Halt the Coal Tar

You have scalp psoriasis.  Your health care professional advises: ‘A Coal tar shampoo will help ease the symptoms of your psoriasis. But do have regular cancer screening tests.’

You are now caught  between a rock and a hard place. Do you take the risk?

You buy the coal tar shampoo. The warning on the label reads:

For external use only. Ask a doctor before use if condition covers a large area of the body. Avoid contact with the eyes. If contact occurs, rinse eyes thoroughly with water. May increase tendency to sunburn for up to 24 hours after application. Avoid other psoriasis therapies such as ultraviolet radiation or prescription drugs unless Doctor says OK. Do not use for prolonged periods. Stop use if condition worsens nor improves. Keep out of reach of children. Do not swallow.
This product contains coal tar, a product known in the state of California* to cause cancer.

Not all products containing coal tar are required to have this warning.  But it is a fact that coal tar is carcinogenic.

Coal tar comes from coal. Sold in shampoos, creams, lotions for eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and other skin disorders. You may be advised to use the product only once a week and to limit your sun exposure.

You decide to risk using the coal tar product but will do so cautiously.  

So far, the Government of Canada’s assessment is that coal tar is safe in cosmetics but to follow the instructions, guidelines and warnings on the label.  You agree that this is not really very comforting, 

In between the weekly coal tar uses, it is recommended to use natural products in order to avoid excesses of more undesirable chemicals.  You have decided to use Earth to Body products.

On the off coal tar days, you wash all over with the ESP shampoo bar.  You use the organic Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse 2-3 times a week. You love them both.

You believe that the coal tar shampoo is helping.  But you are still apprehensive about using it. Regular cancer screenings are more than stressful.

Maybe the ESP and vinegar are helping too. You decide to try the ESP  shampoo bar and vinegar only.  You like the idea of emu oil and amla and the fact the ESP is a real soap. Pure. Nutritious. Healthy. You have known for years that apple cider vinegar maintains a healthy PH.  

You toss the coal tar shampoo.  For now, at least. No need to be caught between that rock and  hard place. 

You may just discover, as many have, that the ESP and ACV is all you ever need.  

(Proposition 65 The requirement to provide a consumer warning applies regardless of whether a business is located in California or out-of-state, as long as its products cause exposures to individuals in California.)