Eczema.com

Seborrheic Dermatitis is one of the most common forms of eczema. You may know it better by one of its main symptoms—dandruff. Whether you call it seborrheic dermatitis or dandruff doesn’t matter, the condition is the same. There are plenty of options for treating it. One such treatment is therplex or coal tar shampoo.

What’s in It?

Since therplex is a much more sophisticated sounding name than coal tar shampoo, that’s what we’ll call it. However, there is no escaping the main ingredients of this eczema combatant. Coal tar is a byproduct of the carbonization of coal into gas. It is a thick, dark liquid that is a mixture of hydrocarbons, phenols, and other organic mineral compounds. In addition to being used in many medications, coal tar has been used as a flammable compound for boilers, and even as an asphalt pavement binder.

What It Treats

Therplex is effective in soothing atopic dermatitis, hand dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff, and flaking or itching of the scalp have all been effectively treated by using therplex.

What It Does

Therplex controls itching and flaking, and even cuts down on the rapid spread of the skin cells, which build up and create discomfort. Therplex has bacteria-fighting qualities, which combats any bacterial complications of eczema. The keratolytic nature of the compounds in coal tar softens the skin and improves the skin’s ability to bind more effectively.

Cautions

• While therplex may effectively soothe the skin, it can also cause slight discoloration in some hair types. It is best not to use it on colored or treated hair.
• Some medicated shampoo with coal tar compounds has an unpleasant odor.
• There have been small-scale studies conducted on the possible health hazards present in coal tar shampoos. The concern centers on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are a considered a carcinogen. The studies are not conclusive, and the FDA has approved coal tar medications because of the low concentration of PAH. However, it is worth mentioning as a caution.

Using Therplex

Therplex is a topical treatment. It comes in the form of medicated shampoos, and should be used as any other shampoo. Gently rub it into wet hair and scalp. Rinse thoroughly after gently massaging the therplex into the hair.

Brands Containing Therplex

Denorex, Neutrogena T/Gel, Pentrax, Tegrin, Zetar

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