Psoriasis treatments: Coal Tar

This page is for reference only as this product is now discontinued

Alphosyl® 2 in 1 Medicated Shampoo is used to treat scalp conditions such as psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema and dandruff, helping to reduce itching, scaling and flaking.

How does it work?

The active ingredient is alcoholic extract of coal tar. Coal tar helps slow the rapid production of skin cells, reduces scaling, softens thickened skin and relieves itching and inflammation associated with scalp psoriasis and other scalp conditions.

Who can get it?

Alphosyl 2 in 1 is available over the counter from pharmacies. If using it in young children, seek advice from a pharmacist or doctor. It should not be used in the following circumstances:

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to coal tar
• To treat infected, open or damaged skin
• To treat sore or acute pustular psoriasis

How is it used?

Use Alphosyl 2 in 1 Shampoo once or twice a week for four weeks.

• Wet hair thoroughly
• Use enough shampoo so that the lather is sufficient to cover your scalp, hair and adjacent areas, if also affected
• Massage the scalp and adjacent areas, if needed, well using your fingertips
• Rinse your hair thoroughly
• Repeat steps 2 to 4
• Alphosyl 2 in 1 Shampoo should be in contact with your scalp for a total time of three to five minutes over the two applications.

Patients are advised to:

• avoid contact with the eyes
• rinse thoroughly if accidental eye contact occurs
• avoid excessive sunlight if increased sensitivity develops

What are the side effects?

Like all medicines, Alphosyl 2 in 1 Shampoo can have side effects, but not everyone gets them.
Stop the treatment and contact your doctor immediately if you experience:
Allergic reactions which may be severe such as raised and itchy skin rash (hives), swelling of the face or mouth or difficulty breathing.
Some of the below effects can also be symptoms of the condition you are treating. However, if you experience any of these effects for the first time after starting use, or if these effects worsen, stop  using Alphosyl 2 in 1 Shampoo and speak to your doctor or pharmacist:

• eye irritation
• unusual hair loss or thinning
• eczema (itchy skin rash)
• hair colour changes
• abnormal hair texture
• sensitivity to sunlight
• skin irritation, skin may be dry, red or itchy, you
• feel a burning sensation of the skin
• skin pain, rash or swelling at the application site.

Manufactured by

Alphosyl 2 in 1  is manufactured in the UK by Omega Pharma.

Reviewed: August 2026

Version ID: 2/ALP/PST/08/26

Capasal® Therapeutic Shampoo is a medicated shampoo used to treat scalp psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and other scaling scalp conditions. It contains ingredients with emollient, keratolytic and antipsoriatic properties.

Coal tar has a characteristic smell and may stain light-coloured fabrics, but it remains an effective treatment for many people with scalp psoriasis.

How does it work?

Capasal contains coal tar, salicylic acid and coconut oil. Coal tar helps slow the excessive production of skin cells and relieves itching. Salicylic acid softens and removes scales, while coconut oil moisturises the scalp and helps loosen thickened skin.

Who can get it?

Capasal is available on NHS prescription for adults and children and can be bought over the counter from your local pharmacy.

How is it used?

For adults, children and the elderly: Use as a shampoo, daily if necessary. Wet the hair thoroughly. Massage a small amount of the shampoo into the scalp, leaving on for a few minutes before washing out.

Repeat, producing a rich lather. Rinse hair well and dry.

What are the side effects?

• skin irritation
• redness
• burning
• itching
• rash
• allergic contact dermatitis
• photosensitivity (rare)
• avoid using on broken or infected skin unless advised by a healthcare professional
• seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or fail to improve
• avoid contact with the eyes
• rinse immediately if accidental eye contact occurs
• Discontinue use if sensitivity occurs.

Manufactured by

Capasal is manufactured in the UK by Dermal Laboratories Ltd.

Reviewed: August 2026

Version ID: 2/CAP/PST/08/26

Cocois® Scalp Ointment is a medicated scalp treatment used to treat psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, dandruff and other scaling disorders of the scalp.

How does it work?

Cocois® Scalp Ointment is a medicated scalp treatment used to treat psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, dandruff and other scaling disorders of the scalp.

