Biotar Ointment is a dermatological medication used to treat and control skin conditions like psoriasis of the scalp, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis (scaly patches and red skin on the scalp). Psoriasis is a skin disorder in which skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than usual, leading to skin build-up into bumpy (uneven) red patches covered with white scales. These commonly appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. 

Biotar Ointment is composed of: Salicylic acid (peeling agent), Coal tar, and Sulphur. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic medicine (softens, separates, and causes desquamation (peeling) of the cornified epithelium or horny layer of skin). It increases the amount of moisture in the skin and dissolves the substance that causes the skin cells to stick together. It breaks down the clumps of keratin, removes dead skin cells, and softens the skin. Coal tar is a keratoplastic (thickens the keratin layers) agent. It works by removing dead cells from the skin’s top layer and slowing down skin cells' growth. This effect decreases scaling and dryness, thus relieving itchiness from various skin conditions. Sulphur is an antiseptic agent and relieves itching. It also has an antifungal action and promotes the shedding of the skin.

Biotar Ointment is for topical (for skin use) only. Biotar Ointment has common side effects like warmth or a burning sensation, skin irritation, hair loss, acne-like eruptions, peeling of the skin, itching, and redness at the application site. The burning sensation may usually last for five minutes after application. These side effects of Biotar Ointment do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist longer, please consult your doctor.

Let your doctor know if you have any allergic reactions to Biotar Ointment or other medications. Do not put a dressing or bandage on the affected area unless the doctor advises doing so. Please check with your doctor before using Biotar Ointment if you have kidney, liver diseases, folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), broken or infected skin, and other skin infections. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before starting Biotar Ointment.

Biotar Ointment consists of Salicylic acid, Coal tar, and Sulphur. It is used to treat psoriasis of the scalp, dandruff, and controls seborrheic dermatitis. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic medicine that increases the amount of moisture in the skin and dissolves the substance that causes the skin cells to stick together. It breaks down the clumps of keratin, removes dead skin cells, and softens the skin. It is also an anti-inflammatory agent and topical antibacterial agent. Coal tar is a keratoplastic (thickens the keratin layers) agent that causes the shedding of dead cells from the skin’s top layer and slows down the growth of skin cells. This effect decreases scaling and dryness and relieves itchiness.  Sulphur is an antiseptic agent and relieves itching. It also has an antifungal action and promotes shedding of the skin. Biotar Ointment also reduces the hardening, thickening, and scaling of the skin.

• Burning sensation

• Skin irritation

• Itching

• Redness at the application site

• Hair loss

• Acne-like eruptions

• Peeling of the skin

Before using Biotar Ointment, inform your doctor know if you have a history of kidney and liver diseases, folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), broken or infected skin, other skin infections, and allergic reactions to Biotar Ointment and other medicines. Do not put a dressing or bandage on the affected area unless the doctor advised doing so. Do not go near naked flames since the fabric that comes in contact with Biotar Ointment may burn easily. Washing the fabric may decrease the risk, but it does not remove the product completely. Biotar Ointment may stain fingernails, hair, and skin; hence, please take proper precautions during application. It is recommended to avoid tanning booths and sunlamps since Biotar Ointment may make your skin sensitive to light. Let your doctor know if you plan to become pregnant or already pregnant and a lactating mother before using Biotar Ointment.

Drug-Drug Interaction: Biotar Ointment may interact with other dermatological medicines (adapalene, alitretinoin, bexarotene, isotretinoin, tazarotene, tretinoin, methyl aminolevulinate, aminolevulinic acid, and trifarotene), and psoriasis treating drugs (methoxsalen).

Drug-Food Interaction: No drug-food interactions found/ established.

Drug-Disease Interaction: Brief your doctor if you have a medical history of kidney and liver diseases, folliculitis, broken or infected skin, other skin infections, and allergic reactions.

• ADAPALENE
• ALITRETINOIN
• BEXAROTENE
• ISOTRETINOIN
• TAZAROTENE
• TRETINOIN
• METHYL AMINOLEVULINATE
• AMINOLEVULINIC ACID
• TRIFAROTENE
• METHOXSALEN

• Use mild soap while taking baths and prefer warm baths.

• Always wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid further sweat and spread of the infection.

• Regularly change your socks and wash your feet. Avoid shoes that make your feet sweaty and hot.

• Do not walk barefoot at places like gym showers to prevent infections.

• Do not scratch the affected area of the skin as it can spread the infection to other body parts.

• Avoid sharing towels, combs, bed sheets, shoes, or socks with others.

• Wash your bed sheets and towels regularly.

• Avoid or limit the intake of alcohol and caffeine.

• Do not scratch or pick your skin to avoid getting the affected area infected.

• Manage stress, eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise regularly, and sleep peacefully. 

It is advised to reach out to your doctor if the infection symptoms persist or worsen after two weeks of treatment.

Psoriasis: It is a skin disorder in which skin cells multiply up to 10 times faster than usual, leading to skin build-up into bumpy (uneven) red patches covered with white scales. These most commonly appear on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.

Dandruff: It is a condition that causes the scalp's skin to form dry and white flakes.

Seborrheic dermatitis: It is a skin disease that causes scaly patches and red skin, mainly on the scalp. It can cause stubborn dandruff.