7.10.2013

Grandpa's Brands Company Pine Tar Soap




Grandpa's Soap Co. Soap Pine Tar 4.25 Ounces

Product Details

by Grandpa's Brands Company
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (141 customer reviews)

Price:$6.10 ($0.42 / oz) & FREE Shipping on orders over $25.
In Stock.
Sold by Medical Supply Superstore and Fulfilled by Amazon. Gift-wrap available.
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Add it to a qualifying order within 1 hr 1 min and choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. 
 Size 4.25 Oz


Product Description




Pine tar soap has been used for many years to treat various skin conditions. The pine tar consists of an aromatic compound that you notice right away. As suggested by its name, it smells of pine tar. Some people may find the scent a pleasure, whereas others may think it is medicinal smelling or too strong. However, the scent does not linger for long, and some people say they have gotten used to it and actually like it.

Pine Tar's Therapeutic Properties

Many people who suffer from skin problems such aseczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and even dandruff may find natural relief by using this soap. No cure is guaranteed, of course, and sufferers often must experiment to find what works for them. If you do decide to try this soap, check the label to make sure it actually contains pine tar oil. Look for quality soap in a very dark color.

Brands of Soap With Pine Tar

There are relatively few retail brands of this soap around today. You won't find it at Walmart, but you may find it in certain drugstores. It is available online, and you will find a few soap handcrafters that offer it on Etsy.com. You even may find handcrafted versions that offer a higher percentage of pine tar oil than you find in retail brands. 
Grandpa's Wonder Pine Tar Soap, has been available since 1878! There are no artificial colors or scents added to it, and it uses a base of coconut and palm oils and has vegetable glycerin for moisturizing, too. If you have dandruff, consider Grandpa's Pine Tar Shampoo,


Is Pine Tar Soap Safe for My Face?

If you've sworn off the use of chemical-laden skin care products, you might run across pine tar soap. The brown-colored soap cleanses without skin-drying sodium laureth sulfate and is known for its healing properties. But, is the soap safe to use on the delicate skin of your face to treat skin conditions?
What Is It?
When pine wood is heated, it reduces down to charcoal and pine tar. When a small amount of this tar is added to a cosmetic product, it adds an antiseptic property to the product. Homesteaders and veterinarians have used the tar for years as a medicinal product for livestock.
Treating Skin Conditions
If you have a chronic skin condition such as eczema, acne, or psoriasis, talk with your dermatologist before using pine tar soap. The natural medicinal properties of the soap may interact with prescription medications and cause excessively dry or itchy skin.
The soap is safe to use on all external parts of your body, including your hair and face. The natural product is best known for its ability to treat and soothe itchy, dry, sensitive skin. If you have poison ivy, a temporary rash due to pregnancy, or mild acne, the soap can provide relief.
Using the Soap
Like most soaps, pine tar soap will lather. If you use it on your face, be sure to keep the soap away from your eyes as the suds will sting. Use a washcloth lathered with the soap to control where you apply it on your face. The dark-colored soap has a strong odor reminiscent of the outdoors. Women with sensitivity to fragrance will find the soap difficult to use.
If you're ready to try the soap on your itchy skin, check out Grandpa's Brands Company Pine Tar Soap, amazon.com. This bar soap uses moisturizing peanut and olive oils to hydrate the skin and a small amount of tar to soothe it.

MG217 Medicated Tar Ointment






MG217 Medicated Tar Ointment, Psoriasis Treatment, Intensive Strength, 3.8 oz. 3 pack


by MG217
4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (147 customer reviews)

Price:$27.99 FREE Shipping
In Stock.
Sold by NG, Inc. and Fulfilled by Amazon. Gift-wrap available.
Want it tomorrow, July 11?
Order within 5 hrs 48 mins and choose One-Day Shipping at checkout. 
Details 


