Why Is Coal Tar Used to Treat Psoriasis?

Coal tar is the oldest known treatment for psoriasis. Containing over 10,000 ingredients, no one knows exactly how it works to reduce the redness, inflammation and scales of psoriasis. The reason why it’sn’t used as much in today’s time is that it smells bad and stains people’s clothing and there are many other treatments for psoriasis that don’t do these things.

On the other hand, thousands and perhaps millions of people use this psoriasis treatment because it works quite well. Within a few weeks, the psoriatic lesions become less reddened and itchy. The scales diminish and the psoriasis can look much better or disappear altogether. There are coal tar preparations involving creams, ointments or shampoos. You can expect that about 2 thirds of individuals with psoriasis will have relief from these preparations, especially in those with mild to moderate psoriasis. It’s no longer recommended as a first line agent for those with severe cases of psoriasis. Instead patients use biologics as treatments for severe psoriasis.

Yet another beneficial element relating to this field of study. Coal tar products are available over the counter, making them convenient to get if you have a mild case of psoriasis. Historically speaking, people used to bathe in it, although that treatment is no longer recommended because it wastes a lot of coal tar and there are more effective treatments available. As a final point, plaque-type psoriasis involving only the elbows and/or knees is the only thing people really use it for As a final point.

Tar is a thick, greasy, black or brown liquid made by burning wood or coal. The coal version is mostly used for psoriasis treatment and it works by slowing the growth of skin cells. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory medication so that you itch less and the redness is lessened. The strengths available are 0.5 percent to five percent and you may have to ask for it from behind the pharmacy counter. The stronger types of it work faster but smell much worse and are less esthetically pleasing.

The other thing people hate about coal tar is the thick, greasy consistency. This is why most doctors recommend that patients put it on at night, cover the areas with old clothes or old stockings and sleep with the coal tar preparation on. Then you’re supposed to wash off the affected lesions and pat them dry, putting on some other cream, such as a corticosteroid cream in the morning.

There is a small but significant chance of getting skin cancer from using coal tar preparations. In fact, in California, a warning is required on all coal tar preparations of greater than 0.5 percent. It can also irritate the skin, making healthy skin appear red and irritated. Sun worsens the irritation so that many doctors recommend staying out of the sun altogether when being treated with coal tar.

The shampoo-form of the drug must be left upon the scalp for ten minutes after applying it. This can leave your hair smelling bad, even after you have rinsed your hair off. It’s okay to use a nicely scented shampoo or conditioner after rinsing off the coal tar preparation so that you can avoid having poorly smelling hair.

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