Coal Tar (Neutrogena T/Gel, Denorex, and others) - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Who should not use coal tar?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use coal tar.

• Coal tar
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific coal tar products they stock.

What should I know about coal tar before using it?

There are multiple forms of coal tar available. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to use it properly. Use it as directed on the product label or as your health care provider recommends. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Coal tar is only for use on the skin or scalp, depending on the product. You should avoid getting coal tar in your eyes. If you get coal tar in your eyes, rinse them well with water. Contact your health care provider if you have any concerns.

Keep coal tar out of the reach of children.

Follow any other health care provider recommendations for your skin condition, such as using other medicines or a moisturizer. Dry skin can make itchy skin conditions worse.

Talk to your health care provider before using coal tar in any of the following ways.

• For a long period of time
• In or around your rectum, genitals, or groin
• On a large area of your body
• On cuts or areas of broken skin

Coal tar can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds, even up to 24 hours after using it. This is called photosensitivity. Exposure to this light can cause severe sunburns, blisters, and swelling. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin.

Some coal tar products are used on your hair or scalp. It is possible that this may rarely cause changes to your hair color, especially if you have light-colored hair. You can test it on a few strands of hair before using it on your whole head if you have concerns. Coal tar may also stain or discolor clothing or skin.

Each coal tar product may be used differently. Some coal tar products should be shaken well before each use. Some products should be massaged into the affected area or left on for several minutes. Check the label and ask your health care provider if you are not sure how to use your coal tar product.

Stop using coal tar and contact your health care provider if your symptoms do not improve or get worse.

What should I tell my health care provider before using coal tar?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if coal tar is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Sensitive Skin. Coal tar may cause skin irritation or sensitivity. If you have very sensitive or allergic skin, talk to your health care provider before using coal tar.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Coal tar may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using coal tar, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how coal tar could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use coal tar while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if coal tar passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use coal tar while breastfeeding. If you breastfeed while using coal tar, take care to keep your baby’s skin from touching areas of your skin where coal tar is used.