Tarich Lotion

Tarich Lotion general information

What is Tarich Lotion used for?

Tarich Lotion is a medicated topical solution used to treat scalp conditions including psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and other fungal infections of the scalp to control symptoms, such as itching, flaking of the skin, redness and dryness and also helps reduce thickening of the skin. Psoriasis is a non-allergic chronic inflammatory skin disease that is characterised by the appearance of red raised patches of thickened skin covered in a dry silvery scaly rash usually on the skin of the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back.  Psoriasis is thought to be an autoimmune disorder (hyperactivity of the immune system which then attacks self) with a genetic predisposition.  Seborrhoeic dermatitis is a common form of dermatitis that is characterised by a scaly rash that usually affects areas of the skin or scalp that are greasy or oily and is thought to be caused by an inflammatory reaction to a fungal infection with the yeast Malassezia.  Dandruff is a mild form of seborrhoeic dermatitis that appears as small flakes of dead skin in the hair of the scalp.  Tarich Lotion relieves symptoms of severe scalp conditions, prevents build-up of scaly skin and also acts as a skin moisturiser, antiseptic, antifungal and antibacterial.

How does Tarich Lotion work?

Tarich Lotion contains coal tar and salicylic acid that are used together as a topical lotion to treat severe skin conditions of the scalp.  Coal tar is an extract made from bituminous coal and is usually mixed with other ingredients like salicylic acid to form a lotion to be used for a variety of skin disorders, particularly where the sin is dry and flaky.  Coal tar in Tarich Lotion has antimicrobial and antipruritic (reduces itching) properties.  It is also a keratoplastic and interacts with skin cells to slow down the rapid growth of keratinocytes to normal turnover so that dead cells are shed from the surface, which reduces scaling.  Salicylic acid in Tarich Lotion is a keratolytic that works by softening keratin, which is a fibrous structural protein found in the upper layer of the skin.  Softening the keratin helps loosen the dry scaly skin which lifts, leaving the remaining skin feeling softer.  Tarich Lotion also contains Milk-Tein NL, which is a hydrolysed milk protein rich in amino acids that has ant-irritant properties and acts as a conditioner by helping the skin retain moisture.  The combination of these actions of Tarich lotion reduces scaling of the skin, softens the skin and helps moisturises the softened skin, to relieve symptoms of scaly skin conditions. 

What does Tarich Lotion contain?

Tarich Lotion contains the active ingredients coal tar 4.25% (w/v) and salicylic acid 2% (w/v).  It also contains Milk-Tein NL, a hydrolysed milk protein that acts as natural conditioner and the preservative benzalkonium chloride 0.4% (w/v) in and aqueous base.

Treating scaling skin conditions with Tarich Lotion

Tarich Lotion contains coal tar and salicylic acid that are used together as a topical lotion to treat severe skin conditions of the scalp.  These include psoriasis, characterised by the appearance of red raised patches of thickened skin covered in a dry silvery scaly rash and thought to be an autoimmune disorder; seborrhoeic dermatitis, characterised by a scaly rash that usually affects areas of the skin or scalp that are greasy or oily and is thought to be caused by an inflammatory reaction to a fungal infection with the yeast Malassezia.  Coal tar in Tarich Lotion has antimicrobial and antipruritic (reduces itching) properties.  It also interacts with skin cells to slow down the rapid growth of keratinocytes to normal turnover and helps the shedding of dead cells from the surface, which reduces scaling.  Salicylic acid in Tarich Lotion is a keratolytic that works by softening keratin (a fibrous structural protein found in the upper layer of the skin), which helps loosen and shed the dry scaly skin, leaving the remaining skin feeling softer.  Tarich Lotion also contains Milk-Tein NL, which is a hydrolysed milk protein rich in amino acids that has ant-irritant properties and acts as a conditioner by helping the skin retain moisture.  The combination of these actions of Tarich lotion reduces scaling of the skin, softens the skin and helps moisturises the softened skin.  Tarich lotion helps control symptoms, such as itching, flaking of the skin, redness and dryness and also helps reduce thickening of the skin.

What are the side effects of Tarich Lotion?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Tarich Lotion include stinging, reddening  and irritation at the site of application; also photosensitivity. Coal tar can cause temporary discolouration of the skin and will stain so care is needed in its use.

When should Tarich Lotion not be used?

You should not use Tarich Lotion if you:

• are allergic to coal tar, salicylic acid or milk proteins or any ingredients in Tarich Lotion
• are pregnant or are breastfeeding, without discussion with your doctor
• have irritated, broken or damaged skin
• are using other medicated topical skin products, abrasive soaps or cleansers or exfolients
• spend time in the direct sunlight as coal tar in Tarich lotion can cause sensitivity to sunlight

How should Tarich Lotion be used?

You should use your Tarich Lotion once daily by applying to wet hair and massaging into the hair.  Leave for one minute then rinse thoroughly.  You should always wash your hands after applying your Tarich Lotion and make sure you don’t get any in your eyes, nose or mouth.  You should continue to use your Tarich Lotion for as long as recommended by your health professional.

How long should you take Tarich Lotion?

You should continue to use your Tarich Lotion for as long as recommended by your health professional.

Missed dose of Tarich Lotion

If you miss a dose of Tarich Lotion take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose.  Do not take a double dose.

How should Tarich Lotion be stored?

You should store your Tarich Lotion below 30°C in a cool dark, dry place and do not freeze.