Management of hot tar burns

Burns due to hot tar present a difficult management problem because the tar is difficult to remove without inflicting further injury to the underlying burn. We have found the surface active agent polyoxyethylene sorbitan (Tween 80, Sigma, St. Louis, MO) or Polysorbate (Sigma), by itself or in combination with an antibiotic ointment (neomycin sulfate) to be a safe and effective means of tar removal.