Dandruff, also called seborrheic dermatitis, is a common condition characterized by itchiness and the formation of white or yellowish visible skin flakes on your scalp. You can treat or control dandruff symptoms with products that contain coal tar, a substance derived from industrial processes that transform raw coal into solid or liquid fuel.
Description
Dandruff is most likely caused by the combined effects of excess skin oil and an irritating skin yeast called malessizia, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's Medline Plus. While the condition has some genetic basis, risk factors that may contribute to its formation include exposure to weather extremes, emotional stress, fatigue, obesity, acne and other skin disorders, oily skin, inadequate scalp or skin cleansing and use of alcohol-containing lotions. In addition to your scalp, you can develop dandruff on your eyelids, eyebrows, lips, nose creases and on or behind your ears.
Coal Tar
Coal tar shampoos belong to a group of substances called keratolytics, which achieve their effects by softening and loosening the crusted and scaly skin associated with dandruff, Drugs.com reports. They also inhibit the growth of bacteria on your skin. Benefits of treatment include relief of dandruff-related flaking, itchiness and dryness. In addition to products that contain only coal tar, you may also choose to use shampoos, creams or liquids that contain a mixture of coal tar and the dandruff-fighting compounds sulfur and salicylic acid.
Prior to Treatment
You should not use a coal tar product if you have coal tar allergies or any disorder that makes your skin abnormally sensitive to light exposure, according to Drugs.com. In addition, you should tell your doctor in advance if you are pregnant, take dietary supplements or herbal products, have eczema or have allergies to any substance. You should also tell your doctor if you take other prescription or nonprescription medications, including medications for the treatment of psoriasis.
Risks
Drugs.com lists common potential side effects of coal tar use that include redness, burning, tenderness and itching. You should not swallow any product that contains coal tar or use it on broken, infected or inflamed skin. Keep coal tar away from your eyes and nose. In addition, do not use a coal tar product on your genitals or rectum or on any large area of skin without your doctor's explicit advice. You should also avoid washing your hair with other substances before or after using coal tar, Drugs.com explains. If you are breastfeeding, be aware that doctors do not know if coal tar is passed through breast milk.
Considerations
If you have severe dandruff, Medline Plus notes, your doctor may recommend treatment options other than coal tar, including products that contain ketoconazole, corticosteroids or selenium. You may also help prevent dandruff formation by increasing your level of hygiene and controlling any known risk factors. Consult your doctor for additional information on coal tar and other available treatments.
