrier that retains moisture and prevents further irritation.
Medicinal Benefits
Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid helps manage scaly skin conditions by softening and removing thickened skin while improving the effectiveness of treatment. By reducing scaling and discomfort, it supports healthier-looking skin and greater daily comfort.
- Helps Remove Thick, Scaly Skin: By softening and loosening hardened skin plaques, Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid helps reduce scaling and promotes smoother, healthier skin.
- Relieves Itching and Skin Discomfort: As thickened skin is reduced, Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid helps relieve itching, irritation, and discomfort associated with conditions such as psoriasis and other hyperkeratotic skin disorders.
- Supports Better Skin Healing: By improving the penetration of medication into the affected skin, Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid helps enhance treatment effectiveness, promotes clearer skin, and supports the restoration of a healthier skin texture with regular use.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
- Take a small amount of Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid and apply it as a thin layer on the affected area of the skin as advised by the doctor.
- Wash your hands after using Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid unless the treatment is for your hands.
Storage
Side Effects of Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Temporary skin staining (yellowish-brown discoloration of skin, hair, or nails)
- Mild skin irritation, redness, or a warm sensation at the application site
- Increased sensitivity to sunlight
- Staining of clothing, bed sheets, or bathroom surfaces
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Severe skin burning, blistering, or swelling
- Signs of a skin infection (pus, severe warmth, or spreading redness)
- Severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, and difficulty breathing
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Apply a thin layer of petrolatum (Vaseline) to the healthy skin surrounding the plaque before applying Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid to protect it from irritation and staining.
- Be careful when handling the medication, as it can permanently stain clothing, bed linen, hair, plastic, and bathroom fixtures.
- Do not apply Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid to highly sensitive areas like your face, groin, armpits, or areas of skin that are broken or infected.
- Inspect the cream or ointment before each application; do not use it if the colour has changed excessively or if the tube is damaged.
- Wash your hands immediately and thoroughly with soap and warm water after every application.
Drug Interactions
- Avoid using other topical peeling products (such as those containing salicylic acid or retinoids from other sources) or other tar-containing preparations on the same skin area, as this can severely increase skin irritation and peeling.
- Consult your doctor if you are undergoing ultraviolet (UV) light therapy, as this medication can make your skin highly sensitive to light.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionThe interaction of Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid with alcohol is unknown. Please consult a doctor before consuming alcohol while using Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult a doctor if you are pregnant. Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid is given to a pregnant woman only if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionThe excretion of Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid in human milk is unknown. Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid is given to breastfeeding mothers only if the doctor thinks benefits are greater than risks. Please consult a doctor if you are breastfeeding before using Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid.
Driving
safeCoal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid usually does not affect your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid in patients with liver problems, please consult a doctor.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have any concerns regarding the use of Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid in patients with kidney problems, please consult a doctor.
Children
unsafeCoal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid is not recommended for children below 18 years as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Apply a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser regularly to keep your skin hydrated and help prevent new plaques from forming.
- Avoid known psoriasis triggers, such as high stress levels, smoking, and excessive alcohol, which can cause skin flare-ups.
- Protect treated skin areas from direct sunlight, as this medication increases your risk of sunburn. Use protective clothing when outdoors.
- Take lukewarm showers or baths instead of hot ones to avoid drying out your skin and worsening irritation.
Special Advise
You are advised to consult a dermatologist if the skin condition does not improve after 1 month of using Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid.
- Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid can produce a feeling of warmth on the skin after applying and burning, or soreness might occur. So your doctor may lower the dose recommended for you for the specific skin condition.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Psoriasis: It is a chronic (long-term) skin condition in which skin cells multiply faster than normal, resulting in white scales itchy, and dry patches on the skin. It is an autoimmune condition in which our body cells mistakenly attack skin cells causing allergic conditions like scale formation, plaques on the red patches, red, bumpy, inflamed patches of the skin.
Eczema: Eczema also known as atopic dermatitis, is a common allergic skin condition associated with infection caused by bacteria, fungi, yeast, or viruses. The main signs and symptoms include itchy and dry skin. Intense itchiness and scratching make the skin red, chafed, and thick. There is also leaky skin barrier that allows water to leak out, thereby making the skin dry.
FAQs
Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid is used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It helps to reduce swelling, itching, and redness and remove dead skin cells.
Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid contains Dithranol, Salicylic acid and Coal tar. Dithranol, also known as Anthralin, is an antipsoriatic drug that works by slowing down the production of skin cells. Salicylic acid and Coal tar are keratolytic agents that work by breaking down a protein known as keratin (that forms part of skin structure) and removes dead skin cells and softens skin. Together, they help in reducing the thickening and scaling of psoriasis plaques.
You are not recommended to use Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid if you have unstable psoriasis (a severe type of psoriasis in which skin appears almost sunburned) where the skin is itchy and hot to touch and worsens in sunlight as it may worsen the condition. However, please consult a doctor before taking Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid.