Who can get it?

Cocois is available over the counter from your local pharmacy.

It should not be used in the following circumstances.
• Sensitivity to any of the ingredients
• Ask your doctor before use during pregnancy
• Children under 6 years of age
• Pustular psoriasis
• Acute infection of the skin.

How is it used?

Apply to scalp, shampoo after 1 hour. Use daily for 3—7 days then intermittently

What are the side effects?

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

• Abnormal reaction of the skin to light, usually a rash (photosensitivity)
• Skin irritation
• Inflammation of the hair follicles
• Cocois can stain clothing and jewellery
• allergic skin reactions
• redness
• burning
• itching

Manufactured by

Cocois is manufactured in the UK by Focus Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Reviewed: August 2026

Version ID: 2/COC/PST/08/26

Exorex® is a coal tar preparation used to help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis affecting the skin and scalp.  Exorex contains prepared coal tar in a moisturising lotion base.

How Does it Work?

Coal tar is mildly antiseptic and relieves itching. It also acts as a keratolytic, which works to break down a protein which forms part of the skin structure called keratin. Skin thickening occurs due to the deposition of keratin. Coal tar helps slow the excessive production of skin cells, reducing scaling and thickening of the skin. It also relieves itching and has mild anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Who Can Get It?

Exorex is available over the counter from your local chemist. For children and the elderly, it should usually be used only on the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.

How is it Used?

Body

Before each treatment cleanse the affected areas gently using non-irritant cleaners. Pat dry.

Apply to the affected areas of your body. Don’t worry if the lotion gets onto good skin – no harm will be done. Apply sufficient lotion so that it dries in approximately two minutes.

Once the lotion has dried it is a good idea to apply a moisturiser to the affected areas and massage it in gently until it dries.

Repeat the regime at midday and in the evening.

Scalp

Shampoo hair with a non irritant shampoo. Apply lotion to the affected areas of the scalp and massage in lightly for a minute.

General Use

Do not rinse off.

For external use only, avoid contact with the eyes.

Discontinue use if sensitivity occurs.

• avoid use on broken or infected skin unless advised by a healthcare professional
• coal tar may stain clothing and bedding
• increased sensitivity to sunlight may occur
• avoid excessive UV exposure during treatment

Side effects

• skin irritation
• redness
• itching
• burning
• allergic skin reactions
• folliculitis
• photosensitivity
• staining of clothing and light-coloured hair

Manufactured by

Exorex is available as a lotion, moisturising cream and hair and body shampoo and is manufactured in the UK byTeva UK Limited .

Reviewed: August 2026

Version ID: 2/EXO/PST/08/26

Pentrax Shampoo is used to treat scalp psoriasis and help relieve itching, irritation, redness, flaking and scaling. It belongs to the group of treatments known as antipsoriatics.

How does it work?

Coal tar is mildly antiseptic and relieves itching. It also acts as a keratolytic, which works to break down a protein which forms part of the skin structure called keratin. Skin thickening occurs due to the deposition of keratin. Coal tar helps slow the excessive production of skin cells, reducing scaling and thickening of the skin. It also relieves itching and has mild anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Who can get it?

Pentrax is available for adults and children and can be bought over the counter from most local chemists.

How is it used?

Shampoo should be massaged into wet hair and scalp to produce a lather. The hair should be rinsed and the procedure repeated applying a liberal amount of shampoo and allowing the lather to remain on the hair for up to 10 minutes. Hair should be rinsed thoroughly.

Avoid contact with the eyes. If shampoo gets into the eyes rinse thoroughly with water.

What are the side effects?

• skin irritation
• redness (erythema)
• itching
• allergic skin reactions (hypersensitivity)
• folliculitis (rare)
• increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
• staining of fabrics or light-coloured hair (where applicable)

Pentrax Shampoo may cause irritation to the skin. Erythema and hypersensitivity to coal tar has been reported.

