Polytar is used to treat scalp conditions such as psoriasis (thickened patches of inflamed, red skin, often covered by silvery scales), seborrhoeic dermatitis (red, scaly, itchy scalp), eczema (itchy skin rash), itchiness and scaling due to these conditions and dandruff. Use of Polytar is suitable for adults and children aged 12+.
This Scalp Shampoo contains the active ingredient coal tar, a thick oil with anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-itch properties. It works to cleanse and soothe the scalp. Treats dandruff Coal tar ingredient helps reduce dry scales Relieves scalp itching and inflammation Slows the rate of skin cell growth Coal tar acts as a keratolytic agent: Keratin, found in the epidermis is a protein that forms part of the skin structure and can cause excessive thickening of the skin in those with skin conditions. Slows down the growth of skin cells: Keratolytic agents, such as coal tar, work to break down keratin to help reduce excessive thickening and scaling of the skin in conditions such as psoriasis and dandruff. Helps skin to shed dead cells from its top layer: Coal tar is a thick dark liquid that works to cleanse and soothe the scalp to help it shed dead skin cells from its top layer to reduce scaling and dryness. Reduces itchiness from skin conditions: Psoriasis, eczema, dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis can cause the scalp to become dry and itchy. Coal tar works to soothe the scalp to alleviate itchiness. Acts as an antiseptic: Coal tar has antibacterial properties to cleanse the scalp and help prevent the skin on the scalp from becoming infected. Has anti-inflammatory properties: Working as an anti-inflammatory, coal tar can help reduce inflammation of the skin to help soothe and reduce discomfort caused to the scalp.
This medicine is for topical application to the scalp. The hair should be rinsed and a sufficient amount of shampoo applied to produce an abundant lather. The scalp and adjacent areas should be massaged with the fingertips. The hair should then be thoroughly rinsed and the procedure repeated. Taking both of these shampoo applications into consideration, the total leave on time for the shampoo should be 3-5 minutes. This medicine should be used once or twice weekly for the treatment of scalp disorders. If symptoms persist, please consult your GP.
Always consult a registered doctor before taking any medicine. This information is for general knowledge only.
In rare cases, this scalp shampoo is associated with skin reactions due to allergies (rashes, swelling, difficulty breathing). Other possible rare side effects include eye irritation, hair loss, itchy and redskin, change of hair colour or texture, and burning sensations on the skin. If you are taking other medications, speak to your doctor before using this shampoo, as certain antibiotics and tranquilizers increase sensitivity to sunlight.
Do not use if you are allergic to any of the ingredients or have had a reaction to coal tar. Do not use on infected open or damaged skin or pus-filled blisters. Talk to your GP before using Polytar if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not use if you are in the first trimester of pregnancy. Polytar Scalp Shampoo can cause side effects, although they are rare. Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor immediately if you experience any allergic reactions. These may include developing a rash, swelling of the mouth or face or having difficulty breathing. Stop taking the medicine and tell your doctor if you experience 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 may feel a burning sensation on the skin) or skin pain, rash or swelling at the application site. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are taking any prescribed medicines particularly ones that may make you more sensitive to sunlight such as thiazides (water tablets), some antibiotics (e.g. tetracyclines) and tranquillizers (e.g. phenothiazines).
Keep Polytar Scalp Shampoo away from children, in a cool place. Use eternally only and take care not to get any in the eyes. Avoid using Polytar if you are allergic to coal tar or any of the listed ingredients. It is not suitable for use by children below the age of 12, and never use on open, damaged, or blistered skin. In some cases, especially where excessive shampoo is used or it is used more frequently than advised, irritation may occur. This may also occur if the shampoo is in contact with sensitive or inflamed skin. If you experience such a reaction, stop using it. While using this shampoo, avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds, as some people become extra-sensitive to UV radiation. It’s best to wear protective clothing and sunscreen until you know how you will react. Also, if you are taking other medicines that make you more sensitive to sunlight, seek your doctor’s advice before using this shampoo. If you are pregnant, avoid using it in the first trimester of pregnancy; consult with your doctor before using while breastfeeding.