Product Description

Size: 3 pack


Psoriasis is uncomfortable and distressing because others often see the inflamed skin and think it is something contagious. In addition to soreness and itchiness, sometimes people act odd because they are afraid of catching your skin problem, leaving you with the choice of explaining it to them or ignoring them. You don't have to suffer constantly, however, because there is relief available from over-the-counter coal tar treatments.
The Food and Drug Administration approved two active ingredients that offer relief from the non-contagious itchy red patches caused by psoriasis: salicylic acid and tar. While coal tar causes skin irritation for some people, it also reduces psoriasis symptoms that include irritation, scaling, and flaking. To avoid widespread discomfort, the National Psoriasis Foundation recommends testing a coal tar treatment on a small patch of skin before covering the entire area affected by psoriasis
Coal-tar treatments, such as Intensive Strength MG217 Medicated Tar Ointment, Psoriasis Treatment include moistening ointment that soaks into your skin while the coal tar works to heal the skin affected by psoriasis. MG217 is easy to use. Just rub a thin layer of the compound on freshly washed affected skin. If your psoriasis is mild, apply the treatment once a day. For severe cases of skin inflammation from psoriasis, apply the ointment up to four times a day or consult your doctor..
Effectively removes scales, relieves itching and dryness, promotes healthy, clear skin. Intensive strength formula with 10% Coal Tar Solution USP (equivalent to 2% coal tar). The Ointment base is designed to retain the skin\'s natural moisture and enhance the penetration and therapeutic effectiveness of the active ingredient. Due to the degree of moisture retention with this ointment base, no other moisture barriers such as plastic wraps are necessary. Helps prevent the recurrence of psoriasis symptoms. Not for use on the scalp, may be very difficult to remove from the hair. Not recommended for use on the scalp or face Powered by The free listing tool. List your items fast and easy and manage your active items.










Customer Reviews



5.0 out of 5 stars Great relief, no side effectsJune 24, 2013
By 
DAVID VANWESTERHUYZEN - 
Amazon Verified Purchase
I have been using this for several months with great results.
I apply to legs and arms with "quilted cotton squares," and am able to apply it evenly.
Smells like T-Gel dandruff shampoo, so if you dislike that odor, you will dislike this product. Once applied I did not notice the odor, however.
I would recommend this product to family and friends.




5.0 out of 5 stars Finally some Relief!June 13, 2013
By 
MzLil1 - 
So I have had eczema for 26 years and never even heard of psoriasis until this year when Patient First diagnosed me with it. I have it all over my body and it itched like crazy and so embarrassing to show. So like everyone has mentioned I have tried everything as well and nothing seemed to work. I even came on here not to long ago and tried out Psoriasin which didn't really work for me or my itching. So I came back on Amazon again today and discovered MG217 ointment which had awesome reviews. I found out they sold it at Walgreens for 10 bucks, but i got it on sale for 7.99, so I said why not. I applied it and already I am feeling NO ITCHING. It's like a miracle in a container! This is just day 1, but I can already tell this stuff is magical and going to work out Finally! Please go buy this, it's worth the money! Get the relief you need






5.0 out of 5 stars Replaced a drug with lots of side effects . . .May 30, 2013
By 
P. Landry "Wordsmith" (Puget Sound)
(REAL NAME)   
Amazon Verified Purchase
I thought I'd try this . . . instead of renewing a pharmaceutacle that I'd taken over the years . . . it WORKED immediately and extremely good results!

Read the rest of the “MG217 Medicated Tar Ointment” review:



Basics

What is MG217 Medicated Tar (Coal Tar Topical)?

Coal tar is a by-product of coal processing.
Coal tar topical (for the skin) is used to treat the skin symptoms of psoriasis, including dryness, redness, flaking, scaling, and itching. Coal tar is not a cure for psoriasis, and it will provide only temporary relief of skin symptoms.
Coal tar may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

In This Section:


  • What is the most important information I should know about MG217 Medicated Tar (Coal Tar Topical)?
  • What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking MG217 Medicated Tar (Coal Tar Topical)?
  • What are the possible side effects of MG217 Medicated Tar (Coal Tar Topical)?
  • What other drugs affect MG217 Medicated Tar (Coal Tar Topical)?
  • What should I avoid while taking MG217 Medicated Tar (Coal Tar Topical)?
  • How should I take MG217 Medicated Tar (Coal Tar Topical)?
  • What happens if I overdose on MG217 Medicated Tar (Coal Tar Topical)?
  • What happens if I miss a dose of MG217 Medicated Tar (Coal Tar Topical)?