Precautions

• discontinue treatment if severe irritation develops
• seek medical advice if symptoms worsen or fail to improve
• avoid excessive exposure to sunlight or UV treatment if photosensitivity occurs

Manufactured by

Pentrax is manufactured in the UK by Alliance Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Reviewed: August 2026

Version ID: 2/PEN/PST/08/26

Psoriderm is a coal tar-based topical treatment used for sub-acute and chronic psoriasis, including psoriasis affecting the skin, scalp and skin folds (flexures). It belongs to the group of treatments known as antipsoriatics.

How does it work?

Psoriderm contains distilled coal tar. Coal tar helps reduce the excessive production of skin cells that occurs in psoriasis, helping to reduce thickening and scaling. It can also help relieve itching. The precise way coal tar works is not fully understood. It also acts as a keratolytic which works to break down a protein which forms part of the skin structure called keratin.
Skin cells are thickened due to the deposition of keratin. Coal tar therefore helps to reduce the excessive hardening, thickening and scaling of the skin.

The cream is used for sub-acute or chronic plaque psoriasis affecting the skin and scalp.

The scalp lotion however is specifically designed to only treat psoriasis affecting the scalp.

Who can get it?

Psoriderm is available on prescription.

How is it used?

Cream

Apply a thin layer to the affected areas once or twice daily, or as directed by your doctor.

Scalp lotion

Use as a shampoo, daily if necessary, reducing to once or twice a week as the condition improves and then occasionally if required. It should be massaged gently into the scalp to produce a rich lather and retained for a few minutes before rinsing.

What are the side effects?

Psoriderm may cause skin irritation in some people. If you develop significant irritation, redness, burning, itching or an allergic reaction, stop using the product and speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Manufactured by

Psoriderm is manufactured in the UK by Diomed Developments Limited, trading as Dermal Laboratories.

Reviewed: August 2026

Version ID: 2/PSO/PST/08/26

Polytar is a range of topical tar preparations that has been used to help manage conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, dandruff and itchy or inflamed skin conditions. Tar preparations can help reduce itching and scaling and may be used as part of a treatment plan for psoriasis.

How does it work?

Tar preparations have antipruritic (anti-itching), keratoplastic and mild antiseptic properties. They can help reduce itching and the excessive scaling and thickening of the skin associated with conditions such as psoriasis.

The exact way in which coal tar works is not fully understood. Different tar preparations may contain different combinations of ingredients, so their effects and directions for use can vary between products.

Who can get it?

The suitability of a Polytar product depends on the particular preparation and the individual person's age and skin condition.

Because some older Polytar products may no longer be routinely marketed in the UK, patients should check with a pharmacist or healthcare professional about current availability and whether a particular product is appropriate.

How is it used?

Directions vary according to the individual Polytar preparation. Always follow the instructions supplied with the product or those given by your doctor or pharmacist.

Tar preparations may be used on the scalp or added to bath water, depending on the product.

Do not use more frequently or in larger amounts than recommended.

What are the side effects?

Possible side effects of topical tar preparations include:

• Skin irritation
• Redness or rash
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)

If significant irritation or a new rash develops, stop using the product and speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Tar preparations may also stain clothing, bedding or other materials and can have a strong smell.

Important information

Coal tar preparations can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight and follow the product instructions regarding sun exposure.

The exact ingredients, uses, age restrictions and directions differ between products, so always check the individual product information before use.

Manufactured by

The Polytar range is manufactured in the Republic of Ireland by Stiefel Laboratories (Ireland) Ltd and marketed in the UK by Stiefel Laboratories (UK) Ltd.

Reviewed August 2026

Version ID: 2/POL/PST/08/26

Polytar Scalp Shampoo is a coal tar treatment used for scalp conditions such as psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, eczema, dandruff, itching and scaling. It contains coal tar solution 4%. It is available without a prescription in the UK.

How does it work?
Coal tar helps to reduce inflammation, itching and scaling of the skin. It also slows down excessive skin-cell growth, which can help reduce the thickening and scaling associated with conditions such as scalp psoriasis.

Coal tar also has mild antiseptic properties and can help soothe an itchy, inflamed scalp.

Who can get it?
Polytar Scalp Shampoo is suitable for adults and children over 12 years of age. It is available from pharmacies without a prescription.

If you are unsure whether Polytar Scalp Shampoo is suitable for you or your child, speak to a pharmacist or doctor.

