Polytar Shampoo

What is Polytar Shampoo?

Polytar Medicated Shampoo is a coal tar based solution that helps to cleanse and soothe itchy, irritated scalps. It reduces dry, scaly skin caused by conditions such as dandruff and psoriasis as well as protecting the skin against infections.

Manufactured by Thornton and Ross Polytar Shampoo is supplied in 150ml bottles. It is suitable for children and adults over the age of 12 years and with twice weekly applications you will see noticeable improvements to your skin within 4 weeks.

What is Polytar Shampoo used for?

Suffering from an itchy, dry or scaly scalp can cause people to feel embarrassed or self-conscious but occasional episodes of dandruff or skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema or dermatitis are not uncommon.

Polytar Shampoo is medicated with 4% coal tar that is an effective treatment option for relieving symptoms of a dry scalp. Helping to leave your hair and scalp looking smooth and you feeling confident.

How does Polytar Shampoo work?

Coal tar is a proven treatment for dry, scaling and flaking skin on the scalp. Polytar contains 4% coal tar, a keratolytic agent that slows down the growth of new skin cells and speeds up the shedding of dead cells that are responsible for the thickening and scaling skin associated with both psoriasis and dandruff.

Coal tar also soothes itching, reduces inflammation and has antiseptic properties to protect irritated skin against infections.

How quickly does Polytar Shampoo work?

For the best results it is recommended that you use Polytar Shampoo once or twice a week. Most people will use this treatment for 4 weeks in which time their symptoms will have reduced considerably.

If you do not feel your skin has started to improve within 4 weeks you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice about further treatment options.

Alternatives to Polytar Shampoo

At The Independent Pharmacy we stock a range of scalp care treatments that are designed to help repair and nourish your skin.
We provide treatments that have been proven to help hydrate and reduce flaking skin on your scalp as well as treatments that have been specifically created to treat scalp psoriasis (Dermalex), eczema on the scalp (Betnovate) and dandruff (Nizoral Shampoo). For more information about prescription and non-prescription treatments please see our Dry Scalp Advice page.

How to use Polytar Shampoo

Polytar Shampoo is for external use only for the treatment of dry scalp conditions in children, adults and the elderly over the age of 12 years. The recommended dose is once or twice weekly applications for up to 4 weeks.

1. Rinse your hair and scalp with clean water
2. Apply enough shampoo to create a thick lather on the hair
3. Massage the scalp and surrounding skin with your fingertips
4. Rinse the hair thoroughly and then repeat steps 2 - 4. The shampoo should be left on the scalp for 3-5 minutes in total over the two applications

If your skin condition has not improved within 4 weeks you should speak to a doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Polytar Shampoo ingredients

Each 150ml bottle of Polytar Shampoo contains the active ingredient: Coal tar 4%.

The inactive ingredients include: Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulphate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Disodium Phosphate Dihydrate, Citric Acid Monohydrate, Benzyl Alcohol, Macrogol 150 Distearate, Hexylene Glycol, Oleyl Alcohol, Polyquaternium-10, Fruitier Timotei Fragrance AF17050, Purified Water.

Polytar Shampoo side effects

Although it is rare, products that contain coal tar can cause side effects. These may include:

• Skin irritation or rashes
• Swelling of the mouth
• Difficulty breathing
• Eye irritation
• Hair loss or thinning
• Sunlight sensitivity

If you experience any side effects you should stop using this product straight away and speak to a doctor for advice.

Polytar Shampoo warnings

• Polytar Shampoo is for external use only. Do not swallow and avoid contact with your eyes
• Do not use Polytar Shampoo if you are allergic to any of the ingredients
• This product can cause staining to the skin, clothes and occasionally hair

Polytar Shampoo in pregnancy & breastfeeding

Polytar Shampoo should not be used in your first trimester of pregnancy. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and suffering from dry, itchy, flaky skin on your scalp.