Effects of Tar Therapy For Psoriasis

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For severe cases of psoriasis, Tar can be used in combination with ultraviolet light type B (UVB) which is known as the Goeckerman Regimen.

Here, the patient is exposed to UVB light in a cabinet which contains light tubes two hours after tar is applied to the skin. Since tar increases the skin’s sensitivity to light, it enhances the effects of UVB therapy and can make the lesions disappear for a few weeks to a year.

The Goeckerman Regimen can be administered on an inpatient basis which requires a three- to four-week hospital stay for severe and disabling psoriasis. Or it can be done at a day care center where the patient receives UVB therapy and tar treatment and returns home afterwards.

Another variation of the Goeckerman Regimen can be done in a physician’s office. This is ideal for less severely-involved psoriasis. Natural sunlight can be used in place of the UVB cabinet but you can get a severe sunburn if you’re not careful. To avoid this, shorter sun exposures are advised.

“The tar should be applied at least 30 minutes prior to sunbathing to allow the tar to penetrate sufficiently. The tar should not be applied too thick so as to filter out the ultraviolet rays,” the National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) said.

The most common side effect of tar therapy is skin irritation or an allergic reaction. If the tar you’re using makes your skin red, switch to another less irritating brand. Tar can also stain clothes, especially the crude forms. To prevent this, here are some tips from the NPF:

To reduce staining, let the tar air dry on the skin before dressing.

If you get tar on something other than clothing, clean immediately with detergent and water. Quick action may save your upholstery or carpeting.

Wash tar-stained clothing or nightwear as soon as possible. It may need to be washed more than once. Detergent and bleach may help remove tar stains. One set of nightwear may be kept strictly for sleeping in medication.

One may also develop skin cancer from tar products. But this occurs if the substance is used repeatedly for several years. To reduce your risk, take a break from tar therapy once in a while.

“Anyone using tar on a regular basis should be aware of the signs of skin cancer and see a dermatologist for a skin cancer check-up,” the NPF said.

“There is little risk in using tar on the scalp since it is normally in contact with the scalp for only short periods of time. However, some people do leave tar medica¬tions on the scalp overnight. This could increase cancer risk,” it added.

Finally, when applying tar on the scalp, use a downward stroke in the direction the hair is growing. Doing the opposite can irritate the scalp and create more problems later.

“Stroking against the direction the hair grows can cause inflammation and pimple-like eruptions to appear at the base of the hair follicle, a condition called folliculitis,” the NPF said. (Next: Anthralin for psoriasis.

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Sharon Bell is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and published author. Many of her insightful articles can be found at the premier online news magazine http://www.HealthLinesNews.com

Mg 217 Intensive Strength Medicated Tar Ointment for Psoriasis 3.8 Oz