How is it used?

Always read the product instructions before use.

1. Wet the hair and scalp thoroughly.
2. Apply enough shampoo to produce a rich lather.
3. Gently massage the shampoo into the scalp and surrounding areas.
4. Leave the shampoo in contact with the scalp for a total of 3–5 minutes.
5. Rinse thoroughly.
6. Repeat the application and rinse again.

For scalp psoriasis, the shampoo is generally used once or twice a week.

Avoid contact with the eyes. If the shampoo gets into the eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.

What are the side effects?
Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any

Like all medicines, Polytar Scalp Shampoo can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

Possible side effects include:

• Skin irritation
• Skin rash
• Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight (photosensitivity)

Stop using the shampoo and speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you develop significant irritation or another reaction that concerns you.

 Polytar Scalp Shampoo is marketed in the UK by GSK group of companies. 

Reviewed: August 2026

Version ID: 2/PSS/PST/08/26

Sebco is a coal tar preparation used to help treat scalp conditions such as psoriasis. Coal tar preparations can help reduce itching, inflammation, thickening and scaling of the scalp.

How does it work?

Coal tar has antipruritic (anti-itching), anti-inflammatory and mild antiseptic properties. It can help slow excessive skin-cell growth and reduce the thickening and scaling associated with psoriasis.

Who can get it?

Sebco is available over the counter from your local pharmacy for adults and children over the age of 6.

How is it used?

Always follow the instructions supplied with the product.

Apply to scalp, shampoo after 1 hour.

Use daily for 3—7 days then intermittently

What are the side effects?

Like other coal tar preparations, Sebco may cause skin irritation in some people.

Possible effects may include:

• Skin irritation or redness
• Skin rash
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)

Stop using the product and speak to a pharmacist or doctor if significant irritation or another reaction develops.

Important

Coal tar preparations can increase the skin's sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid excessive exposure to sunlight or ultraviolet (UV) light while using coal tar preparations and follow the advice supplied with the product.

Manufactured by

Sebco is manufactured in the UK by Derma UK

Reviewed: August 2026

Version ID: 2/SEB/PST/08/26

This page is for reference only as this product is now discontinued

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is a medicated shampoo containing Neutar™ solubilised coal tar extract. It is used to treat itchy, flaky scalp conditions including scalp psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff.

The shampoo is designed to help reduce itching, flaking and redness of the scalp.

How does it work?

The active ingredient is Neutar™ solubilised coal tar extract. Coal tar helps to slow excessive growth of skin cells and can reduce the thickening and scaling associated with scalp psoriasis.

It also has anti-itching, anti-inflammatory and mild antiseptic properties, which can help relieve symptoms such as itching and redness.

Who can get it?

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo is intended for adults and children aged 12 years and over.

It should not be used in children under 12 years of age.

Do not use it if you are allergic to coal tar or any of the other ingredients.

It should not be used on acutely inflamed or broken skin, erythrodermic psoriasis or generalised pustular psoriasis.

How is it used?

Always read the instructions supplied with the product before use.

1. Wet the hair and scalp thoroughly.
2. Apply a liberal amount of shampoo and massage it into the scalp to produce a rich lather.
3. Leave the lather on the scalp for several minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly and repeat the application.
5. Rinse the scalp thoroughly again, taking care to avoid contact with the eyes.

For scalp psoriasis, dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis, the shampoo is used two or three times a week.

Treatment usually lasts for about six weeks. If there is no improvement after six weeks, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Longer treatment should only be undertaken under medical supervision.

If irritation develops, stop using the shampoo and speak to your doctor or pharmacist.

Coal tar can increase sensitivity to sunlight, so take care with exposure to sunlight while using the product.

What are the side effects?

Like all medicines, Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.

Possible side effects include:

• Skin irritation
• Skin rash
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)
• Temporary discolouration of grey, blonde, bleached or tinted hair

Stop using the shampoo if significant irritation develops and speak to your doctor or pharmacist if necessary.

Manufactured by

Neutrogena Tgel is manufactured in the UK by Johnson and Johnson Ltd

Reviewed: August 2026

Version ID: 2/NTG/PST/08/26