Most coal tar products are very safe. Most people do not have any side effects.
You're more likely to have side effects if you use more than the recommended amount or use it more often than recommended.
Common side effects
If you get any of these side effects of coal tar, there are things you can do to help cope with them:
Skin irritation
Your skin may be dry, red or itchy, you may feel a burning sensation on your skin, or your scalp may become irritated. Stop using medicine if this happens.
Increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight (photosensitivity)
Avoid using sunlamps and spending a long time in the sun. Ask a pharmacist for advice on using a suitable sunscreen.
Hair colour changes
This effect is usually temporary and will wear off after you stop using coal tar.
Acne-like outbreaks on the skin
Stop using the medicine if you get this side effect.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or lasts more than a few days.
Serious side effects
Call your doctor or call 111 if you get:
- a severe stinging or burning feeling on your skin
- swelling
- worsening psoriasis
Serious allergic reaction
Coal tar products may contain lanolin, mineral oil, or other emulsifiers. Check the label and speak to a pharmacist or doctor before using coal tar if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to coal tar.
Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
- your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects of coal tar. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.
Visit the Yellow Card website for more information about reporting side effects.