Washability and fabric-staining properties of a novel phospholipid-structured coal tar formulation.
BACKGROUND
Coal tar is one of the most preferred and frequently used medicinal agents in various dermatological diseases. However, the coal tar formulations available for clinical use suffer from the limitation of staining clothes and skin, eventually leading to a high degree of patient non-compliance.


OBJECTIVE
To test the staining property of a lecithinized formulation vis-a-vis a conventional formulation of coal tar employing different types of fabric.


METHODS
Six fabrics with different blends of cotton and polyester were employed to test the staining and washability of two coal tar formulations following application for 24 hours and 48 hours.


RESULTS
The study revealed the distinct superiority of the lecithinized coal tar formulation vis-a-vis the conventional marketed formulation due to its markedly reduced staining and easier washability. A significant reduction in the staining of fabrics containing polyester was observed with the lecithinized formulation, with the stain becoming progressively worse as the proportion of polyester in the fabric increased. The stains washed off completely with detergent in the case of the lecithinized coal tar formulation, whereas stains from the conventional coal tar formulation remained intact.


CONCLUSIONS
The developed lecithinized formulation, owing to its superior non-staining and washability characteristics, would potentially increase the acceptability of coal tar amongst patients.
Bhatia
Amit
A
University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
Mangat
Puneet
P
Jain
Bhawana
B
Singh
Bhupinder
B
Katare
Om Prakash
OP
D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical; D003020:Clothing; D003033:Coal Tar; D032561:Cotton Fiber; D006801:Humans; D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D054709:Lecithins; D010743:Phospholipids; D011091:Polyesters; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013501:Surface-Active Agents
D007641:Keratolytic Agents; D054709:Lecithins; D010743:Phospholipids; D011091:Polyesters; D013501:Surface-Active Agents; D003033:Coal Tar