Did the doctor give you Coal Tar for your skin problem? Let's talk about it! (Coal Tar)

Sometimes, skin redness, swelling, itching, and peeling are very annoying, aren't they? This is especially true for someone with a condition like psoriasis. There are times when you can't even do your daily tasks properly due to these skin problems, and it can be very frustrating. So, one of the medicines that doctors often recommend for these skin diseases is Coal Tar. It can come in the form of a cream, lotion, or gel. Today, let's talk in detail about this medicine, how to use it, and what to be careful about.

Simply put, what is Coal Tar?

Coal Tar is a medicine used to reduce swelling, redness, itching, or scaling caused by skin conditions. Simply put, it controls inflammation, redness, and scaling of the skin. In conditions like psoriasis, this medicine helps to regulate the rate of skin cell division and restore the skin to its normal state. It is best to use it on the recommendation of a doctor.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine

Before giving you this medicine, your doctor will need to know your health history. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor before using this medicine.

• If you have an allergy to Coal Tar or any other medicine, food, dyes, or preservatives.
• If you have large areas of burned or injured skin.
• If you have recently received or are currently receiving radiation therapy .
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
• If you are a breastfeeding mother .

It is very important for your safety to provide this information to the doctor accurately.

How exactly do you use this?

To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it correctly.

• Hand washing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after applying the medicine. However, if you are applying the medicine to both hands, wash your hands only before applying.
• Take care of your eyes: Do not let this medicine get into your eyes. If it accidentally gets into your eyes, immediately rinse them thoroughly with cold water.
• Apply it correctly: Apply a thin layer only to the affected skin area, as directed by your doctor. You don't need to apply too much.
• Timing: Take the medicine as prescribed by your doctor, at about the same time every day. Do not take more than the doctor tells you to.
• Complete the course: You may feel better and your symptoms will subside in a few days. However, even if you feel better, continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Otherwise, if you stop taking it too early, the disease may return.
• If giving to children: If giving this medicine to young children, be sure to talk to your doctor about it. Although it is sometimes given to children over 2 years of age, there are some things to be careful about.

What if the medicine is used too much?

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Alternatively, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What are the side effects to watch out for?

Like any medicine, Coal Tar can cause side effects in some people. Some of these may require immediate attention, while others may be less serious.

This list does not include all side effects. If you notice anything unusual in addition to these, talk to your doctor about it.

A few more things to be careful about

• Be careful with the sun: This medication may make your skin a little sensitive to the sun. So stay out of the sun as much as possible. If you must go out in the sun, wear clothing that covers your skin and use a suitable sunscreen, as recommended by your doctor.
• Stains on fabrics: This product may cause white fabrics to turn yellow. If this happens, wash with regular laundry soap/powder.
• Other medications: This medication does not usually interact with other medications. However, it is important to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
• Follow-up: Check in with your doctor regularly to see if your symptoms are improving or decreasing. Go to the clinic on the days he or she recommends.

How do you keep this safe and remove it?

• Storage: Keep the medicine out of the reach of small children and pets . Store at normal room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius).
• Flammable: This medicine is flammable. Therefore, keep it away from fire, excessive heat, and smoking.
• Disposal: Ask your doctor how to dispose of expired or no longer needed medications. If you can throw them in the trash, take the medication out of the tube/bottle, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, put it in a bag, seal it well, and throw it in the trash.

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