What Is Coal Tar Shampoo?
Coal tar shampoo is a kind of shampoo that is formulated to treat specific skin conditions that effect the scalp. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis and seborrhea. The most common symptoms of these ailments are dryness and flaking of the scalp which can also lead to itching and irritation.
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 skin to loosen and shed. Keratolytics help to slow the growth of bacteria which also helps to alleviate the symptoms of psoriasis and seborrhea.
There are some ingredients in coal tar shampoo that can lead to allergic reactions. If you have any allergies, be sure to check the ingredients list on the label before using the shampoo. It is not recommended to use this type of shampoo if you have any condition that makes you sensitive to sunlight.
It is always best to consult your family doctor or dermatologist before using any new products to treat ailments. It is especially important to consult a medical professional before using coal tar shampoo if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. Furthermore, there are some prescription medications that can have a negative effect when the interact with the ingredients in the shampoo. If you are taking any medications or supplements, be sure to speak with your doctor or pharmacist before using coal tar shampoo.
Most drugstores carry a few varieties of this product. While it is possible to obtain a prescription for coal tar shampoo, it is likely that you can easily find this product at your local pharmacy or drugstore and purchase it without a prescription. In severe cases, patients may benefit from using a prescription-strength product or an alternative therapy to alleviate the symptoms that this type of shampoo treats.
Coal tar shampoo is not only a treatment for humans. In fact, a number of companies that sell products for pets sell this kind of shampoo. Household pets, especially dogs, can suffer from dry skin which can lead to itching, irritation, and even cracked skin. If you notice that your pet is suffering from these conditions, you might want to speak to your veterinarian about treating your pet with coal tar shampoo.
Written by Diane Goettel
