How many hours should I apply tar ointment to my feet for eczema treatment?

Application Duration for Tar Ointment in Eczema Treatment

Short-contact therapy with tar ointment for up to 2 hours per day is recommended for treating eczema on your feet. 1

Tar Ointment Application Guidelines

Recommended Application Duration

• Apply tar ointment using the short-contact method (up to 2 hours per application) 1
• This limited exposure time helps minimize adverse effects while maintaining efficacy
• After the application period, wash off the tar ointment completely

Application Process

• Clean the affected area before application
• Apply a thin layer of tar ointment to the affected areas on your feet
• Cover with plastic wrap if recommended by your healthcare provider
• Wash thoroughly after the recommended contact time
• Follow with a moisturizer after removing the tar ointment

Benefits and Mechanisms of Tar Treatment

• Coal tar has been used for treating skin conditions for over a century 1, 2
• It works by:
  • Decreasing keratinocyte proliferation
  • Suppressing inflammation
  • Reducing DNA synthesis
  • Providing antipruritic (anti-itch) effects 3
  • Offering antibacterial and antifungal properties 3

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

• Common side effects include:

  • Staining of clothes and skin (temporary)
  • Tar odor that may be unpleasant 1
  • Potential for irritant contact dermatitis
  • Folliculitis
  • Photosensitivity to UVA 1

• Important precautions:

  • Avoid applying to broken or severely inflamed skin
  • Do not use on the face or intertriginous areas due to increased risk of irritation
  • Keep away from eyes and mucous membranes
  • Avoid sun exposure immediately after application due to photosensitivity risk

Complementary Treatments

• Use emollients daily to maintain skin hydration 4
• Consider applying emollients after washing off the tar ointment
• For severe or persistent eczema, topical corticosteroids may be used in conjunction with tar therapy 4
• Antiseptic baths with potassium permanganate (1:10,000) may help if there are signs of infection 4

Treatment Duration and Follow-up

• Continue treatment for 8-12 weeks for optimal results 1
• Evaluate improvement after 2 weeks of consistent use
• If no improvement is seen after 2 weeks, consult your healthcare provider for alternative treatments
• Maintenance therapy should continue even after resolution to prevent recurrence 4

Remember that while tar preparations have a long history of use in dermatology, they should be used as directed to minimize side effects while maximizing therapeutic benefit.