Coal Tar Psoriasis Medications

Coal Tar psoriasis medications nowadays come in the form of ointments, creams, lotions, bath solutions, soaps and shampoos.

Crude Coal Tar is a by-product of the coal carbonization or gasification; it looks like a thick dark brown liquid, which resembles a "chocolate pudding". Crude Coal Tar has been used for psoriasis treatment for hundreds of years.

Coal Tar psoriasis medications are considered to be safe even with their prolonged use.

Coal Tar psoriasis medications usually have about: 10% Coal Tar = 2% Crude Coal Tar (CCT).

Coal Tar Psoriasis Medications Action:

• reduces the overproduction of the skin cells (slows the rapid skin proliferation);
• reduces the inflammation, swelling and itching;
• reduces the scaling and flaking;
• disinfects the area where it was applied.

Tar can also be derived from wood (i.e., juniper, pine, birch) with the dry distillation of the tree bark. Pine tar and juniper tar were both banned in 1990 by the FDA from the OTC products for psoriasis, dandruff, and seborrheic dermatitis due to their ineffectiveness.

Coal Tar (derived from coal) is the one used to treat psoriasis.

You may see the first signs of an improvement within 1-2 weeks of starting tar treatment, but it may take up to 8-10 weeks for the best possible result. Therefore, do persevere and you should see the result.

The higher the concentration of tar in a Coal Tar psoriasis medication - the more potent the product (as well as smellier and messier).

The biggest complaints with Coal Tar are: its messiness, its specific smell and its capability to stain clothes and bed linen. To reduce staining, let the Tar air dry on the skin before covering it with clothes, and if possible - use old clothes and bed linen during the times of the procedures.

Contact with Coal Tar products with normal skin is usually not harmful.