Side Effects and Precautions

• Tar can irritate and redden the skin. Test a tar product on a small area of the skin first.

  If reddening or irritation occur:

  • try applying the tar on top of an OTC moisturizing agent;

  • or mix the tar with a moisturizer or an emollient;

  • or apply the emollient in a thin layer over the tar to keep the skin well-moisturized.

• Coal Tar can also cause inflammation and pimple-like eruptions at the base of the hair follicles (folliculitis).

• In some people Coal Tar can cause a contact allergy, or an acne-like rash.

• Coal Tar may be contraindicated with Inverse Psoriasis (psoriasis located in the skin folds).

• Do not use regular Coal Tar psoriasis medications on the face - ask your doctor for milder creams for the face and the skin folds.

• Do not use Coal Tar psoriasis medications on the infected, blistered, broken or oozing areas of the skin.