What is the most important information I should know about MG217 Medicated Tar (Coal Tar Topical)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to coal tar.
Before using coal tar, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you are receiving ultraviolet radiation treatment for your psoriasis.
Do not use coal tar to treat the skin of your groin or rectal area.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Coal tar can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result.
Stop using coal tar and call your doctor at once if you have severe stinging, burning, swelling, or other irritation of the treated skin.
Do not use coal tar to treat large skin areas. Do not use coal tar over long periods of time without your doctor's advice.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using coal tar.
Coal tar is not a cure for psoriasis, and it will provide only temporary relief of skin symptoms.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking MG217 Medicated Tar (Coal Tar Topical)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to coal tar.
Before using coal tar, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you are receiving ultraviolet radiation treatment for your psoriasis.
This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether coal tar passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Coal tar products may contain lanolin, mineral oil, or other emulsifiers. Check the label of any coal tar product you are using. Talk with your doctor before using coal tar if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

What are the possible side effects of MG217 Medicated Tar (Coal Tar Topical)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using coal tar and call your doctor at once if you have severe stinging, burning, swelling, or other irritation of the treated skin.
Less serious side effects may include mild skin irritation or skin rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs affect MG217 Medicated Tar (Coal Tar Topical)?

Do not use coal tar together with other psoriasis medications unless your doctor tells you to.
There may be other drugs that can interact with coal tar. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What other drugs affect MG217 Medicated Tar (Coal Tar Topical)?

Do not use coal tar together with other psoriasis medications unless your doctor tells you to.
There may be other drugs that can interact with coal tar. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking MG217 Medicated Tar (Coal Tar Topical)?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does occur, rinse with water.
Do not use coal tar to treat the skin of your groin or rectal area.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Coal tar can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result.

How should I take MG217 Medicated Tar (Coal Tar Topical)?

Use this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Apply coal tar cream, lotion, ointment, or solution according the directions on the medication label. Some forms of coal tar may be applied 1 to 4 times per day.
To use coal tar bath oil, pour 1 to 3 capfuls into a warm bath before bathing. The oil can make the bathtub slippery. Take care to avoid a fall.
Shake the coal tar shampoo well just before each use. Use enough shampoo to create a rich lather. Massage the shampoo into your scalp and rinse thoroughly. Apply the shampoo a second time and leave it on your scalp for 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Do not use coal tar to treat large skin areas. Do not use coal tar over long periods of time without your doctor's advice.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using coal tar.
Coal tar shampoo may discolor blond or colored hair. This effect is usually temporarily.
Some forms of coal tar can stain fabric or other surfaces.
Store coal tar at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine tightly closed with not in use.

What happens if I overdose on MG217 Medicated Tar (Coal Tar Topical)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of a coal tar overdose are not known.

What happens if I miss a dose of MG217 Medicated Tar (Coal Tar Topical)?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Source:
http://www.everydayhealth.com

Oxipor VHC Psoriasis Lotion


Oxipor VHC Psoriasis Lotion, Coal Tar Solution, 4-Ounce Bottle


Oxipor VHC Psoriasis Lotion

by Oxipor
4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews

List Price:$39.71
Price:$29.97 FREE Shipping
You Save:$9.74 (25%)
Only 19 left in stock.
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.

Customer Reviews


2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful in controlling PsoriasisMarch 23, 2013
By 
Patricia Kastel - 
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Oxipor VHC Psoriasis Lotion, Coal Tar Solution, 4-Ounce Bottle (Health and Beauty)
Difficult to find a product as helpful as this is in controlling my psoriasis. As we all know, this is a difficult skin disorder to control and the "Oxypor" has never let me down

33 of 33 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent product.July 26, 2008
By 
J. Clark "Jesse H. Clark" (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: Oxipor VHC Psoriasis Lotion, Coal Tar Solution, 4-Ounce Bottle (Health and Beauty)
I have used countless products to treat my psoriasis; MG217, prescription creams, soaps, etc... Of them all, my favorite, and, honestly, the only truly effective one has been Oxipor. It's a liquid that you can apply with a cotton swab, which dries quickly. It does leave a slight coloration and smell until you wash it off, but applied before bed it is only minimally inconvenient. Sadly, psoriasis means having to rotate treatments to prevent building up a tolerance to one, so you can't use it 100% of the time. But for all the time I have used it, it has never disappointed me. You have to apply it consistently, and be just a little patient for it to kick in. I am 21, and have had psoriasis for as long as I can remember, I found this product in High School, and it was truly a blessing. The scales long ago disappeared from my elbows and knees, and its last hold out is one spot on my left big toe, whose existence I attribute wholly to my carelessness. Best of luck to all!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Wow!June 30, 2011
By 
W. Berry -
(REAL NAME)   
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Oxipor VHC Psoriasis Lotion, Coal Tar Solution, 4-Ounce Bottle (Health and Beauty)
I have tried a wide variety of topical treatments for my psoriasis: Olux, Dovonex, Protopic, etc. None of the prescriptions really got rid of the psoriasis, and they cost a lot of money. I stopped using them last year (2010) and naturally my psoriasis got worse over the winter. I found Oxipor on Amazon and read all of the positive reviews, which sounded too good to be true, but I figured it was worth a try. Sure enough, after consistent treatment over a couple of months the scales were practically gone.

