Let's find out how to use this medicine that the doctor gave you for your skin diseases (Coal Tar Bath Solution).

Sometimes skin diseases are very annoying, aren't they? There are times when you can't even do your daily tasks properly due to things like itching, redness, and peeling. So, your doctor may have given you a solution to mix with bath water for this kind of skin disease, especially for a condition like psoriasis. That is Coal Tar Bath Solution. Today, let's talk about how to use this medicine exactly and what things to be careful about.

What is Coal Tar?

Simply put, this is a medicine based on a substance obtained from coal. It has been used as a treatment for skin diseases for many years. Its main function is to control swelling, redness, itching, and peeling of the skin. It acts directly on the skin, controlling the rapid division of skin cells, and relieving symptoms. Especially in diseases like psoriasis, skin cells grow and rise rapidly. So this medicine helps to slow down that process a little.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine

Before prescribing this medication to you, your doctor will ask you about certain things. But you should definitely inform your doctor about these things as well.

• Burned or injured skin: If you have burns or wounds where the skin has peeled off over a large area of ​​your body, tell us about this.
• Radiation: Tell us if you have recently had radiation therapy or are currently receiving it.
• Allergies: This is very important if you have allergies to coal tar, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• Pregnancy or planning to have a baby: If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, you should definitely tell your doctor before using this medicine.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: You should also mention that you are a breastfeeding mother.

It's very important to tell your doctor about these things because it will help them decide whether this medication is right for you or not, and whether you should use it with caution.

How exactly do you use this?

This is very easy to use, but you have to do it right.

1. For external use only: First of all, remember, this is not a medicine to drink . You just need to apply it to the skin or mix it into bath water.

2. Shake well: Shake the medicine bottle well before use.

3. Mix with water: Add the amount prescribed by your doctor (for example, 1-2 scoops) to a basin or bathtub filled with lukewarm water . Do not use hot water. Mix well.

4. Soak the skin: Soak the affected areas of your skin in this water for about 10 to 20 minutes .

5. Pat dry gently: After bathing, do not rub your skin hard with a towel. Doing so can further damage the skin. Pat dry gently with a soft towel .

6. Use only as directed: Do not use more than the prescribed number of times.

What if it is used for children?

In some cases, doctors prescribe this medicine even for children over 2 years of age. But only under the supervision of a doctor . If you give this medicine to your child, you should use it carefully and exactly as your doctor tells you.

What if the dose is increased?

If you accidentally drink this, or if you think you have used too much, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not panic and explain clearly what happened.

Things to be careful about when using the medicine

• Be careful with the sun: This is very important. Your skin may become very sensitive to the sun while using this medicine. This means that even after a short time in the sun, your skin may quickly turn red and burn. Therefore, avoid going out in the strong sun during the day as much as possible. If you do go out, wear long-sleeved clothes and apply a good sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds.
• Stains on clothes: This medicine may cause yellow stains on white or light-colored fabrics (clothes, towels, bed sheets). Therefore, it is wise to use an old towel when bathing after using this medicine. If stains occur, wash with regular laundry soap/powder.
• See your doctor: Be sure to go to your doctor's clinic appointments to see if your symptoms are improving or not. If your symptoms seem to be getting worse, or if there is no improvement, tell your doctor.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. But most people don't. Let's see what they are.

How do you store and dispose of medicine safely?

Keeping safe:

Keep the medicine bottle out of the reach of children and pets . It is best to store it at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Protect it from extreme heat or cold.

Removal:

Don't just throw expired or unused medicine bottles in the trash. Some pharmacies have programs to take back old medicine. Or, ask your doctor how to safely dispose of them. If you can throw them in the trash, remove the medicine from the bottle, mix it with something like used coffee grounds, soil, or cat litter, seal it in a bag, and throw it in the trash. Never flush it down the toilet.