Tarsalic Ointment is a topical medication designed to manage various skin conditions. Among the concerns it addresses are psoriasis, scaling dermatitis, hyperkeratotic skin, cracked heels, palmoplantar keratoderma, dandruff, and itching and flaking skin. The efficacy of this ointment is primarily due to its key components coal tar and salicylic acid. These ingredients play critical roles as keratolytic agents and keratoplastics respectively, promoting overall skin health by reducing inflammation, itching, and flaking.

However, the benefits of Tarsalic Ointment should be weighed against its suitability for each individual. It's not recommended for those suffering from soreness due to psoriasis or pustular psoriasis marked by small fluid-filled blisters, tenderness, and inflammation. Furthermore, caution is advised during pregnancy and breastfeeding to ensure safety.

Features

• Topical skin medication
• Formulated with coal tar & salicylic acid
• Treats various skin conditions
• Powerful keratolytic agent
• 50-gm tube

Tarsalic 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). Tarsalic 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. 

Tarsalic 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.

Tarsalic Ointment is for topical (for skin use) only. Tarsalic 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 Tarsalic 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 Tarsalic 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 Tarsalic Ointment.

Tarsalic 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

• Tarsalic Ointment should not be used by individuals with soreness (painful and itchy) due to psoriasis or pustular psoriasis characterised by small fluid-filled blisters, tenderness, and inflammation.
• Use caution while using this ointment during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• If you experience any adverse reactions or side effects, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.

FAQs

Q1. Is Tarsalic Ointment suitable for sensitive skin?

Ans: Tarsalic Ointment may cause irritation in individuals with sensitive skin. It is advisable to perform a patch test before using it extensively.

Q2. How long does it take for Tarsalic Ointment to show results?

Ans: The time taken for Tarsalic Ointment to show results may vary depending on the severity of the skin condition. It is recommended to use the ointment regularly as directed by your healthcare provider for optimal results.

Q3. Can I apply other skincare products while using Tarsalic Ointment?

Ans: Yes, you can apply other skincare products while using Tarsalic Ointment. However, it is best to consult a dermatologist to avoid any interactions or side effects.

Q4. Is Tarsalic Ointment suitable for children?

Ans: It is advisable to consult a paediatrician before using Tarsalic Ointment on children, as their skin may be more sensitive.

Q5. Can I use Tarsalic Ointment on my face?

Ans: Tarsalic Ointment is primarily formulated for use on the body and scalp. Avoid applying it to the face, as the skin on the face is more delicate and sensitive.

Testimonials

'Tarsalic Ointment has been a game-changer for my psoriasis. It has significantly reduced the redness and itching, making my skin much more comfortable.' - Neha Deshmukh, IT Professional, 42

'I have been dealing with cracked heels for years, but ever since I started using Tarsalic Ointment, my heels have become softer and smoother. Highly recommended!' - Bahar Sheikh, Banker, 35

'I have struggled with scalp issues for a long time, but Tarsalic Ointment has helped me get rid of dandruff and scalp itching. It's a great product!' - Teresa Joy, Homemaker, 29

Do not use skin products containing ammoniated mercury on the same affected areas treated with Tarsalic Ointment. Doing so can cause a foul odour, skin irritation, and black stain on the skin. Tarsalic Ointment may temporarily discolour blond, bleached, or tinted hair. Before using Tarsalic 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 Tarsalic Ointment and other medicines. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers should consult the doctor before starting Tarsalic 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 Tarsalic Ointment may burn easily. Washing the fabric may decrease the risk, but it does not delete the product.

Drug-Drug Interaction: Tarsalic 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 Tarsalic Ointment, clean and dry the affected area.
• Avoid contacting Tarsalic Ointment with the nose, mouth, or eyes. If Tarsalic 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.