Psoriasis Treatment without Steroids or Tar

Steroids

Steroids are strong medicines, and they can have side effects, including weakened bones and cataracts. Because of this, you usually take them for as short period of time as possible.

Steroid treatments that work initially may lose their effectiveness over time as your body develops a resistance to them.

Thinning of skin, loss of elasticity resulting in stretch marks, easy bruising, and dilated surface blood vessels are potential risks associated with steroid use.

These side effects can occur even when low-potency topical steroids are used.  Some of those side effects will go away when you stop using steroids, but more visible changes in skin texture can stay forever.

When steroids are absorbed by the skin, you run the risk of them affecting internal organs. This can occur when steroids are applied to large areas of skin, are used for long periods of time, or involve excessive use of occlusion -- covering the affected area with a dressing after applying medication to increase its effectiveness and absorption. Doctors highly recommend to use natural remedies for psoriasis as they don't trigger as many aggravating side effects as steroids do. Moreover, they are much more helpful in overall psoriasis treatment.

Potential systemic side effects include salt and water retention resulting in increased blood pressure, edema, worsening heart failure, hypokalemia (low potassium in the blood), glucose intolerance with worsening diabetes.

More than 1.3 million people in the UK  have psoriasis,  which appears most commonly on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp, although it can affect anywhere on the body.

Coal tar

Coal tar belongs to a class of drugs known as keratoplastics. It works by causing the skin to shed dead cells from its top layer and slow down the growth of skin cells.

When using medication with coal tar your skin is more sensitive to the sun. Be sure to completely wash off the medication before light treatment or going out into the sun as it is prescribed by your doctor. Avoid sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps for at least 24 hours after using this medication unless your doctor directs you otherwise. 

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

In animal studies, coal tar has been shown to increase the chance of skin cancer.

In addition to its needed effects, some unwanted effects may be caused by coal tar topical. In the event that any of these side effects do occur, they may require medical attention.