Pine tar an effective treatment for psoriasis with minimal safety risk

[Fred]

This is an early view before publication from the Australasian Journal of Dermatology that suggests pine tar is an effective treatment with minimal safety risk for psoriasis and other skin problems.

Quote:

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Pine tar is the end product of pine wood carbonisation following distillation using extreme heat.

An extensive literature search was conducted back to the 1950s for this review. Pine tar has been used in medicine for more than 2000 years to treat a range of skin conditions because of its soothing and antiseptic properties.

Pine tar should not be confused with coal tar, which has been produced from coal for approximately a hundred years. Pine tar is thought to exert its effect by reducing DNA synthesis and mitotic activity, which promotes a return to normal keratinisation. In addition, pine tar has been shown to be antipruritic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal. These properties make pine tar suitable for the topical treatment of eczema, psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis and other dry, itchy, flaky or inflamed skin conditions. Topical products available over-the-counter in Australia today contain up to 2.3% pine tar, and come in several different formulations that can be used on the entire body, including the face. Modern day pine tar is manufactured with increased purity to eliminate toxic phenol and carcinogenic components, which have been of concern in the past. Primary irritation is uncommon.

In conclusion, the long experience with topical pine tar therapy and its worldwide usage, together with the evidence presented in this review, suggests that pine tar is an effective treatment with minimal safety risk.

Source: onlinelibrary.wiley.com

*Early view funding unknown.

[jiml]

That's an interesting article and is something natural for those who don't want to be putting drugs in their system

[Grizzly Bear]

I use pine tar soap, it's great for reducing the plaque on your body.

The pine tar soap I use has olive oil in it too which helps.

As you say Jim, better than putting drug's into your system.

[jiml]

I use pine tar soap, it's great for reducing the plaque on your body.  

The pine tar soap I use has olive oil in it too which helps.

As you say Jim,  better than putting drug's into your system.

I thought you did I seem to remember discussing Stockholm tar as its also used for horses

[mataribot]

The shampoo worked well at first for me. Takes time to work.

[AmandaL]

Where do you buy it from?

[jiml]

Where do you buy it from?

You can get it from Amazon may be listed as Stockholm tar liquid (it's the same thing )
You can also get pine tar soap there as well

[Turnedlight]

I find this very interesting as I recently learnt that dandruff is caused by a fungus that makes your cells replace themselves faster, (sounds familiar) and many dandruff treatment ingredients are anti fungal.

Same goes for treatments like this pine tar, they have (among other things) anti fungal properties.

But presumably they looked into (and dismissed) the idea of psoriasis being caused by a fungal infection years ago. It does make me wonder though..

I'd be very interested in trying pine tar. I did try coal tar years ago and it made me a lot worse but everything's worth a shot