Treatment of psoriasis with birch tar: recipes, ointments, creams, masks

Tar is a plant material used for many dermatological diseases. Let's consider its medicinal properties and features of use for psoriasis.

The substance obtained in the process of dry distillation of wood is tar. It contains the following components: betulin, phenol, xylene, cresol, guaiacol, creosote, toluene, as well as esters of organic acids, aromatic hydrocarbons and ketones. Their long-term action is effective in the treatment of many dermatological diseases, especially psoriasis.

Pure tar and preparations based on it have the following properties:

• Antiseptic.
• Disinfectant.
• Anti-inflammatory.
• Keratolytic.
• Antiparasitic.
• Keratoplastic.

Plant raw materials are most often made from pine wood, juniper and, of course, birch. The composition of birch tar is distinguished by an impressive number of different substances that have antibacterial and antiseptic properties, dry the skin, relieve pain and disinfect. When applied to the affected areas, they reduce redness, relieve itching and burning, and promote the resorption of abscesses on the skin.

Does birch tar help with psoriasis?

One of the common chronic dermatological diseases is psoriasis. The patient complains of frequent relapses of the rash, which appears on any surface of the body and is accompanied by severe itching and peeling. About 4% of the world's population suffers from this pathology. The disease can be both hereditary and acquired. Most often, its appearance is facilitated by such factors as: disorders of the immune, endocrine and nervous systems, metabolic disorders.

Various methods are used for treatment, both traditional and folk medicine. The most effective preparations contain plant components, the most popular of which is tar. Based on this, many patients have a question: does birch tar help with psoriasis?

• The substance is a dark oily liquid with a characteristic odor. It is used in medicine, veterinary science, and even in industry.
• It is used in the treatment of various dermatological diseases: psoriasis, scabies, eczema, lichen, allergic rashes, diathesis and others.
• It is an excellent antiseptic, as it accelerates the healing of wounds and burns, preventing their suppuration. It is effective in the treatment of skin fungal diseases, boils, suppurations. It accelerates tissue regeneration by improving blood supply.
• Birch raw materials contain more than 10 thousand different substances: organic acids, resinous components, phytoncides, toluene. They give it detoxifying and antiseptic properties.

Another advantage of the herbal remedy is that, unlike corticosteroid ointments and other hormonal drugs, it is absolutely safe for the body. Therefore, we can say with confidence that, when used correctly, birch tar helps with psoriasis.

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Indications tar for psoriasis

Due to its wide spectrum of action, there are many indications for the use of tar: psoriasis, chronic and microbial eczema, scabies, alopecia, various fungal skin diseases, neurodermatitis. Plant raw materials are effective in dermatoses, ichthyosis, seborrhea, various allergic lesions and other pathologies. Helps with physiological problems: burns, injuries, inflammations, calluses.

It is also possible to use tar internally for infections of the genitourinary system and oral cavity, metabolic disorders, inflammatory lesions, diseases of the upper respiratory tract and oncology.

The effectiveness and such comprehensive use of plant materials is explained by its antiseptic, i.e. antimicrobial properties. The product prevents the development of harmful microorganisms. Depending on the area of application, it can manifest its effect on the skin, mucous membrane of the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory or urinary tract.

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Release form

To treat psoriasis, that is, a chronic pathology affecting the skin, medications of different effects and different forms of release are used. One of the most effective is tar. It helps to cure plaques, eliminate itching and peeling of the skin.

Today, there are many pharmaceuticals and cosmetics based on tar. Tar ointments, soaps, special shampoos, creams and lotions are most often used for treatment.

Tar shampoos for psoriasis

To treat psoriatic plaques on the skin, various medicinal ointments, lotions and even soap are used. Tar shampoos for psoriasis are aimed at treating the disease on the scalp. The complex composition of these products has the following effect:

• Acceleration of regeneration of damaged epidermis, reduction of the size of psoriasis plaques.
• Moisturizing the skin, eliminating dryness and flaking.
• Minimization of pain, itching and burning.
• Elimination of the inflammatory process.
• Cleansing the epidermis from dead cells.

Shampoos can be used not only for psoriasis, but also for the treatment of dandruff, seborrhea, hair loss and other dermatological diseases. The active substance can be birch tar, as well as pine, juniper, coal or willow.

