Name: Capasal
Published: Nov 07, 2023

Capasal

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Reviewed on Nov 07, 2023. by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer Registered with GPhC (No. 2241935) Next review due on November 07, 2026.

Last updated on Nov 07, 2023.

Product info

Capasal contains three active ingredients that treat different symptoms.
Salicylic acid removes scales, coconut oil moisturises skin, and coal tar relieves itching.
Use daily initially, then reduce to 2-3 times a week.

Price checker

Prices include:

Express shipping
24 hour shipping by secure courier.
Consultation + Access to our clinicians
Ask our experts anything you like, any time you want.
Total
£32.95

Save £0.00 each order

Capasal: essential info
Capasal: instructions
Important stuff you need to know
FAQ

What is Capasal?

Capasal therapeutic shampoo treats dry, scaly scalps, which can be a symptom of conditions like psoriasis, eczema and dandruff. It contains three active ingredients that work together to tackle different issues.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterised by red raised plaques with silvery scales on your skin. This is often caused by your immune system triggering the growth of keratinocytes (cells that make keratin), leading to the formation of plaques.^[1] In addition, your skin cells don’t secrete enough lipids (fatty compounds), adding to the cause of dry and flaky skin.

And like psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis is also a chronic inflammatory skin condition, except it’s caused by different factors. Malassezia (a type of yeast) causes an immune reaction and an increased amount of fats on your skin. This results in papules and plaques forming, particularly near the oily parts of your body like the scalp.^[2] There’s no cure for seborrhoeic dermatitis, but treatments can help relieve the symptoms.

How does Capasal work?

There are three active ingredients in Capasal: salicylic acid, coconut oil, and distilled coal tar.

Salicylic acid is a topical keratolytic, meaning it breaks down keratin. This helps remove scaly, hard skin and increases skin hydration by lowering its pH.^[3]
Coconut oil is an emollient. It helps soften your skin, and moisturises and lubricates your scalp. This can help your hair feel softer and less dry.
Distilled coal tar can restore normal scalp function and relieve itching. It slows down cell growth to treat thick and scaly skin.^[3]

These ingredients combined help to improve the symptoms associated with psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis.

Treated trusted sources:

Nair, P.A. and Badri, T. (2020). Psoriasis. [online] PubMed.
Tucker, D. and Masood, S. (2020). Seborrheic Dermatitis. [online] PubMed.
Torsekar, R., & Gautam, M. M. (2017). Topical therapies in psoriasis. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, 8(4), p.235.

This page was written by The Treated Content Team.

This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on November 08, 2023. Next review due on November 07, 2026.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

FAQ: Capasal

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

How is Capasal different to other treatments?

Answer:

Typical treatments for dermatitis and psoriasis include either an antifungal or a steroid. When seborrhoeic dermatitis is caused by Malsezzia (a yeast), antifungals like itraconazole stop the growth and spread of the fungi. Steroids are then prescribed if the condition is more severe and inflamed. Hydrocortisone (a steroid) can decrease inflammation and reduce swelling. Some drugs, like Daktacort, have both antifungal and steroid properties.

You may also be prescribed a treatment like Elidel, a calcineurin inhibitor. These work by blocking inflammatory cytokines, which reduces swelling and inflammation.

Capasal, on the other hand, doesn’t work like the drugs mentioned above. Instead, it helps soften the scales and increases hydration. It's usually recommended for mild dermatitis and psoriasis of the scalp, or used alongside other medications to relieve symptoms like itching and dryness.

How well does Capasal work for psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis?

Answer:

A study compared Capasal with Calcipotriol scalp solution for treating scalp psoriasis. Calcipotriol is a type of vitamin D, which reduces cellular growth on the skin. This decreases the number of plaques formed on the scalp and treats conditions like psoriasis.^[1]

After eight weeks the results showed 57% of patients using calcipotriol had improved their psoriasis, compared to only 37% using Capasal. But although calcipotriol was more effective at treating psoriasis, more patients had adverse skin reactions than those using Capasal (59% compared to 35%).^[2]
So if your symptoms are only mild, Capasal might be the better option for you.

How does Capasal affect hair?

Answer:

For best results, it's recommended to avoid using hair products such as hair gel, hair dye, or conditioner during treatment. You also don’t need to shampoo your hair between washes or after Capasal. But if you want to, try using a gentler shampoo. Capasal has minimal side effects and doesn’t cause hair loss. Instead, it moisturises and hydrates your hair, leaving it feeling softer.

Treated trusted sources:

McKinnon, M. and Klaber, C. (2000). Calcipotriol (Dovonex) scalp solution in the treatment of scalp psoriasis: comparative efficacy with 1% coal tar/1% coconut oil/0.5% salicylic acid (Capasal) shampoo, and long-term experience. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 11(1), pp.21–28.
Murdoch, D. and Clissold, S.P. (1992). Calcipotriol. Drugs, 43(3), pp.415–429.