Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Coal Tar Soap For Psoriasis

Is Coal Tar A Good Option For Helping Psoriasis

How to Make Pine Tar Soap {eczema psoriasis) | Soaping101

What do Kim Kardashian West, LeAnn Rimes and Eli Roth all have in common? Other than taking over your Insta feed, these celebs also have psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a highly visible skin condition that can be difficult to treat, especially when faced with an aisle full of over-the-counter solutions promising quick results for cheap.

One of the more promising OTC options that is hyped and even recommended by some dermatologists is tar soap, which has been a remedy for skin conditions since ancient times. Heres a quick overview of just about everything you need to know about tar soap and psoriasis and if its worth it to use it.

Soap For Psoriasis Safe And Effective Choice

If you are having any skin problem, then the choice of soap and shampoo is always a matter of concern for you. If the skin problem is as complex as psoriasis, then it becomes more vital. The reason being- psoriasis is a long term problem and you have to make sure that the chosen soap and shampoo is effective on the problem and at the same time, it doesnt impose any side effects on your skin if used in the long term.

A good soap for psoriasis would be effective on the skin patches without getting harsh on your skin. It shouldnt have an overdose of synthetic chemicals which can make your skin dry and cause irritation.

Choosing Between Natural And Artificial Soap

After rejecting the ordinary bathing bars, you have two options to choose from:

  • Artificial soaps with chemicals like coal tar, salicylic acid, triclosan
  • Natural or herbal soaps which are either handmade or machine made.

Artificial Soaps

Most of these chemicals based soaps are designed to attack on the psoriasis patches without caring much about your skin. They contain harsh chemicals to rub the psoriasis flakes off the skin.

Coal tar and salicylic acid- these two chemicals are very common in these soaps. Coal tar is a petrochemical product- a by product of coal processing. It can strip off the natural moisture from your skin to make it super dry, if used regularly. If you have ever used coal tar based soap or shampoo before, you must have experienced the severe drying effect of coal tar. Long term use of coal tar based soap and shampoo can make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Salicylic acid is a popular stain remover. It is used to remove stains from metallic parts. How can you expect it to be gentle on your skin?

Triclosan- a popular antibacterial agent used in artificial soaps is toxic in nature. EPA classifies it as a pesticide and considers it unhealthy for human health and environment. FDA calls it a drug. Dr Christine H. Farlow, author of the book Dying to Look Good, advises never to use any product containing triclosan.

Natural soaps

Also Check: What Are The Best Vitamins For Psoriasis

Coal Tar Soap Vs Pine Tar Soap

There are two main varieties of tar soap to consider, both with similar benefits:

Coal Tar

Theres a reason doctors have been prescribing this type of tar for psoriasis since the 1920s. That right there is a red light since many of the doctor-approved remedies of the early 1900s have since been banned. While coal is composed of thousands of ingredients, scientists believe polycyclic aryl hydrocarbons, particularly carbazole, are behind its psoriasis-fighting abilities.

We know it sounds like another name for the Gate Keeper, but research has shown carbazole prevents cells from inflaming, which means fewer flare-ups and flakes. However, this isnt always the case and your skin can have a negative effect.

Pine Tar

Slightly less popular than coal tar, pine tar is thought to have a host of benefits. In addition to slowing the over-production of rough skin cells, research shows it relieves itching, fights inflammation, is antibacterial, and anti-fungal.

How Does Coal Tar Help Seborrheic Dermatitis

MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning 3% Coal Tar Formula Shampoo, 8 ...

Although the root cause of Seborrheic Dermatitis is still unknown, recent research suggests seb derm to be associated with a type of fungus called Malassezia furfur. Symptoms include itching, scaling, rash and ring-shaped patches of dry, pink skin. The antifungal properties of coal tar are believed to be the primary reason that it reduces symptoms of the common skin condition. In a clinical study , coal tar demonstrated its ability to inhibit the growth of 52 Malassezia strains.

However, there are other more modern treatments for seb derm which seem to be more precise and more effective at combatting the symptoms associated with seb derm. Piroctone Olamine, Ketoconazole and Selenium Sulfide are three active ingredients that tend to be more widely used in recent years.