This stuff really works for me, and it is affordable! I've had psoriasis for almost eight years, and during that time I have never been as clear as I am today. It might not be the perfect solution for everyone, but based on all the positive reviews I would say there is a good chance it will work for the majority of people.



 

 Read the rest of the “Oxipor VHC Psoriasis Lotion” review:

Basics

What is Oxipor VHC (Coal Tar Topical)?
Coal tar is a by-product of coal processing.
Coal tar topical (for the skin) is used to treat the skin symptoms of psoriasis, including dryness, redness, flaking, scaling, and itching. Coal tar is not a cure for psoriasis, and it will provide only temporary relief of skin symptoms.
Coal tar may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

In This Section:

  • What is the most important information I should know about Oxipor VHC (Coal Tar Topical)?
  • What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Oxipor VHC (Coal Tar Topical)?
  • What are the possible side effects of Oxipor VHC (Coal Tar Topical)?
  • What other drugs affect Oxipor VHC (Coal Tar Topical)?
  • What should I avoid while taking Oxipor VHC (Coal Tar Topical)?
  • How should I take Oxipor VHC (Coal Tar Topical)?
  • What happens if I overdose on Oxipor VHC (Coal Tar Topical)?
  • What happens if I miss a dose of Oxipor VHC (Coal Tar Topical)?

1.What is the most important information I should know about Oxipor VHC (Coal Tar Topical)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to coal tar.
Before using coal tar, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you are receiving ultraviolet radiation treatment for your psoriasis.
Do not use coal tar to treat the skin of your groin or rectal area.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Coal tar can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result.
Stop using coal tar and call your doctor at once if you have severe stinging, burning, swelling, or other irritation of the treated skin.
Do not use coal tar to treat large skin areas. Do not use coal tar over long periods of time without your doctor's advice.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using coal tar.
Coal tar is not a cure for psoriasis, and it will provide only temporary relief of skin symptoms.

2.What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Oxipor VHC (Coal Tar Topical)?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to coal tar.
Before using coal tar, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you are receiving ultraviolet radiation treatment for your psoriasis.
This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether coal tar passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Coal tar products may contain lanolin, mineral oil, or other emulsifiers. Check the label of any coal tar product you are using. Talk with your doctor before using coal tar if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.

3.What are the possible side effects of Oxipor VHC (Coal Tar Topical)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using coal tar and call your doctor at once if you have severe stinging, burning, swelling, or other irritation of the treated skin.
Less serious side effects may include mild skin irritation or skin rash.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

4.What other drugs affect Oxipor VHC (Coal Tar Topical)?

Do not use coal tar together with other psoriasis medications unless your doctor tells you to.
There may be other drugs that can interact with coal tar. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.

5.What should I avoid while taking Oxipor VHC (Coal Tar Topical)?

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes. If this does occur, rinse with water.
Do not use coal tar to treat the skin of your groin or rectal area.
Avoid exposure to sunlight or artificial UV rays (sunlamps or tanning beds). Coal tar can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight and sunburn may result.

6.How should I take Oxipor VHC (Coal Tar Topical)? Topical)?

Use this medication as directed on the label, or as your doctor has prescribed. Do not use the medication in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Apply coal tar cream, lotion, ointment, or solution according the directions on the medication label. Some forms of coal tar may be applied 1 to 4 times per day.
To use coal tar bath oil, pour 1 to 3 capfuls into a warm bath before bathing. The oil can make the bathtub slippery. Take care to avoid a fall.
Shake the coal tar shampoo well just before each use. Use enough shampoo to create a rich lather. Massage the shampoo into your scalp and rinse thoroughly. Apply the shampoo a second time and leave it on your scalp for 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
Do not use coal tar to treat large skin areas. Do not use coal tar over long periods of time without your doctor's advice.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse after using coal tar.
Coal tar shampoo may discolor blond or colored hair. This effect is usually temporarily.
Some forms of coal tar can stain fabric or other surfaces.
Store coal tar at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the medicine tightly closed with not in use.

