Topical keratolytic / antipruritic
Coal tar
Brand names: Exorex, Psoriderm, Polytar
Adult dose
Dose: Apply OD–BD; shampoos as directed
Route: Topical
Frequency: OD-BD
Clinical pearls
- Chronic plaque psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis
- Avoid sun exposure during use
Contraindications
- Acute/inflamed/broken skin
- Folliculitis
- Photosensitivity
Side effects
- Skin irritation
- Photosensitivity
- Staining of skin/clothes
- Folliculitis
Reference: BNF; NICE CG153; https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/coal-tar/. Verify against your local formulary and the latest BNF before prescribing.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Pathways
- Suspicious Pigmented Lesion — Melanoma Pathway · NICE NG14 2015 / BAD
- Cellulitis and Erysipelas · NICE NG141 2019 / CREST
- Psoriasis — Severity Assessment and Step-Up Therapy · NICE NG153 2019 / BAD
- Atopic Eczema — Assessment and Step-Up Therapy · NICE NG95 2023
- Urticaria and Angioedema · BSACI / EAACI Guidelines 2022
- Acne Vulgaris — Grading and Treatment · NICE NG198 2021 / BAD