Salytar Ws

Composition of Salytar Ws

Salytar Ws contains Salicylic Acid 1% w/w + Coal Tar 3% w/w. It belongs to the Keratolytic (salicylic acid) + Topical antipsoriatic/antipruritic (coal tar) class of medicines.

Uses of Salytar Ws

• Psoriasis
• seborrhoeic dermatitis (dandruff)
• chronic eczema and other scaly/hyperkeratotic skin conditions where keratolytic and antipruritic action is needed

Key benefits

• Reduces scaling and thick plaques
• Relieves itching and inflammation
• Helps soften/remove flakes
• Supports control of psoriasis and dandruff-related dermatitis

How Salytar Ws works

Salicylic acid is a keratolytic that softens and removes scales by breaking down keratin, helping other ingredients penetrate better. Coal tar has antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects that reduce excessive skin cell turnover, scaling, itching and redness.

How to take Salytar Ws

For external use only. Apply a thin layer to affected area once or twice daily or as directed by a doctor. On scalp, apply to lesions, leave for a short contact time as advised and wash off with a suitable shampoo. Avoid use on large areas unless prescribed; wash hands after application.

Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Do not change the dose or stop early on your own.

Missed dose and overdose

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is almost due, skip the one you missed — never take two doses together to catch up.

If you take too much

An overdose of this medicine can cause severe irritation when far too much cream is applied; an oral retinoid taken in excess can cause headache, vomiting and liver injury. It can cause a fall in blood pressure and a racing heart when far too much is applied to the skin. Do not wait for symptoms to appear — go to the nearest emergency department and take the pack or strip with you.

Side effects of Salytar Ws

Most side effects of Salytar Ws are mild and settle as the body adjusts. Reported side effects include:

• Skin irritation
• burning/stinging
• redness
• dryness
• peeling
• itching
• folliculitis
• photosensitivity
• unpleasant odour
• staining of clothes/skin

Stop the medicine and seek help immediately for a rash, swelling of the face or lips, wheezing or difficulty breathing. Tell your doctor about any side effect that persists or worries you.

Safety advice for Salytar Ws

Warnings and precautions

Avoid contact with eyes, mouth and mucous membranes; do not apply on broken/infected skin or large body areas for prolonged periods unless advised. Coal tar products can increase sensitivity to sunlight—use sunscreen/protective clothing and avoid excessive sun/UV exposure. Use caution in children and in patients with extensive psoriasis due to risk of salicylate absorption. Stop and seek medical advice if severe irritation/allergy occurs.

Do not take Salytar Ws if

Not for anyone with a known allergy to this medicine or to any ingredient in the pack. Oral retinoids are absolutely contraindicated in pregnancy and in anyone who might become pregnant without a pregnancy prevention programme. Topical retinoids are avoided in pregnancy. Not for use on inflamed, broken or sunburnt scalp.

Interactions with other medicines

Other topical keratolytics/retinoids (e.g., tretinoin, adapalene), benzoyl peroxide, topical steroids (may increase irritation), other salicylate-containing products (additive toxicity if used over large areas), UV/phototherapy (increased photosensitivity)

How to store Salytar Ws

Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place. Protect from heat and direct light. Keep the cap tightly closed and out of reach of children.

Expert advice for Salytar Ws

Apply retinoids at night to clean, dry skin, and moisturise afterwards. Give it at least eight to twelve weeks before judging whether it works. Do not pick or squeeze spots — that is what leaves scars. Be consistent — irregular use gives no result. Have persistent or patchy hair loss assessed; thyroid disease, iron deficiency and other causes are treatable.

Manufacturer and class

Manufacturer:

MENARINI

Therapeutic class:

Dermatological (Anti-psoriatic/Keratolytic)

Drug class:

Keratolytic (salicylic acid) + Topical antipsoriatic/antipruritic (coal tar)