Cocois Ointment: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Cocois Ointment contains coal tar, salicylic acid and sulphur in a coconut oil base, and works as an antipruritic, antiseptic and keratolytic. It is used to treat irritation, itching and scaling of the scalp caused by conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis or dandruff. The ointment is applied directly to the scalp, left on for a period of time, and then washed out with shampoo.

What is Cocois Ointment

Cocois Ointment contains coal tar, salicylic acid and sulphur in a coconut oil base. It is used to treat irritation, itching and scaling of the scalp caused by conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, seborrhoeic dermatitis or dandruff.

Cocois Ointment uses

• Scalp psoriasis with thick, built-up plaques of scale
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp with heavy, greasy scaling
• Severe or stubborn dandruff that medicated shampoos have not shifted
• Scaly scalp eczema where dead skin has become compacted
• Mild dandruff, used once a week as needed

Benefits of Cocois Ointment

• Helps treat scalp psoriasis and reduce thick, scaly patches.
• Helps control dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis.
• Helps relieve itching and scalp irritation.
• Salicylic acid helps loosen and remove stubborn scales and dead skin.
• Coal tar and sulphur help reduce excessive skin thickening and scaling.
• Has mild antiseptic and antifungal properties, which may help improve certain scaly scalp conditions.

How Cocois Ointment works

Cocois combines three ingredients that work together on the scalp: coal tar and sulphur reduce inflammation and excessive scaling of the skin and have mild antiseptic effects, while salicylic acid softens and helps lift away built-up scale so it can be washed off and other treatments can reach the skin.

Cocois Ointment dosage

Wash your hands before and after use. Apply to dry hair, working section by section, placing the ointment directly on the affected areas of scalp, not on the hair itself. Gently massage the ointment into the scale with your fingertips rather than picking or scratching at plaques.

Leave the ointment on the scalp for about an hour; for thicker scale it can be left on longer or overnight under a shower cap. Wash out thoroughly with a mild shampoo and warm water; you may need to shampoo twice to remove the oily base.

For severe scaling, apply daily for three to seven days then reduce to once weekly as maintenance; for milder scaling, use about once a week. Avoid contact with the eyes and mouth.

Not recommended for children aged 12 or under in some product information, while other sources allow use from age 6 with medical supervision between ages 6 to 12; follow your product's specific age guidance. If you forget a dose, apply it as soon as you remember and continue as before.

Available forms and strengths

• Ointment (scalp application with applicator nozzle), 100g tube

Side effects of Cocois Ointment

Common

• Skin irritation (stinging or redness)
• Inflammation of the hair follicles (folliculitis)
• Acne-like eruptions or rash
• Hair loss
• Discolouration of skin or hair

Serious

• Sensitivity to sunlight (rare)
• Difficulty breathing or chest tightness in people with asthma or a family history of aspirin allergy (very rare)

Warnings and precautions

• Do not use on broken, infected or acutely inflamed skin.
• Do not use if you have a form of psoriasis that causes pus-filled blisters (pustular psoriasis).
• For external use only. Do not swallow, and avoid contact with the eyes and mouth.
• The ointment may be flammable. Avoid smoking or naked flames while using it, as fabric that has come into contact with the ointment can catch fire more easily.
• The ointment can stain clothing, bedding and jewellery, and may discolour blonde, grey or dyed hair.
• Coal tar can make treated skin more sensitive to sunlight, so avoid strong sun on the scalp during treatment and wear a hat outdoors.
• If you have asthma or a family history of aspirin allergy, speak to a doctor or pharmacist before use, as it may irritate the airways.
• Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before using this ointment if you have recently stopped taking or are currently taking any other prescription or non-prescription medication, including other topical scalp treatments.
• Cocois should not be used during pregnancy, and some product information specifically warns against use in the last three months of pregnancy. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about treatment options if you are pregnant and have scalp scaling.
• Cocois should not be used while breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options.
• No specific kidney-related dose adjustment is listed for normal topical use, but avoid excessive or prolonged application without medical advice.
• No specific liver-related precautions are listed for normal topical use.
• There are no known issues with drinking alcohol while using this ointment.
• Does not affect the ability to drive or operate machinery.

Storage

• Store below 25°C (77°F) or as directed on the product label.
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from excessive heat.
• Protect from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
• Keep the tube or container tightly closed after each use.
• Do not freeze and avoid storing in very hot areas.
• Keep out of reach of children.

When to see a doctor

• Seek urgent medical attention if you develop widespread pus-filled spots on the scalp or body, a fever with a rapidly spreading red rash, or signs of scalp infection such as swelling, weeping or severe pain.
• If you develop side effects such as irritation, stop using the ointment straight away, wash your scalp with warm water, and speak to a doctor or pharmacist if symptoms do not improve.
• If your condition does not improve after the first week of use, or symptoms persist after four weeks, consult your doctor.
• If you think you or anyone else has swallowed this ointment, contact your doctor or your local poison control centre immediately for advice, or go to your nearest emergency department.

Alternatives

• Salicylic Acid Scalp Preparations
• Ketoconazole Shampoo
• T/Gel Shampoo
• Polytar Shampoo
• Capasal Therapeutic Shampoo