Read Also: Does Heat Make Psoriasis Worse

Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser And Restoraderm Soothing Wash

Cetaphil cleansers such as Cetaphil Daily Facial Cleanser for the face and Cetaphil Restoraderm Soothing Wash for the body may also be beneficial for dry, sensitive skin. Although the Restoraderm line was designed for patients with atopic dermatitis, it may be helpful for those with psoriasis. Many MyPsoriasisTeam members have shared that they use Cetaphil cleansers in their daily routines. I shower with Cetaphil soap, wrote one member, and it helps. Another member wrote that they use Cetaphil or the generic version for soap. Its very gentle.

What To Do After A Bath

Pat your body mostly dry with a towel. Leave a little moisture on your skin.

Within 5 minutes after your bath, put on a moisturizer to seal in the wetness. Use a fragrance-free cream or thick ointment. If you donât mind the greasiness, you can use petroleum jelly. If you donât have a heavy moisturizer, itâs OK to use a lotion.

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What To Look For

There are literally hundreds of different coal tar preparations found on drugstore shelves and online. When choosing a product, opt for one that has undergone testing with an independent certifying body like the U.S. Pharmacopeia , NSF International, or ConsumerLab. In this way, you will know for sure that the product contains the ingredients listed on the label in the declared potency level.

World Psoriasis Day 29 Octobre 2022

What are the Benefits of Coal Tar Soap

Psoriasis coal tar comes from petroleum and is one of the oldest remedies known to work effectively on the uncomfortable skin condition. Doctors can treat psoriasis with coal tar alone but usually do not because of the diseases resistance. Coal tar offers many benefits but also has some side effects that may raise questions about its safety.

Recommended Reading: Natural Remedies For Plaque Psoriasis

Abundant Natural Health Mag Ic Cbd Gel

Abundant Natural Healthâs MAG I.C. CBD Gel is the first topical solution to be recognized by the National Psoriasis Foundation for the relief of Psoriatic Psoriasis. MAG I.C. CBD Gel combines organic certified Magnesium, cucumber and CBD to deliver rapid relief naturally ensuring your body can recover fast.

Perricone MD

Hypoallergenic Cbd Sensitive Skin Therapy Ultra

Formulated with 99% pure Cannabidiol , this ultra-lightweight, gentle sunscreen delivers powerful broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection suitable for the most sensitive skin. Leaves skin feeling calmed and soothed with an invisible, non-greasy finish. Vegan and non-comedogenic. Dermatologist tested.

Codex Beauty

Recommended Reading: Psoriasis On Elbows And Knees Only

Responses To Soaps For Psoriasis: These 3 Bars Are Amazing

  • Doretha Tullar May 23, 2019 at 5:16 pm

    Hello my name is Doretha from Severn, MD. Thank you for all comments , its good to know there is a site for us that suffer from this problem. I will try the soap and the pictures are a great encourager. Thank you for the young lady name Dee, I truly feel your pain! . I look forward to reading more stories and all recommendations for our unique illness.

  • I have had penile p for 6 years plus now. I can safely say it is the worst thing to ever happen to me. At this point I have no idea what to do. The docs are no help and it feels like its getting worse. Today its like it was burnt with fire cant even touch it. Anyone recommend a good cream to soothe the pain and dryness for penile p?

  • I have full body guttate psoriasis.. 3 years running with this Im 22 and it effects every aspect of my life. Long sleeves, pants, hats.. Ssimming in pools irritates my skin REALLY bad I need something to take this pain away Which soap do any of you guys recommend? Im desperate. Ive tried EVERYTHING I can find. I stumbled onto this just tonight

  • Hey Jack, nice website! I just did a search and yellow bird charcoal soap is available at their own website, theyellowbird.co I currently am trying soaps from Chagrin Valley Soap company. Using their Sea Buckthorn Tea Tree soap, which I like pretty well.

  • How Does Coal Tar Treat Psoriasis

    Medicasp Coal Tar Dandruff Shampoo For Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis ...

    Coal tar comes from coal. Itâs often used to make coal-tar pitch, which is used as a base for coatings and paint and in roofing and paving. But it can also be used to treat certain inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and dandruff.