7.What happens if I overdose on Oxipor VHC (Coal Tar Topical)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
Symptoms of a coal tar overdose are not known.

8.What happens if I miss a dose of Oxipor VHC (Coal Tar Topical)?

Use the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Source:
http://www.everydayhealth.com

Coal Tar as a Psoriasis Treatment

(LifeWire) - It is smelly and greasy and stains clothing, so why do people with psoriasis still use coal tar products as a treatment for psoriasis?
Because coal tar, one of the few remaining old-fashioned therapies for this condition, still does the job. Within a few weeks of applying ointments, creams or shampoos containing coal tar, psoriasis patients (called "psoriatics") can usually expect their lesions to clear significantly.
Approximately 2% of the U.S. population - roughly 6 million people of all ages - have psoriasis, an immune system disorder that causes skin cells to turn over about 10 times faster than normal. The resulting scaly, red patches can appear on any part of the body, including the palms, soles of the feet or genitals.
Coal tar, while still useful for the two-thirds of psoriatics who have a mild-to-moderate form of the disease, though, is no longer a first-line treatment for more severe cases. The first choice for such patients is generally one of the systemic, injectable medications known as biologics.
"Tar was one of the oldest things used for psoriasis," says Doris J. Day, MD, clinical assistant professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center. "People used to take tar baths - it was disgusting. With biologics, their use is much reduced, to the point where I don't [prescribe] them much at all anymore."
But the effectiveness and availability of coal tar in over-the-counter (OTC) forms make it a logical choice for individuals whose psoriasis is limited to several well-defined areas. In particular, Day says, patients with plaque psoriasis, the most common of the five types of skin lesions associated with psoriasis, find coal tar especially helpful.
A thick brown or black liquid, tar can be made from wood or coal. The coal version is most commonly used in psoriasis treatment. By slowing the overgrowth of skin cells and reducing inflammation, it improves itching and skin appearance.
OTC coal tar is available in strengths ranging from 0.5% to 5% and is readily found at pharmacies. The stronger versions fight psoriasis more aggressively, but they also smell worse.
The odor of tar is perhaps the greatest annoyance, quickly followed - in many products - by a heavy, greasy consistency. Doctors often advise patients to use tar medications at night, allowing the medication to sit on the skin, covered over with old clothing or socks. This helps prevent stained pajamas and bed sheets.
Coal tar has other drawbacks as well: Tar preparations, for example, are harder to find in California, because  the state's requirement is that all products with more than .5% coal tar carry warnings of potential cancer.  The National Psoriasis Foundation recommends that anyone using coal tar recognize the signs of skin cancer and report any suspicious lesions to their dermatologist, visit http://www.psoriasis.org/treatment/psoriasis/topicals/tar.php. Also, coal tar can irritate or redden the skin, so before using it, test a small spot on the back of your wrist to gauge your reaction. Since tar-treated skin is very sun-sensitive, your dermatologist may recommend keeping tar-treated skin out of the sunlight all together. In addition, tar shampoos often need to be left on the scalp for up to 10 minutes before rinsing and can leave an unpleasant smell afterward. Be sure to follow up the tar shampoo with a more pleasingly scented shampoo or conditioner.
The good news: Despite concerns that OTC coal tar products may be cancerous, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has found no evidence of any problems among those who use such products. Be sure, though, to remember that coal tar is made up of more than 10,000 ingredients, and medications that contain coal tar can vary widely in both their effects and effectiveness.
Sources:
"Tar: What Is Tar and How Does It Work?" Psoriasis.org.  National Psoriasis Foundation. 
LifeWire, a part of The New York Times Company, provides original and syndicated online lifestyle content. Maureen Salamon is a New Jersey-based freelance writer who has written for newspapers, websites and hospitals. She has suffered from psoriasis for nearly three decades.


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Over the counter Topicals

OTC topicals are available in pharmacies, drugstores, supermarkets or directly from the manufacturer without a doctor's prescription. They come in many different forms. Two active ingredients, salicylic acid and tar, are approved by the FDA as treatments for psoriasis.