Today, the pharmaceutical market offers a variety of shampoos with tar aimed at treating psoriasis. Let's look at the most popular of them:

• Psorilom is a product with a natural composition (birch tar, string extract, chamomile, celandine and St. John's wort). It has antimicrobial, antifungal and antiseptic effects. Effectively relieves itching and flaking, accelerates healing. The positive effect is noticeable after the first use. For therapeutic purposes, the shampoo should be used every other day, and for preventive purposes - once a week.
• 911 tar - has a pleasant smell and rich composition: birch tar, coconut oil, glycerin, caton. Fights fungal infections, accelerates the removal of psoriatic scales, activates regeneration processes. Suitable for daily use, both in acute psoriasis and for its prevention.
• Friederm tar is a product based on purified coal tar. It relieves painful symptoms of psoriasis, accelerates the process of skin cleansing and healing. It prevents the spread of plaques to healthy tissue areas. On average, the course of treatment lasts about 3 months with the use of shampoo 2-3 times a week.
• Super psori is a cosmetic product based on naphthalan oil, tar and magnesium salts. It relieves irritation, minimizes inflammation, moisturizes and softens the skin. It promotes gentle exfoliation of scales. It has restorative and antiseptic properties. The course of treatment is 1 month, using the product 2-3 times a week.
• Tana is a shampoo based on birch raw materials, coconut oil, provitamin B5 and allantoin. Quickly relieves itching and irritation, moisturizes, improves local blood circulation and restores water-salt balance. To achieve lasting results, the product should be used for a month 1-2 times a week.
• Algopix is a medicinal product with juniper tar. Effectively relieves inflammation, itching, burning, peeling. Accelerates wound healing and has an antiseptic effect. The recommended course of treatment is 1 month, applied once a week. To consolidate the result, the therapy must be repeated after a 14-day break.

In addition to the above-described shampoos, the following products have received positive reviews in the treatment of chronic dermatological diseases: solid shampoo LUSH with juniper tar, shampoo and conditioner with coal tar Denorex Therapeutic Protection, Fongitar and Polytar products. As well as Image, Golden Silk and a product based on coal tar Alfosil. Before using any cosmetic product with medicinal properties, you must consult a doctor. Self-use of tar shampoos without observing the frequency of their use can aggravate the course of the disease.

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Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacological properties of tar and preparations based on it are determined by the therapeutic effect of the substances included in its composition. The pharmacodynamics of cresols and phytoncides indicate their disinfectant effect. Guaiacol exhibits antiseptic and anti-putrefactive activity, and phenol effectively disinfects.

In pure form, the active ingredients of the drug have strong irritating properties, so when applied to the skin, they can cause a chemical burn. Therapeutic doses cause reflex irritation of nerve endings and skin receptors. When using the substance internally, special attention is paid to the complex action of all components, and when applied externally, to its antimicrobial and antibacterial properties.

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Pharmacokinetics

For the treatment of psoriasis, tar is most often used externally. Pharmacokinetics indicates the absence of systemic absorption, since all components have a local irritant effect. The herbal remedy effectively relieves itching, disinfects, dries and anesthetizes inflamed skin. The therapeutic effect develops 10-15 minutes after application and lasts for 1.5-2 hours.

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Dosing and administration

The effectiveness of treatment largely depends on the method of using tar for psoriasis. The herbal remedy can be used both internally and externally. Consider the general rules of therapy, the observance of which will prevent exacerbation of the disease and irritation of the skin:

• When fighting a chronic disease, before using tar, you need to take a bath with herbs or medicinal oils. This will enhance the effect of the herbal remedy.
• Tar can be used as a compress. To do this, soak gauze or bandage in the plant material and apply to the affected surfaces for 5-6 hours.
• To treat weeping wounds, the product should be rubbed in 2-3 times a day. If the scalp is affected, the tar is diluted with alcohol in a 1:1 ratio.
• If large areas of skin are affected, the medicine should be used during water procedures. Add 100 g of raw material to a warm bath and lie in the water for 10-15 minutes to remove the scales from the skin.

Do not use pure tar, it is recommended to dilute it with 2% boric acid. It is better to apply the ointment to psoriasis plaques using a hard brush. The product is applied for 30 minutes, then washed off and the treated areas are covered with lanolin-based ointments or paraffin applications. The procedures must be carried out daily.

For 24 hours after using tar, the skin is very sensitive to ultraviolet radiation. During this period, it is necessary to reduce exposure to the sun, and cover the treated areas with clothing. If this recommendation is not followed, you can get a serious sunburn, which will aggravate the course of the disease and complicate the treatment.