    When you have psoriasis, your skin cells turn over rapidly, which causes red, itchy, scaly patches. Coal tar helps slow these cellsâ rapid growth to restore your skinâs smooth appearance. It can also help relieve the inflammation and itching that occurs with psoriasis. Coal tar is most effective in treating:

    • Plaque-type psoriasis
    • Itching
    • Scalp psoriasis
    • Psoriasis on the palms of your hands and soles of your feet. This type of psoriasis is normally very hard to treat.

    Your dermatologist may recommend that you try coal tar alone, or that you use it with a combination of other medications like topical corticosteroids, , or both.

    Coal tar should also not be confused with pine tar, which comes from pine wood. While itâs also used to treat skin conditions, most dermatologists recommend coal tar instead to treat psoriasis.

    Also Check: Best Otc Lotion For Psoriasis

    Yellow Bird Activated Charcoal Soap

    Made from processed carbon, this baby can only be described by one word bubbly. Every bar is like a sponge, with millions of small pockets. This is great because having so many pockets gives it a humongous surface area that pulls in unwanted molecules like a magnet.

    In many ways, our skin is also like a sponge. Its a permeable membrane that allows toxins and other contaminants free entry like a revolving door. And activated charcoal soap not only pulls out and bacteria from its surface, but toxins from underneath the surface.

    Edit: The one I used to used was made by Black Therapy 9, but for some reason its nowhere to be found. So Ive started using an . Its made using organic ingredients and is godly at descaling. My hands always looks smooth for hours afterwards!

    Historical Use Of Tar Soap

    Coal tar has been used to treat skin conditions since ancient times. For over 100 years, it has been used to treat psoriasis.

    In the past, over-the-counter coal tar soap contained coal tar byproducts, like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons . Today, true coal tar soap is hard to get without a prescription.

    You can still buy pine tar soap that contains pine tar and pine tar oils without a prescription. Some brands for sale today have been in production since the 1800s and use the same formula.

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    Dreft Pure Gentleness Laundry Detergent

    Dreft Pure Gentleness is a hypoallergenic laundry detergent from Dreft, the #1 pediatrician-recommended baby detergent. Its gentle, plant-based formula is made from 75% plant-based ingredients, so you do not need to compromise when cleaning messes left behind by your little one. Specially formulated to be fragrance free with 0% added dyes chlorine, phosphates, or brighteners, it gently cleanses fabrics, making it perfect from the very first wash. Dreft Pure Gentleness is handy throughout all stages of motherhood, from the very first days to the first giggles, first steps, and many more great memories. This liquid laundry detergent for babies works in all washing machines, including high efficiency and standard .

    Procter & Gamble

    When To Speak With Your Doctor

    Psoriasis Skin Care: Coal Tar Helped me A LOT for my psoriasis

    Talk to your doctor before using tar soap to treat psoriasis. They can give you tips on how much soap to use and how often.

    If you experience the symptoms of an allergic reaction while using tar soap, seek medical help immediately. Those symptoms may include:

    • swelling
    • hives
    • chest tightness

    If the treated area becomes red, itchy, or irritated, or your symptoms worsen or dont improve, call your doctor as soon as possible.

    Also Check: Will Eczema Cream Help Psoriasis

    Wood Tar Soaps And Coal Tar Soaps

    There are two types of tar: one made from wood and one made from coal. The one from coal is the kind people most commonly use to help reduce psoriasis symptoms.

    You can get shampoo or soap with tar already in it, or you can get a solution that you add to your soap or shampoo.

    Tar also comes in different concentrations. In lower concentrations, you can get it without a doctors prescription. In higher concentrations, youll need a prescription.

    Your doctor may prescribe it by itself or as part of a treatment plan with other medications or therapies.

    There Are Many Different Coal Tar Products

    Coal tar is available in many formulations, including liquid, soap, a cleansing bar, solution, emulsion, shampoo, lotion, cream, foam, gel, ointment, and solution products.2

    You may have seen coal tar products under the following brand names:2 Betatar Gel, Cutar Emulsion, Denorex, DHS Tar, Doak Tar, Duplex T, Fototar, Ionil-T Plus, Medotar, MG 217, Neutrogena T/Derm, Neutrogena T/Gel.

    Also Check: Psoriasis Fotos En Las Manos

    Ingredients To Look For

    The ingredients in your psoriasis management products are going to depend on the type of psoriasis you have and your symptoms. Before you make a selection, you may want to talk with your doctor.

