tar preparations
Coal tar preparation has been used for over a hundred years to treat psoriasis.
Coal tar is a thick brown or black liquid. It is a by-product when coal is carbonised to make coke or gasified to make coal gas. Coal tar contains many different chemicals and can decrease itchiness from skin conditions such as psoriasis.
It is not clear how coal tar works, however it may reduce the turnover of skin cells and it also seems to reduce inflammation and have anti-scaling properties.
Creams, ointments, lotions, pastes, scalp treatments, bath additives and shampoos that contain coal tar are widely available.
Coal tar can be used in medicated shampoos, soaps and ointments such as Denorex, Balnetar, Tegrin and T-Gel products to assist in the treatment of psoriasis.
Denorex
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Denorex is used on the hair/scalp to treat dandruff and other scaly, itchy skin conditions such as psoriasis or seborrheic dermatitis. It works by causing the skin to shed dead cells from its top layer and slow down the growth of skin cells - this decreases scaling and dryness. Denorex helps fight severe dandruff, psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. |
It contains one of the highest levels of coal tar available without a prescription.
It penetrates to relieve the annoying itching and flaking and also helps stop these symptoms from coming back.
It should be used at least twice a week or as directed by a physician.
It contains cooling, soothing menthol that tingles and makes your scalp feel fresh.
Balnetar tar bath
Balnetar tar bath helps stop the production of scaling and the inflammation that leads to itching.
Tegrin
Tegrin helps with the relief of itching, scaling, dryness, and flaking of the skin due to psoriasis. Tegrin medicated shampoo is a keratolytic. It works by slowing bacterial growth and loosing and softening scales and crust. Before using this product advice should be sought from your doctor.
T-Gel
T-Gel shampoo is used to treat scaly, itchy skin conditions affecting the scalp, such as psoriasis.
| T-Gel shampoo contains coal tar extract as the active ingredient. Coal tar has mild antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, and relieves itching. It is also absorbed into the skin cells and is thought to inhibit DNA replication in these cells. This slows down cell division and stops the cells from multiplying excessively. In turn, this reduces thickening and scaling of the skin. |  |
There are many brands and types of coal tar preparations available; your doctor may prescribe one. You are required to persevere with the treatment as it often takes several weeks for you to notice an improvement in your psoriasis.
T-Gel should be used as directed by your doctor.
Avoidance
You should avoid using coal tar to treat psoriasis if:
- the skin is broken or very inflamed
- the skin is infected
- you have pustular psoriasis
- psoriasis has come on acutely and suddenly
- during the first three months of pregnancy
- you are exposed to sunlight - this is because it may make your skin react to the sunlight, causing a rash - if you do go out in the sun, cover up with clothing and use a sun-block cream or lotion
More information
Coal tar is often combined with another treatment for psoriasis, such as a steroid or salicylic acid, so that both can be given together in the same preparation.
Some coal tar preparations may stain skin, hair, clothes and fabrics.
Contact of coal tar products with normal skin is not normally harmful. Therefore, coal tar creams can be used liberally and can be used for both large plaques (patches) of psoriasis, and for widespread small patches. However, in some people coal tar can cause skin irritation, a contact allergy, or an acne-like rash.
It is always advisable to seek advice from your GP before using coal tar products.
Information written by the talkhealth medical panel
Last Reviewed: 28 March 2011
Next Review Date: 10 January 2013
