Topical coal tar preparations in the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis: a review

by Thawornchaisit Prasutr

Conclusions

In the treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis, crude coal tar is more effective than its modified formulations in the treatment of scalp and non-scalp psoriasis. Derivatives such as LCD and LPC are lighter and better tolerated and produce fewer side-effects. However, coal tar has a carcinogenic potential, is malodorous, and has a tendency to stain clothes.

Acknowledgements

The author wishes to thank Professor Graeme Beardmore and Dr Lynda Spelman, Queensland Institute of Dermatology, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, Australia for their assistance. Many thanks should also go to Professor John Marley, Faculty of Health Sciences, the University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia for his advice. The author also thanks Dr Akaraphanth Rutsanee, Institute of Dermatology, Bangkok, Thailand for her advice.

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