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Coal Tar: Brands, Price & Uses in Bangladesh
Coal Tar is a topical keratoplastic and anti-inflammatory agent used in the management of chronic scaling skin conditions.
About Coal Tar
Indications of Coal Tar
Coal Tar is a topical keratoplastic and anti-inflammatory agent used in the management of chronic scaling skin conditions.
- Established/guideline-supported uses: Chronic plaque psoriasis of the scalp and body; seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp; dandruff (seborrheic scaling).
- Adjunct use: As an adjunct in chronic atopic dermatitis/eczema to reduce scaling, itching, and lichenification when standard therapies are insufficient.
- Combination therapy: Used together with prescribed ultraviolet-B (UVB) phototherapy (the Goeckerman regimen) for moderate-to-severe psoriasis, under direct medical/dermatologic supervision.
- Symptomatic relief: Reduction of pruritus (itching) associated with the above scaling dermatoses.
Coal Tar is generally available as an over-the-counter monograph ingredient (shampoos, low-concentration lotions) and as prescription-strength preparations for more extensive disease; use for indications beyond scaling dermatoses is not established.
Dosage & Administration of Coal Tar
General principles
Coal Tar products are applied topically only, exactly as directed on the product label or by the prescribing physician. Dosage form, strength, frequency, and contact/leave-on time vary widely by product and indication, so the specific manufacturer's instructions should always be followed.
Psoriasis / chronic plaque disease (body)
Cream, ointment, gel, or solution applied to affected areas once to a few times daily, or as directed; when used with supervised phototherapy (Goeckerman-type regimen), application and UVB exposure schedules are determined by the treating physician.
Scalp psoriasis / seborrheic dermatitis / dandruff
Shampoo or scalp solution massaged into wet scalp and hair, left in contact for the time stated on the label (commonly a few minutes), then rinsed thoroughly; usually used 2 to 3 times weekly, or as directed, until symptoms are controlled, followed by less frequent maintenance use.
Table: typical application frequency by formulation
| Formulation | Typical frequency |
|---|---|
| Shampoo | 2–3 times weekly, or as directed |
| Cream/ointment/gel/solution | 1–3 times daily, or as directed |
| Bath additive | As directed, typically a few times weekly |
Duration of treatment and re-evaluation intervals should follow medical advice; Coal Tar should not be applied to widespread body-surface areas for prolonged periods without physician guidance.
Side Effects of Coal Tar
Local skin reactions are the most common effects with Coal Tar:
- Local skin irritation, burning, or stinging at the application site
- Folliculitis or acne-like (acneiform) eruptions with regular use
- Photosensitivity reactions (exaggerated sunburn) — see Precautions and Warnings
- Staining/discoloration of skin, hair, and fabrics, particularly with crude or higher-concentration preparations
- Strong, persistent odor with some formulations
- Allergic contact dermatitis (uncommon)
Contraindications of Coal Tar
- Known hypersensitivity to Coal Tar or any component of the formulation.
- Use on acutely inflamed, broken, infected, or weeping skin, or in combination with extensive ultraviolet light exposure, without direct medical supervision.
Other cautions (photosensitivity, irritation, use on large body-surface areas) are important but are precautions rather than absolute contraindications — see Precautions and Warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions about Coal Tar
What is Coal Tar used for?
Coal Tar is a topical treatment used for chronic scaling skin conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and dandruff. It helps reduce scaling, inflammation, and itching, and is sometimes used together with supervised ultraviolet (UVB) light therapy for psoriasis.
Can I use Coal Tar every day?
Frequency depends on the specific product and formulation — shampoos are often used 2–3 times weekly, while some creams or ointments may be used daily. Always follow the product label or your physician's instructions for Coal Tar, and avoid using it on widespread body areas for prolonged periods without medical guidance.
Why does my skin, hair, or clothing get stained after using Coal Tar?
Staining of skin, hair, and fabrics is a well-recognized cosmetic effect of Coal Tar, especially with crude or higher-concentration preparations. It is not a sign of harm, but you may wish to wear old clothing and use dedicated towels during treatment.
Does Coal Tar make my skin more sensitive to sunlight?
Yes. Coal Tar significantly increases skin sensitivity to sunlight and ultraviolet light (photosensitivity). Avoid excessive sun or UV exposure during treatment and for some time afterward, and use sun protection on treated skin unless you are undergoing supervised phototherapy that specifically uses this effect.
Is Coal Tar safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Data are limited. Coal Tar should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed, with the potential benefit outweighing potential risk, and after consulting a physician; large-area or prolonged use should be avoided. While breastfeeding, avoid applying Coal Tar to the breast/nipple area and consult a physician, especially before extensive use.
Is there a cancer risk with long-term Coal Tar use?
Some animal and occupational-exposure studies have raised a theoretical concern about carcinogenicity with long-term, extensive coal tar exposure. This concern remains debated for typical dermatologic therapeutic use of Coal Tar at labeled concentrations, and is not established as a proven risk in standard clinical practice. As a precaution, avoid using Coal Tar on widespread areas for prolonged periods without periodic medical review.
Disclaimer
The information provided is accurate to the best of our knowledge, but it does not replace professional medical advice. We cannot guarantee its completeness or accuracy, and the absence of specific information about a drug should not be taken as an endorsement. We are not responsible for any consequences arising from this information, so please consult a healthcare professional for any concerns or questions.