Astar Ointment belongs to a medication called 'keratolytic agent' primarily used to treat skin conditions like psoriasis, dandruff, and control seborrheic dermatitis (scaly patches and red skin on the scalp). Astar Ointment reduces the hardening, thickening, and scaling of the skin. 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. 

Astar Ointment is composed of two medicines: Salicylic acid (peeling agent) and Coal Tar (keratoplastic). Salicylic acid is a keratolytic medicine (softens, separates, and causes desquamation (peeling) of the cornified epithelium or horny layer of skin). Salicylic acid increases 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. Salicylic acid is also an anti-inflammatory agent and topical antibacterial. Coal tar belongs to a class of drugs known as keratoplastic (thickens the keratin layers). 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.

Astar Ointment is for topical (for skin use) only. Astar Ointment has common side effects like warmth or a burning sensation, skin irritation, itching and redness at the application site. The burning sensation may usually last for five minutes after application. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects are persistent, please consult your doctor.

Let your doctor know if you have any allergic reactions to Astar 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 Astar Ointment, if you have kidney, liver diseases, folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease), broken or infected skin, diabetes, poor blood circulation, and other skin infections. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before starting Astar Ointment.

Astar Ointment consists of Salicylic acid (peeling agent) and Coal Tar (keratoplastic). It is used to treat psoriasis and controls seborrheic dermatitis (scaly patches and red skin on the scalp). Salicylic acid is a keratolytic medicine that increases moisture in the skin and dissolves the substance that causes the skin cells to stick together thereby breaking down the clumps of keratin (hair protein), removes dead skin cells, and softens the skin. Coal tar is a keratoplastic (thickens the keratin layers) agent that causes shedding of dead cells from the skin’s top layer and slows down skin cells' growth, decreasing scaling and dryness relieves itchiness. 

• Burning sensation
• Skin irritation
• Itching
• Redness at the application site

Do not use skin products containing ammoniated mercury on the same affected areas treated with Astar Ointment. Doing so can cause a foul odour, skin irritation, and black stain on the skin. Astar Ointment may temporarily discolour blond, bleached, or tinted hair. Before using Astar Ointment, inform your doctor if you have a history of kidney or liver diseases, folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles), lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease), broken or infected skin, diabetes, poor blood circulation, other skin infections, and allergic reactions to Astar Ointment and other medicines. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before starting Astar Ointment.Do not put a dressing or bandage on the affected area unless the doctor advises doing so. Do not go near naked flames since the fabric that comes in contact with Astar Ointment may burn easily. Washing the fabric may decrease the risk, but it does not delete the product.

Drug-Drug Interaction: Astar Ointment may interact with other dermatological medicines (adapalene, isotretinoin, tazarotene), psoriasis medicines (methoxsalen), tumour-treating drugs (porfimer), and eye-related medicines (verteporfin).

Drug-Food Interaction: No drug-food interactions found/ established. However, avoiding fatty foods, alcohol, and caffeine can effectively manage infections.

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

• ADAPALENE
• ISOTRETINOIN
• TRIFAROTENE
• METHOXSALEN
• PORFIRMER
• VERTEPORFIN

• Use mild soap while taking baths, and prefer warm baths.
• Always wear loose-fitting clothes to avoid further sweat and the spread of the fungal 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 bedsheets 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. 

• Contact your doctor if the infection symptoms persist or worsen after two treatment weeks. Before applying Astar Ointment, clean and dry the affected area.
• Avoid contacting Astar Ointment with the nose, mouth, or eyes. If Astar Ointment accidentally comes in contact with these areas, rinse with water thoroughly.

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.

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