Low and High Temperature Coal Tars in the Treatment of Eczema and Psoriasis

Downing, John G.

doi:10.1001/archderm.1948.01520190064008

Cited by 14 publications

(6 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…have been applied to improve its efficacy in psoriasis. CCT has also been used previously in the treatment of dermatitis (atopic), scabies, neurodermatitis, sarcoidosis, pityriasis lichenoides chronica, pruiritus ani et vulvae and several other dermatoses 1–3 …”

Section: Uses Of Crude Coal Tarmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Diascoride's description of ÔasphaltÕ which he used to treat various cutaneous disorders about 2000 years ago closely resembles that of present day coal tar. 1 Although coal tar was first described by Becker and Serle (1681), its first use in skin disorders was reported by Fishel (1894). 5 Goeckerman (1925) first demonstrated the scientific use of coal tar with ultraviolet radiation in the treatment of psoriasis.…”

Section: Historical Aspectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Tar has been used for the topical treatment of various skin diseases since ancient times. 1 Tars vary in composition and their clinico-pharmacological effects depend upon their source. 2,3 There are four main types of tar: wood tar, bituminous tar, petroleum tar and coal tar.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Coal tar: past, present and future

Thami

Sarkar

2002

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology

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Crude coal tar has been used in the treatment of dermatoses for many decades. In the last few years its use has been limited to skin diseases such as psoriasis and chronic dermatitis. Newer topical modalities for psoriasis are being used increasingly for treatment, but have failed to replace crude coal tar as a first-line treatment of psoriasis. We review the pharmacology, chemistry and use of crude coal in order to reappraise its role as a therapeutic agent in dermatology.

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Section: Uses Of Crude Coal Tarmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Historical Aspectsmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Coal tar: past, present and future

Thami

Sarkar

2002

Clinical and Experimental Dermatology

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“…A fraction of coal tar, without these properties, would be clinically more acceptable. Finally, the effectiveness of coal tar preparations varies (Downing & Bauer, 1948) and depends on the type of coal tar from which they are derived and on the temperature of distillation. A standardized preparation would be desirable.…”

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confidence: 99%

Effect of coal tar fractions on guinea-pig and human skin

Sárkány

Gaylarde

1976

Clin Exp Dermatol

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Summary In this study, the effect of topical applications of coal tar and of fractions derived from it were investigated in guinea‐pigs and humans. Coal tar and its fractions produced thickening of guinea‐pig epidermis in various degrees which were accurately measured. There was great variability in the epidermal thickening caused by different batches of coal tar. Separation into ether soluble and insoluble fractions yielded products which caused greater epidermal thickening than the parent substance. The acid soluble and alkali soluble extracts caused only minimal skin changes. The acid soluble fraction appeared to have similar activity to that of coal tar in the treatment of psoriasis, whereas the alkali soluble extract was without activity in patients with psoriasis. Coal tar incorporated in emulsifying ointment as well as a mixture of bases known to be present in coal tar and incorporated into emulsifying ointment produced suppression of epidermal thickening in guinea‐pigs when compared with appropriate controls. It must be concluded that coal tar contains both irritant (inflammation producing) and anti‐inflammatory substsnces. Their precise relationship to therapeutic effectiveness is not clear.

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“…Since Downing & Baer (1948) had found a high temperature tar to be the most effective of all those they investigated, we next undertook a comparison of our standard refined tar with the high temperature tar. The trial was conducted in the same way as the previous investigation except that it was not conducted in a double-blind fashion owing to the staining produced by the high temperature tar.…”

Section: Comparison Of High Temperature Tar With Standard Refined Tarmentioning

confidence: 99%

An assessment of high and low temperature tars in psoriasis

Chapman

Finn

1976

Br J Dermatol

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Comparison of the efficacy of crude coal tar from high and low temperature sources in the treatment of patients suffering from chronic psoriasis showed the tars to be equally effective. High temperature tar was then compared with standard refined tar. Again, an equal therapeutic response was achieved. Crude coal tars obtained by the carbonization of coal in coke ovens and in smokeless fuel manufacture can be employed in dermatological therapy in place of the dwindling supplies of crude tar of gasworks origin.

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Low and High Temperature Coal Tars in the Treatment of Eczema and Psoriasis

Cited by 14 publications

References 3 publications

Coal tar: past, present and future

Coal tar: past, present and future

Effect of coal tar fractions on guinea-pig and human skin

An assessment of high and low temperature tars in psoriasis

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