No, psoriasis is not contagious (cannot spread from person to person).
Yes, Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid may sometime cause irritation of the skin at the site of application as a temporary side effect. However, if the irritation persists or worsens, please consult a doctor.
You are recommended to use Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid for as long as your doctor has recommended. However, if the condition persists or worsens after one week of treatment with Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid, please consult a doctor.
The common side effects of Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid include skin irritation and staining. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will gradually resolve. However, if they persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid should not be used for pimples. It is not recommended for regular pimple treatment due to its potent ingredients, which may irritate sensitive skin areas like the face. Please consult your doctor or a dermatologist for further assistance.
You should avoid applying Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid to open wounds, as it may irritate the affected area and delay healing, especially on broken skin. Always consult a doctor before using Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid on open wounds.
To achieve the full benefits, you should use Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid for the duration recommended by your doctor. If you experience severe skin irritation, allergic reactions, or any severe symptoms such as blistering, swelling, or difficulty breathing, stop using Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid immediately and consult your doctor.
Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid is not recommended for fungal infections, but it can be used to treat eczema (a skin condition characterized by inflammation, redness, itching, and dryness) caused by fungi. Fungal infections usually require antifungal treatments, and using Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid for such an infection could be ineffective and may cause irritation. It is best to consult your doctor for the appropriate treatment.
Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid is composed of three ingredients: Dithranol (an antipsoriatic drug), Salicylic acid (a peeling agent and anti-inflammatory), and Coal tar (a keratolytic agent). These ingredients help reduce swelling, itching, and redness and remove dead skin cells associated with conditions such as psoriasis and eczema.
Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid is generally safe to use on the skin when used as directed by your doctor in the suggested dose and frequency. However, it may cause mild side effects, such as skin irritation at the application site, especially with prolonged use. Always follow your doctor's instructions to minimize any risks.
Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid is not effective in treating ringworm (a fungal infection). It is used in the treatment of skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema. For ringworm, antifungal medications are recommended. Please consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Do not overuse Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid for extended periods or on large areas of skin. Overusing it may cause side effects such as skin irritation, peeling, or staining. In case of an overdose, consult your doctor immediately to minimize the risks.
Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid is for external use only. Wash your hands before and after applying Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid. Take a small amount of Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid and apply a thin layer to the affected area of the skin, as advised by your doctor. Avoid contact of Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid with normal skin, nose, mouth, eyes, skin folds, or genitals. If Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid accidentally comes into contact with these areas, rinse thoroughly with water.
When using Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid, please be sure to avoid getting it in your eyes, nose, or mouth, and wash your hands thoroughly after application. Only apply it to the affected area to prevent broken or irritated skin. Additionally, unless directed by your doctor, do not cover the treated area with a bandage or dressing. If you experience any irritation, redness, or itching, discontinue use and consult your doctor.
Do not wrap or cover the treated area with dressings or bandages unless instructed by your doctor. This treatment needs air exposure to work effectively and prevent skin irritation. If you must cover the area, ensure it is done loosely to avoid trapping moisture and worsening irritation.
Yes, Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid can cause temporary purple, brown, or yellowish staining on your skin, hair, and nails. It can also permanently stain fabrics, clothing, and bathroom fixtures. It is best to wear old clothing during treatment. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about staining.
No, you should not use Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid on your face. The skin on the face is highly sensitive and prone to severe irritation and staining. Avoid applying it near your eyes, nose, or mouth. Talk to your doctor for advice on facial psoriasis treatments.
The time it takes to see improvements varies from person to person depending on the severity of the psoriasis plaques. Some people notice a reduction in scaling within a few weeks, while others may take longer. Talk to your doctor if you do not see any improvement after a few weeks of consistent use.
If the medication gets into your eyes, rinse them thoroughly with plenty of clean, cool water immediately for several minutes. If irritation, burning, or redness persists, seek medical attention right away. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any vision changes.
You should avoid direct sunlight on the treated skin areas. Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid makes your skin highly sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, which increases your risk of sunburn. If you must go outdoors, keep the treated areas covered with protective clothing. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about sun exposure.
The safety of Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established. It should only be used if clearly suggested by your doctor after weighing the benefits and risks. If you are breastfeeding, never apply it to the breast area to prevent the infant from accidentally swallowing it. Talk to your doctor before use.
Yes, keeping your skin moisturised is highly beneficial for managing psoriasis. However, you should ask your doctor how long you should wait after applying Coal Tar+dithranol+salicylic Acid before putting on a moisturiser, as applying them too close together can spread the medication to healthy skin. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for a recommended skincare routine.
If your doctor has suggested a short-contact therapy, wash the treated area gently with lukewarm water and a mild, soap-free cleanser after the specified time. Do not scrub the skin harshly, as this can cause further irritation. Dry the area gently with a soft towel that you do not mind staining. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your application schedule.
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