What is tar based shampoo?

What is coal tar? Coal tar is a by-product of coal processing. DHS Tar Shampoo (for the skin) is used to treat the skin symptoms of psoriasis, including dryness, redness, flaking, scaling, and itching.

What shampoos contain tar?

Coal tar shampoo is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used for scalp psoriasis and seborrhea. Coal tar shampoo is available under the following different brand names: Neutrogena T/Gel Original, DHS Tar, Doak Tar, Ionil T Plus, PC-Tar, Pentrax, Polytar Shampoo, TeraGel, and Zetar.

Is tar shampoo safe?

Safety: Dermatologists have been prescribing coal tar for more than 100 years to treat psoriasis, and it is considered safe for long-term use. Like all medicines, some patients should avoid coal tar. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding may want to use a different treatment.

Can I use tar shampoo everyday?

Use this product usually twice a week or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, your product type/brand, and response to treatment. Do not use large amounts of this medication, use it more often, or use it for a longer period than directed.

What does shampoo have tar?

A coal tar shampoo is a shampoo with up to 5% coal tar added as an active ingredient. It’s is a much loved, much-used treatment that has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Despite its usage, there’s still an air of mystery with this ingredient.

Why does coal tar shampoo work?

The effectiveness of coal tar shampoo has to do with the fact that it is a keratolytic. This means that it thins the skin and allows excess tissue to loosen and shed. Keratolytics help to slow the growth of bacteria, which also helps to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis and seborrhea.

Is coal tar in shampoos carcinogenic?

Coal Tar shampoo is considered safe for human usage only when the concentration is between 0.5% to 5%. Beyond this percentage, these shampoos are extremely carcinogenic and can cause serious health implications like cancer.

How does coal tar in shampoo prevent dandruff?

Coal tar shampoos are commonly marketed as an effective treatment for dandruff and can be widely purchased. Coal tar is unique in its combination of anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity, with the ability to also reduce sebum (scalp oil). This has made it an important first-line treatment for dandruff.