Coal tar for atopic dermatitis
Coal tar is applied to the skin to reduce the itching of atopic dermatitis. It is not as strong as a corticosteroid and can be used as a "bridge therapy" from a stronger medication when symptoms have improved. Coal tar may also be used for treatment of thick skin (lichenified) if other treatment is not effective.
Coal tar is available as a gel, cream, or ointment or as a solution for the bath. Examples of coal tar preparations include 5% coal tar in a hydro-alcoholic gel (such as Estar) or 5% liquor carbonis detergens in a cream base.
Coal tar preparations are generally felt to be safe. There have been some concerns of cancer-causing chemicals in coal tar, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) reports that the chemical concentrations in non-prescription coal tar are at safe levels. Use coal tar carefully when the skin rash is inflamed or is near the eyes or in skin folds.
| Author: | Douglas Dana Robin Parks, MS | Last Updated: July 26, 2006 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Tom Bailey, MD - Family Medicine Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology | |
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