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Is Pine Tar an Effective Psoriasis Treatment?

Saturday, October 10th, 2009

The medicinal benefits of applying pine tar to skin that is affected with psoriasis are similar to coal tar.  Like coal tar, pine tar has some anti-inflammatory properties and it tends to make skin more sensitive to sunlight.

One particular brand called Grandpa’s gives their pine tar shampoos and soaps some very old-school looking packaging.  According to the website, pine tar soaps/shampoos help to remove psoriasis scales and have a unique cleaning quality.

The packaging for Grandpa’s pine tar shampoo/soap reminds me of something I’ve seen in old western movies.  This design seems to pay homage to the fact that pine tar has been around since the 1800′s.  This could bee a good thing since coal tar has been used for decades as a psoriasis treatment as well.  Grandpa’s pine tar soap/shampoo also has vitamin E, which is commonly used as a topical treatment to ease psoriasis irritation and heal the skin.

Grandpa’s Pine tar Bath and Shower Gel
Grandpa's Pine Gel Tar 8oz

Pine tar is extracted from pine wood at very high temperatures in a sealed environment.  The two bi-products of this procedure are pine tar and pine coal.  Some people object to this product on the grounds that it kills trees.

When buying pine tar shampoo or soap be sure to check the ingredients to see if any of the additives worry you.  Pine tar by itself hasn’t exactly been proven to cause cancer (like coal tar) but it is said to contain trace amounts of chemicals that are notoriously carcinogenic.  In other words, as with coal tar, don’t overdo it and you’ll probably be fine.

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Is Bitumen an Effective Psoriasis Treatment?

Saturday, October 10th, 2009

Bitumen is one of the elements found in and around the Dead Sea (in the water and the mud) that is considered by many to be an effective treatment for Psoriasis.  Bitumen’s association with the Dead Sea fuels its modest reputation as a psoriasis treatment.

Bitumen is a naturally-occurring tar, a derivative of petroleum that has the consistency of cold molasses.  It can be extracted from crude oil or coal.  Bitumen is thick and sticky enough to be used as one of the main ingredients for asphalt or “blacktop.”  Judging by its close relation (in origin at least) to coal tar, it is not surprising that it might have similar, psoriasis-treating properties.

Bitumen is still being researched by the professional community as a potentially effective treatment for psoriasis.  Many claim that it has anti-inflammatory properties, which would help to restrain the irritated, swelling symptoms that often characterize psoriasis.

Bitumen is packaged and sold most commonly as a Dead Sea product, as a medicinal soap or a bath solvent.  For the purpose of treating psoriasis, Bitumen is more of an informal or home remedy.

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UV Phototherapy Equipment – Psoriasis Treatment From Home

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

I would have never thought to purchase equipment that artificially produces UV light since I live in Phoenix, Arizona.  Trying to sell me UV phototherapy equipment would be like trying to sell salt water to professional surfer.  But for some of the colder, darker regions of the world a UV phototherapy machine might come in handy.

Having at least some exposure to sunlight is vital to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  In additional to being healthy in general, medical professionals have observed correlations between UV rays and a drastic improvement to psoriasis symptoms.  Much of the medical community is convinced (based on measurable test results) that sunlight (or the like) suppresses the harmful immune system cells (T-cells) that cause psoriasis.

Thus, if you are in a cold, dark part of the world, it may be to your benefit to purchase UV phototherapy equipment.  In addition to the designs that expose one whole side to UV rays at a time, there are also little hand-held UV emitters that can be used for exposing smaller parts of the skin to UV radiation.

Here’s an idea: Make a portable UV ray emitter that plugs into your car’s lighter so you can sunbath on the go!  If anyone wants to buy this idea from me, send me an email.

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What do Antioxidants Have to Do With Psoriasis?

Wednesday, October 7th, 2009

An antioxidant helps to prevent the oxidation of other molecules.  Oxidation is reaction by which one molecule takes electrons from another molecule.  This process is facilitated by the presence of oxygen.  Oxidation leaves the latter molecule unstable, as a free radical.  These free radicals spin off, wreaking havoc on other cells in chain reactions that can cause widespread cellular damage.

Antioxidants step in to cut off this process before it begins by allowing themselves to become oxidized instead of any other surrounding cells.   Antioxidants are more prone to loose their electrons than the other cells around them, which they do without causing additional, collateral damage.

Common antioxidants include: Vitamins A, E and C as well as Selenium and other herbal supplements.  The body also creates its own antioxidant enzymes.

Connection to psoriasis: Free-radicals, mentioned above, have been attributed to the development of the scaly skin that is a common side effect of psoriasis.

The relationship between oxidants / antioxidants and psoriasis is still being explored.  A connection has been drawn mainly from an imbalance of these molecules in skin affected by psoriasis, including an abundance of oxidants and a dearth of antioxidants.

The goal with antioxidants, as with most aspects of health, is balance.  If you’re healthy all around then your body will have a healthy level of antioxidants.  Taking too many antioxidant supplements with the intention of super-charging your system will most likely cause more damage than good.

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