    In addition to the ingredients we already discussed, you can also look for soaps or shampoos with the following:

    • Lactic acid, urea, and phenol. These ingredients also help remove scales on the skin.
    • Anti-itch ingredients. These ingredients, like calamine, hydrocortisone, camphor, diphenhydramine hydrochloride , benzocaine, and menthol, can help with itching. However, they may dry out and irritate skin.
    • Aloe vera, jojoba, zinc pyrithione, and capsaicin. These ingredients help moisturize and soothe skin. However, its important to test them on a small patch of skin and stop using them if you experience irritation.
    • Epsom and Dead Sea salts. Add these to your bath to help remove scales and reduce itch.

    When it comes to scalp psoriasis that includes dandruff, you can look for salicylic acid as well as sulfur or zinc ingredients to help with the flaking and itching, says Dr. Kelly M. Cordoro, a member of the Society of Pediatric Dermatology.

    Anti-dandruff shampoos, like Head & Shoulders or Selsun Blue, can also work well, adds Dr. Kaffenberger.

    She also recommends medicated shampoos, such as:

    • ketoconazole shampoo
    • ciclopirox shampoo
    • steroid shampoos, like clobetasol shampoo
    • MG217 Medicated Conditioning Shampoo, Coal Tar Formula
    • Active ingredient: 3 percent coal tar

    Some Useful Tips For External Skin Care

    MG217 Psoriasis Medicated Conditioning 3% Coal Tar Shampoo
    • These natural soaps may make less foam than synthetic ones. Hence, apply a thick layer of natural soap on your skin and rub it gently for more time. It would ensure efficient body cleansing.
    • Avoid hot water bath. Hot water can increase the skin inflammation. Use warm or normal cool water instead.
    • After bathing, gently dry your skin with a fluffy towel. Dont rub the towel too harshly.
    • Immediately after drying the skin with a towel, apply a suitable moisturizer. It would ensure that your body doesnt lose its natural moisture.
    • Take omega 3 supplements. Omega 3 fatty acids help in reducing the skin inflammation and itching.

    Read more: Benefits of Omega 3 for Psoriasis

    Recommended Reading: Cream Or Ointment For Psoriasis

    Soap Or Lotion: Whats The Difference

    Soaps and lotions that help manage psoriasis symptoms may contain similar ingredients, such as colloidal oatmeal or salicylic acid. Some lotions may contain topical steroids, like hydrocortisone, which also help reduce inflammation.

    But the biggest difference is that you rinse off soap after applying it. Meanwhile, a lotion is something you need to leave on your skin to be effective.

    Try to follow these tips when using soaps, shampoos, or lotions for psoriasis:

    • Limit your showers to 5 minutes and baths to 15 minutes.
    • Moisturize within 5 minutes of your shower or bath.
    • Try to stick to products intended for psoriasis or products that do not contain ingredients that may make your symptoms worse.
    • Avoid washcloths or loofahs, and dry off gently.

    One thing to consider: If you want to use lotions, especially after bathing, you may want to use a cream or ointment instead.

    According to the Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care, lotions may be less effective at keeping your skin moisturized than creams or ointments. In fact, ointments contain the most lipids, which help form a protective layer around your skin to retain moisture.

    Ask your doctor if a lotion, cream, or ointment is right for you.

    Dr. Jessica Kaffenberger, a dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, notes that unmanaged psoriasis can lead to systemic inflammation and potentially increase the risk of developing other conditions, such as:

    • high blood pressure
    • depression
    • liver disease

    Sappo Hill Soapworks Soaps

    Last but not least are natural soaps: ones which are cold-pressed and use organic oils and fats. These are the best for psoriasis, and if you find one, rest assured it will be miles ahead compared to most soaps youll find peddled in shops. However, make sure to read the labels for even those who proclaim to be handmade, as even they are sometimes produced with synthetic agents.

    There are tons of good brands out there. One that I like is called , and they make a wide selection of soaps. Their best? It has to be the one made out of oatmeal, coconut oil and glycerine. Oatmeal is great for psoriasis as it stops itching in its tracks, and coconut oil is a top moisturiser. Im not a person that gets excited about soaps but this its like skin crack. And you get a dozen in a box, so it lasts for ages.

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