Coal tar is a byproduct of coal processing that some people use to treat psoriasis. It may reduce inflammation, itchiness, and scaling, but can cause side effects in some people.
Coal tar is a black liquid with some medicinal properties. It can reduce the symptoms of skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Read on to find out about using coal tar for psoriasis, its safety and effectiveness, and other psoriasis treatments.
Coal tar is a dark liquid that comes from coal processing. It has some medicinal properties, helping to reduce inflammation and flaky skin. It is also antibacterial.
Because of this, people use coal tar products on the skin to treat various conditions, including psoriasis, eczema, and dandruff.
As a psoriasis treatment, coal tar is both effective and less expensive than some other alternatives. Unlike some other options, people can also use coal tar products long-term.
Coal tar may be present in psoriasis shampoos, soaps, lotions, ointments, and bath products. In some locations, it is possible to buy coal tar products over the counter, while in others, it is only available with a prescription.
How people should use coal tar for psoriasis will depend on the type of product they have and the location of their psoriasis.
For example, people can use coal tar shampoo similarly to their regular shampoo, lathering it onto the head and rinsing away. This can be useful for scalp psoriasis.
For coal tar creams or ointments, a doctor may recommend applying the formula to areas of psoriasis according to a specific schedule. If the psoriasis is severe, they may suggest wrapping the area, which strengthens the treatment.
People should follow the guidance of their doctor or the instructions on the product label.
Do not use store-bought coal tar products on the face, genitals, rectum, or on broken skin. If a person wishes to treat these areas, they should speak with a doctor about the options.
Doctors have used coal tar for over 100 years for psoriasis. There is strong evidence that it is an effective treatment, even leading to long psoriasis remissions in some people.
According to a
The National Psoriasis Foundation says that coal tar can help slow the rapid growth of skin cells and restore the skin’s appearance. It may help reduce inflammation, itching, and scaling.
Most coal tar products are safe, but coal tar can cause skin irritation, which may result in:
- rashes
- dryness
- acne-like breakouts
- worsened psoriasis
Patch test the product on a small area of skin before using it on a larger area. This can help a person determine if they are sensitive to the ingredients.
Coal tar shampoo can also make the hair dry or brittle, and it may stain light-colored hair, skin, and clothing. This, and its strong smell, can put some people off using it.
Coal tar makes the skin more sensitive to UV light. Therefore, a person should wash it off thoroughly before going out in the sun and take steps to protect the skin from sunburn. This means:
- covering the skin with clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts and hats
- applying sunscreen to any exposed areas
- staying in the shade when it is sunny
In its pure form, coal tar contains compounds that are carcinogenic, or cancer-causing. However, there is currently no evidence that the amount of coal tar in products for psoriasis can lead to cancer in humans.
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) states that studies on coal tar’s safety have focused either on animals or on people who have exposure to coal tar through their job.
People who work with coal tar in industrial settings have much higher levels of exposure to the substance than people who use it for psoriasis. Typically, topical coal tar medications have a 5% concentration or less.
However, coal tar does increase the skin’s sensitivity to UV light, which may raise the risk of skin cancer without adequate sun protection.
People should not use coal tar while also undergoing UV light therapy or using tanning beds, and they should always protect their skin from sunlight.
Other treatments for psoriasis include:
- Topical treatments: These include corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues, topical calcineurin inhibitors, tazarotene, and salicylic acid, among others.
- Phototherapy: This involves exposing the skin to ultraviolet light. A medical professional can administer this at a clinic or someone’s home.
- Systemic medications: These are prescription drugs that work throughout the body. They can include oral tablets or injections. Doctors may prescribe these drugs for people who do not respond to other treatments.
- Complementary approaches: This could include quitting or avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol, and eating a balanced diet.
People should contact a doctor before using over-the-counter coal tar products, especially if their psoriasis is severe, or they have other symptoms, such as:
- joint pain
- signs of infection, such as swelling or pus
- psoriasis affecting delicate areas, such as the face or genitals
If coal tar products cause side effects, they should also tell their doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to reduce the side effects or other formulas to try.
The AAD advises that people should immediately stop using coal tar if they develop:
- stinging or burning
- swelling
- worsening psoriasis
If coal tar products or any other psoriasis treatment does not appear to be working, people should contact their doctor to discuss the next steps.
Coal tar may be an effective topical treatment for psoriasis, helping to reduce symptoms of itchiness, inflammation, and scaling.
People can purchase coal tar in several forms, including shampoos, lotions, and soaps. While it is usually safe for long-term use, some people experience side effects, such as skin irritation, dry hair, or staining.
Other treatments for psoriasis are available, including phototherapy, topical medications, and lifestyle changes. People should speak with their doctor about what treatment is best for them.