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Coal Tar Based Products for Medicinal Use

Coal can be heated at temperatures ranging from 1,650 degrees F. to 2,200 degrees F. in the absence of air, a process known as carbonization of coal. A byproduct of the process is a liquid, complex mixture of hydrocarbons. That byproduct is coal tar. Many coal tar based products have medicinal uses.

  1. Psoriasis Treatment

    • Coal tar products such as fototar and scytera treat psoriasis, a skin condition where the autoimmune system speeds up the growth of skin cells. The coal tar slows the growth of skin cells and restores the skin's appearance. Check the label for any product. The more coal tar in the product. the greater its potency, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Coal tar causes skin reddening and irritation in some people, so try it in a small area as a trial. Coal tar stains, so be careful with its use. It also makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight, so wash it off before any sun exposure. Wear sunscreen, as the effects of coal tar last up to 24 hours after removal.

    Eczema Treatment

    • Fototar and scytera also treat eczema, a skin condition characterized by redness and scales. The skin becomes inflamed, dry and itchy. It often occurs on the elbows or behind the knees. Coal tar belongs to a class of drugs known as keratoplastics, according to WebMD. These drugs cause dead skin cells to shed, and slow the growth rate of new cells. This helps ease dryness and redness. Coal tar also assists with the itching from eczema.

    Shampoo

    • Coal tar based shampoos such as Denorex, Pentrax and Zetar treat dandruff much in the same manner as skin treatments. The product removes the dead skin cells in the hair that produce dandruff. New skin cell growth slows, enabling the red patches on the head to heal. The shampoos relieve the itchiness of dandruff.

    Cancer Warning

    • Use of coal tar in large quantities, such as in industrial paving, can cause cancer. Medicinal use products are considered safe, but the National Psoriasis Foundation recommends physical examinations for skin cancer if you use the products over an extended period of time.

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