Coal tar with calamine

How it works

Coal tar provides anti-inflammatory, antimitotic, antiscaling and antipruritic effects on the skin, while calamine (a zinc oxide-based preparation) acts as a soothing protectant that relieves itching and mild irritation.

Prescribing in practice

• As with all coal tar products it increases photosensitivity, so treated skin should be protected from sunlight and caution applied if phototherapy is used.
• Avoid application to broken, infected or acutely inflamed skin, where tar can cause irritation or folliculitis.
• The preparation stains skin, hair, clothing and bedding and has a tar odour.

Monitoring

No laboratory monitoring is required; review the skin clinically for irritation and response.

Counselling the patient

• Apply as directed; expect staining of fabrics and a characteristic smell.
• Keep treated skin out of strong sunlight.
• Stop if the skin becomes irritated or spotty and seek advice.

Evidence & guidelines

Coal tar-containing topical preparations are an established adjunct in chronic plaque psoriasis and eczema, used within stepped topical regimens recommended by NICE.