Salicylic Acid


Salicylic acid is classified as a keratolytic, or peeling agent, and works by causing the outer layer of skin to shed. It is a common and effective treatment for a wide variety of skin problems. As a psoriasis treatment, it acts as a scale lifter, helping to soften and remove psoriasis scales.
Strong salicylic acid preparations can cause irritation if left in contact with the skin for too long. The body may absorb too much salicylic acid if used over large areas of the skin. Salicylic acid may also weaken hair shafts and make them more likely to break, leading to temporary hair loss.

Coal Tar


Tar derived from both coal and wood (e.g., juniper, pine) are both used for medicinal purposes. However, coal tar is the type used most commonly to treat psoriasis. Tar can help slow the rapid growth of skin cells and restore the skin's appearance. In addition, it can help reduce the inflammation, itching and scaling of psoriasis. Tar products can vary dramatically from brand to brand. Generally, the higher the concentration of tar, the more potent the product.
Tar can irritate, redden and dry the skin. Test a tar product on a small area of the skin first. If reddening occurs, try applying the tar on top of a moisturizer. Tar can stain clothing, bed linen, and light-colored hair. Tar makes skin more sensitive to sunlight, so be sure to wash it off thoroughly, use sunscreen and monitor your sun exposure. Tar remains active on the skin for at least 24 hours, and you are at increased risk of sunburn during this period.
Studies show some of the chemicals in coal tar may cause cancer, but only in very high concentrations, such as in what is used in industrial paving. Anyone using tar regularly should follow a regular skin cancer checkup schedule. California requires OTC coal tar shampoos, lotions and creams that contain more than 0.5 percent coal tar to be labeled with cancer warnings. However, the FDA maintains that OTC products with coal tar concentrations between 0.5 percent and 5 percent are safe and effective for psoriasis, and there is no scientific evidence that the tar in OTC products is carcinogenic.

 Other OTC Treatment


There are other products which don't contain salicylic acid or coal tar that are beneficial for treating psoriasis. Ingredients such as aloe vera, jojoba, zinc pyrithione, capsaicin and others, are frequently used to moisturize, soothe, remove scale or relieve itching.
The effectiveness of some of these products is not known. Be aware that "natural" ingredients can also cause side effects or allergic reactions. If irritation occurs, discontinue use.
Inverse psoriasis can be treated with Castederm, a liquid that is painted on the affected skin to help to dry moist lesions of psoriasis in folds of the body. The use of powders may also help to dry the moist lesions associated with inverse psoriasis.

 Moisturizers


Keeping the skin lubricated on a daily basis is an important part of psoriasis care because it reduces redness and itching and helps the skin heal. Dermatologists recommend heavy creams and ointments to lock water into the skin. Cooking oils and even shortening can be effective as economical substitutes for commercial moisturizers. Here are some quick tips for keeping your skin moisturized:
  • use fragrance-free products
  • apply moisturizers after showering and after washing your hands
  • wash with moisturizing soaps
  • limit your lukewarm showers to 10 minutes or less 

 Bath solutions


Bath solutions can be beneficial in treating psoriasis. Adding oil, oilated oatmeal, Epsom salts or Dead Sea salts in a bath can help remove psoriasis scale and soothe itching. Soak for around 15 minutes and apply a moisturizer or oil to the skin immediately after getting out of the bath.

 Scale lifters (keratolytics)


Scale lifters help loosen and remove scale allowing medications to reach the psoriasis lesions. There are scale-lifting products designed for the scalp, body or both. Note that scalp products are usually stronger and may be too harsh for other skin sites. OTC products that contain an active ingredient of salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea or phenol can be used as scale lifters.

 Occlusion


Some topical medications or moisturizers can be occluded (or covered) to increase their effectiveness and the amount absorbed into the skin. With occlusion, the topical is applied to psoriasis lesions and the area is covered with plastic wrap, cellophane, waterproof dressing, cotton socks or a nylon suit. Always check with your doctor before occluding a steroid or other prescription medication.

 Anti-itch



There are several ingredients that have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating itch. Some of these include calamine, hydrocortisone (a weak steroid), camphor, diphenhydramine hydrochloride (HCl), benzocaine and menthol. Beware that these ingredients may increase irritation and dryness.

Sources:
http://www.psoriasis.org


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