🧴 Coal Tar 1% + Salicylic Acid 3% Solution
🔹 1. Prescription / Indication:
This combination is used topically to manage:
- Psoriasis (especially scalp psoriasis)
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Dandruff
- Chronic eczema (lichenified lesions)
- Keratosis pilaris / Hyperkeratotic lesions
It works by slowing down skin cell growth and removing scaling and dead skin cells.
🔹 2. Description:
- Form: Topical solution (may also come as lotion, shampoo, or ointment)
- Color: Brown to dark reddish-brown
- Odor: Strong, characteristic tar-like smell
- Route: External use only
🔹 3. Composition:
| Component | Strength | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Coal Tar | 1% | Antiproliferative, anti-inflammatory |
| Salicylic Acid | 3% | Keratolytic, exfoliant |
| Base | q.s. | Usually alcohol or aqueous solution |
🔹 4. Advantages:
- Reduces skin inflammation, redness, and itching
- Softens and removes thickened, scaly skin
- Slows rapid skin cell turnover in psoriasis
- Helps penetrate thick plaques, allowing better absorption of other treatments
- Effective as monotherapy or adjunct
🔹 5. Nature / Drug Class:
- Coal Tar: Keratoplastic, anti-inflammatory, antipruritic
- Salicylic Acid: Keratolytic (peeling agent), comedolytic
- Both are non-steroidal, suitable for long-term use under supervision
🔹 6. Common Packaging:
- Amber glass or plastic bottles to protect from light
- Sizes: 50 mL, 100 mL, 200 mL
- May come with applicator caps (for scalp use)
- Label: “For external use only”, “Shake well before use”
🔹 7. Storage:
- Store at below 25°C
- Protect from sunlight
- Keep bottle tightly closed
- Flammable (due to alcohol content in solution base)
🔹 8. Patient Advice / Counseling:
- Shake well before use
- Apply a thin layer to affected area once or twice daily
- For scalp use: Leave for 5–10 minutes before rinsing (or as directed)
- Avoid contact with eyes, broken skin, or mucous membranes
- Can cause temporary skin staining or fabric discoloration
- May cause photosensitivity – avoid direct sun exposure
- Use mild shampoo or soap to remove residue
- Do not apply to large areas without medical advice
🔹 9. Purpose / Clinical Use:
- First-line treatment for thick, scaly, inflammatory skin conditions
- Especially beneficial in scalp psoriasis and chronic plaques
- Often used as pre-treatment to enhance penetration of corticosteroids