The coal tar treatment thread

[D Foster]

Coal tar
Coal tar is a thick, heavy oil and is probably the oldest treatment for psoriasis. How it works is not exactly known, but it can reduce scales, inflammation and itchiness.

It may be used to treat psoriasis affecting the limbs, trunk or scalp if other topical treatments are not effective.

Coal tar can stain clothes and bedding and has a strong smell. It can be used in combination with phototherapy.

Hi Dave,

Great that is the “What” answer.

Now the “Why” 

It's the NHS you are talking about, they don't know what makes things tick at the best of times.

So you leave me with my question? 

No I am making inquiries and asking questions so I will do my best to answer your question.

[jiml]

I was prescribed it when I was 18 I think I used it for about a week before tossing it in the bin. It did nothing for my psoriasis and even less for my self esteem.
But in those days there was very little they could offer apart from that and salicylic acid or light treatment which I used to have

I think the reason they used to prescribe it was to stop you asking for repeat prescriptions.
I still use polytar shampoo even now. It has no effect on my scalp and won't be buying it again as they seem to have changed the formula as the old stuff actually smelled of coal tar but the new stuff doesn't

[Caroline]

So you leave me with my question? 

No I am making inquiries and asking questions so I will do my best to answer your question.

Great Dave !!

[Caroline]

I still use polytar shampoo even now. It has no effect on my scalp and won't be buying it again as they seem to have changed the formula as the old stuff actually smelled of coal tar but the new stuff doesn't

So it became more or less habitual.

[jiml]

I still use polytar shampoo even now. It has no effect on my scalp and won't be buying it again as they seem to have changed the formula as the old stuff actually smelled of coal tar but the new stuff doesn't

So it became more or less habitual. 

Yes I guess the fear of it getting worse if I stopped kept me buying it but having stopped using it regularly now I see it had no noticeable effect

[D Foster]

I still use polytar shampoo even now. It has no effect on my scalp and won't be buying it again as they seem to have changed the formula as the old stuff actually smelled of coal tar but the new stuff doesn't

So it became more or less habitual. 

Yes I guess the fear of it getting worse if I stopped kept me buying it but having stopped using it regularly now I see it had no noticeable effect

Try Capasal shampoo I find that it's much better than Polytar.

[jiml]

Thanks Dave I'll put it on my shopping list

[KatT]

It dries the skin and the flakes stick to it.

I never had it prescribed as the dermis don't prescribe that anymore but my mum had it prescribed.

She said it's a great people repellent lol

[Caroline]

It dries the skin and the flakes stick to it.

I never had it prescribed as the dermis don't prescribe that anymore but my mum had it prescribed.

She said it's a great people repellent lol

Okay KatT, that is one point for coal tar.
- it dries the skin.... well how, what mechanism.
- but. The flakes stick to it.... that is really very clear, and it is a good point.

Then why would you use coal tar for that. There is more stuff where flakes stick to.. E.g. I can think of creams that can do that and at the same time take care of the skin. There are the nibble fishes. There is duck-tape and so on and so on.
Or.... there must have been a purpose to repel people... were there in the past people that hated people with psoriasis?
Just thinking out of the box, and at the same time trying to make the business case for coal tar.

[Fred]

Coal tar is a by product from the production of "Coke (fuel)" discovered in 1665 and first used for medical purposes in the 1800s.

The exact mechanism of action is unknown. It is a complex mixture of phenols, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heterocyclic compounds. It demonstrates antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-itch, and antiparasitic properties. It is a keratolytic agent, which reduces the growth rate of skin cells and softens the skin's keratin.

It is on the World Health Organization's List of essential medicines and is mostly used to treat dandruff, psoriasis and head lice.

Side effects include skin irritation, sun sensitivity, allergic reactions, and skin discoloration. And as already mentioned it can be flammable.

It can also be used to seal roads (Tarmac) (Sealcoat). To fire a boiler, to manufacture paints, synthetic dyes, and photographic materials. It was also distilled to make creosote.

That was fun.