Tar internally for psoriasis

There are many recipes of traditional medicine that provide for both external and internal use of plant components with medicinal properties. Tar taken internally for psoriasis is prescribed for general strengthening of the body, and especially the endocrine system. The remedy treats not only dermatological diseases, but also tuberculosis, oncology and many other pathological conditions.

The most popular recipe for psoriasis is tar with bread:

• Take a piece of any bread and put 5 drops of tar on it. Without drinking, chew everything thoroughly and go to bed.
• The next evening add another drop, that is, you need to take 6 drops. For ten days add one drop.
• You need to hold on to ten drops for 14 days, then gradually reduce the dosage to 5 drops. That is, the entire course of treatment will take 24 days.

The positive effect of the therapy will be noticeable in the second week. This remedy will help cleanse the skin, remove toxins from the body, normalize sweating and help with constipation. If desired, you can use an apple, honey or sugar instead of bread.

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Tar with milk for psoriasis

Another unconventional method of treating chronic dermatological diseases is tar with milk. For psoriasis, it is taken according to the following scheme:

• 1-7 days – 1 drop of tar
• 7-14 days – 2 drops
• 14-21 days – 3 drops

And so on for up to ten weeks, adding one drop each time and diluting it in 50 ml of milk. After that, you need to take a 2-month break and repeat the course of treatment.

When using the product internally, it is necessary to pay attention to the fact that it washes magnesium and potassium out of the body. Therefore, it is recommended to additionally take mineral and vitamin complexes.

Use tar for psoriasis during pregnancy

The need to use tar for psoriasis during pregnancy and breastfeeding can only be determined by the attending physician. In most cases, the drug is not used. Tar contains a large amount of benzopyrine, which has teratogenic and carcinogenic properties. The herbal remedy is not recommended for use during pregnancy planning.

Contraindications

The main contraindications to the use of tar for the treatment of psoriasis are related to the individual characteristics of the patient's body and the nuances of the course of the disease.

The herbal remedy is contraindicated in:

• Pregnancy and lactation.
• Kidney and liver diseases.
• Lipoma.
• Acne.
• Furunculosis.
• Exacerbation of chronic pathologies.

In any case, before using the medicine, you should consult with your doctor. This will significantly reduce the risk of developing adverse reactions from many organs and systems.

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Side effects tar for psoriasis

Incorrect use of tar and preparations based on it can cause side effects.

Let's look at the main ones:

• Increased dryness and irritation due to clogged pores and hair follicles.
• Increased sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation.
• With prolonged use or application of the product to large areas of the body, toxic effects on the renal system may develop.
• When applied to skin with deep erosions and weeping wounds, a strong burning sensation appears, which stops after 10-15 minutes.

In rare cases, tar in psoriasis increases the inflammatory process and provokes an exacerbation of other chronic diseases. If the above reactions occur, it is necessary to reduce the dosage or stop using the product and seek medical help.

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Overdose

Long-term use or exceeding the recommended dosage of tar or preparations based on it can cause adverse symptoms. Overdose most often manifests itself in various allergic reactions that disappear after discontinuing the drug. If the product was used internally, then attacks of vomiting and nausea, headaches and discomfort in the spine, gastrointestinal disorders and insomnia are possible.

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Interactions with other drugs

When treating psoriasis with tar, special care must be taken when interacting with other drugs. The danger is posed by drugs (sulfonamides, phenothiazine derivatives) that increase the sensitivity of the epidermis. Simultaneous use with salicylic acid or sulfur ointment increases the effectiveness of the herbal remedy and prevents irritation.

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Storage conditions

According to the storage conditions, tar should be kept in a dark, moisture-proof place out of reach of children. The storage temperature should not exceed 25°C. Failure to comply with these recommendations may cause premature deterioration of the medicine.

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Shelf life

Pharmaceutical tar has a shelf life of 5 years (indicated on the jar or tube). If you buy this medicine from someone or make it yourself, the shelf life will depend on how well the storage conditions are met. As a rule, it is 3-5 years.

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Reviews

Positive reviews of psoriasis treatment using a substance obtained in the process of dry distillation of wood confirm the effectiveness of such therapy. Regardless of the method of using tar, it relieves itching, burning and dryness well, promotes the exfoliation of plaques and scales.

Tar for psoriasis becomes a life-saving remedy for many patients. Plant raw materials are harmless to the body, have a minimum of contraindications and side effects. With its correct use, you can achieve stable remission or completely get rid of dermatological problems and improve the body.