In a discussion in Which of these treatments have you used for psoriasis ?, we bumped into the coal tar business.
And well, I was wondering: “Why does coal tar work for psoriasis?”
What does it exactly do?
What is the specific ingredient that does the work.
Dave already said in RE: Which of these treatments have you used for psoriasis ?, that it works, seems to work. Fred is doubting that it does much.
Perhaps there are more who have experienced coal tar?

I did some searching already but even the “official” site tell about coal tar that is a good treatment, but nowhere there is an explanation of why it works. There is even a suspected drawback in that it can cause cancer (I am not surprised by that, tar contains PAC’s Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons which are known for that).

Of all other treatments, corticosteroids, systemics, light, biologicals, we know what it exactly does. But coal tar ?? I (seems to) works.

Who can enlighten this subject ?

The NHS say ‘how it works is not exactly known’ so that’s cleared that up then

As you have already stated I'm not much help, but will give my thoughts as you have started a new thread.

#1 It was cheap.

#2 It did remove flakes.

#3 Nope sorry apart from that I can see no reason to use it.

But we have to remember that we are lucky today that more is being done for psoriasis and it has at last been recognized as an illness rather than just a skin problem. My recollection of coal tar was in something I slapped on my scalp and put on a shower cap before going to bed. Washed it out in the morning and yes the flakes came out but it left a horrible smell and my head felt like it has been through a cheese grater.

I didn't use it long and i doubt it is used today, but I will follow with interest.

Good question Caroline.

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.

I was actually prescribed a coal tar gunk like substance from the GP, when I was went to see him........ highly flammable if I remember rightly, smelt disgusting and didn't really see any improvement.  That said I had so many lotions and potions who knows if it made any difference?

I had to put it on with a glove (the glove cost £9!!!!!!!!!!).  When I eventually saw a derm, they never prescribed anymore.....

(Thu-04-03-2021, 22:32 PM)Turnedlight Wrote: The NHS say ‘how it works is not exactly known’ so that’s cleared that up then 

But from every other treatment we know, scientifically, how it works... and from this archaic, I bet it is the first treatment, we only know that it works.

That pledges for more try outs of “stuff”. , What also happens, think of Cleopatra.

(Thu-04-03-2021, 23:10 PM)D Foster Wrote: 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”

(Thu-04-03-2021, 23:33 PM)Wooley Wrote: I was actually prescribed a coal tar gunk like substance from the GP, when I was went to see him........ highly flammable if I remember rightly, smelt disgusting and didn't really see any improvement.  That said I had so many lotions and potions who knows if it made any difference?

I had to put it on with a glove (the glove cost £9!!!!!!!!!!).  When I eventually saw a derm, they never prescribed anymore.....

Suggests that even the derms do not go that way anymore.

(Fri-05-03-2021, 08:29 AM)Caroline Wrote:

(Thu-04-03-2021, 23:10 PM)D Foster Wrote: 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.

(Fri-05-03-2021, 08:31 AM)D Foster Wrote:

(Fri-05-03-2021, 08:29 AM)Caroline Wrote:

(Thu-04-03-2021, 23:10 PM)D Foster Wrote: 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?