Coal tar: past, present and future.

Abstract

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.

• Authors: Gurvinder P Thami, R Sarkar
• Journal: Clinical and experimental dermatology (Clin Exp Dermatol) Vol. 27 Issue 2 Pg. 99-103 (Mar 2002) ISSN: 0307-6938 [Print] England
• PMID: 11952698 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Keratolytic Agents
• Coal Tar

Topics

• Administration, Topical
• Chemistry, Pharmaceutical
• Coal Tar (chemistry, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Forecasting
• Humans
• Keratolytic Agents (chemistry, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Psoriasis (drug therapy)
• Skin Diseases (drug therapy)