Pinetarsol®

Pinetarsol® comes as a bath oil, solution or gel, which is added to the bath or applied directly to your skin. Depending on what it's being used for, it can be used on small areas of the skin or on your whole body.

Note that Pinetarsol contains coal tar which can stain clothing, towels and sheets.

Pinetarsol solution or bath oil

Pinetarsol solution can be used on your whole body, if you have large areas of red, itchy skin.

• Bath: Add 15 to 30 mL to a warm or tepid bath (5 mL in baby’s bath or hand basin) and bathe for 5 to 10 minutes once daily as necessary (more often in severe cases). Pat your skin dry. Note this will make the bath very slippery, so take special care not to slip over when you're getting out. If you're using this for a baby, hold on to them carefully, they will be slippery.
• Shower: Apply directly to wet skin over the affected area and leave for a few minutes before rinsing. Take care not to slip over in the shower, Pinetarsol will make the shower floor slippery.
• Isolated areas or for bedbound patients: Add 10 mL to 3 litres of water, sponge affected area(s) and pat dry.

Pinetarsol gel

• Apply to wet skin and smooth gently over the affected area. Leave on for 2 to 3 minutes, then rinse off. Pat your skin dry. Use as often as required for itchy skin. 

Using Pinetarsol safely

• Don't use Pinetarsol on any areas of broken skin (eg, cuts, grazes or sores) or infected skin (eg, if it's red, swollen or has pus).
• Avoid contact with the eyes. If it does come into contact with your eyes, flush with water for a few minutes.

Pinetarsol can cause side effects, eg, rash, skin irritation and stinging, although it's quite rare.

• Skin irritation is more common if Pinetarsol is used on your face, genitals or skin folds.
• Side effects are usually mild and go away in a few days but if they get worse or are causing great discomfort, stop using Pinetarsol and contact your healthcare provider for advice.