Pharmacotherapeutic group: Antipsoriatics for topical use, Tars. ATC code: D05AA.
Coal tar has been used dermatologically for hundreds of years and has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of scaly scalp conditions such as psoriasis. The British Pharmacopoeia contains monographs on coal tar and coal tar solution, and many formulations of coal tar are used in hospitals throughout the country. The coal tar used in Psoriderm Scalp Lotion Shampoo has been specially distilled and is based on a neutral fraction which has been shown to be effective in the treatment of psoriasis.
The precise mechanism of action of coal tar is not understood, largely as a result of it comprising up to 10 000 components. There is evidence that topical application of coal tar improves psoriasis by reducing the excessive rate of mitotic epidermal cell division.
Lecithin is added to Psoriderm Scalp Lotion Shampoo to soften psoriasis scales and thereby enhance the absorption of the coal tar.