Skin Steroid Atrophy - The Effects of Steroids

Note: PsoriaLess® is a 100% natural product and does not contain any steroids, coal tar or any other harsh chemicals. Careless use of topical corticosteroids frequently leads to steroid side effects such as skin antrophy, thinning of the skin, stretch marks and inflamed blood vessels. Strong steroids should be avoided on sensitive sites such as the face, groin and armpits. Even the application of weaker or safer steroids should be limited to less than two weeks on those sites.

Note: PsoriaLess® is a 100% natural product and does not contain any steroids, coal tar or any other harsh chemicals. Careless use of topical corticosteroids frequently leads to steroid side effects such as skin antrophy, thinning of the skin, stretch marks and inflamed blood vessels. Strong steroids should be avoided on sensitive sites such as the face, groin and armpits. Even the application of weaker or safer steroids should be limited to less than two weeks on those sites.
The biggest problem with using topical steroids? When you quit, the condition gets worse.
Adverse effects of topical corticosteroidsLike all kinds of medications, topical steroids have the potential to produce adverse reactions. Some steroid-induced side effects are listed below:1)  Cutaneous changes
Skin blanching from acute vasoconstriction.
Hypo-pigmentation.
Rebound worsening of the pre-existing skin condition.
Miliaria.
Rosacea, perioral dermatitis, acne.
Skin atrophy with telangiectasia, stellate pseudoscars, purpura, and striae.
Delayed wound healing.
Hyper-trichosis of face.
Allergic contact dermatitis ** (Hydrocortisone).
2)  Cutaneous infection and infestation
Folliculitis
Tinea incognito
Impetigo incognito
Scabies incognito
3)  Eyes
Glaucoma
Cataracts
4)  Systemic
Adrenal suppression
Osteoporosis
Stunted growth in children
Cushioned appearance  Using Topical steroids with eczema:When an eczematous inflammatory skin condition fails to respond to topical steroid therapy, the following factors need to be considered: Co-existing infection (bacterial, fungal, viral, scabies etc.) Wrong diagnosis (e.g. drug eruption, Pagets disease, mycosis fungoides mistaken as eczema) Insufficient potency of steroid for the site or skin condition. Inappropriate vehicle or base (e.g. cream is not as effective as ointment for dry lichenifed skin, salicylic acid acts as keratolytic and aids penetration of hyperkeratotic palms and soles) Poor compliance or incorrect method of application and skin care Irritant contact dermatitis: aggravated by water, detergents, lotions, antiseptics, certain herbal remedies. Allergic contact dermatitis: allergens such as metal, rubber, glue, and medicaments The biggest problem with using topical steroids? When you quit, the condition gets worse.   Allergic contact dermatitis and topical steroid preparations.This is increasingly recognized in recent years and accounts for one of the many causes of unsatisfactory response to topical steroid therapy. Allergy to corticosteroids accounts for 4% of allergic contact dermatitis. Potential sensitizers in topical steroid preparations include:
Preservatives or stabilizer in the vehicle (e.g. parabens, lanolin, ethylene- diamine)
Antimicrobials (e.g. neomycin, clioquinol)
Steroid molecule itself (e.g. hydrocortisone, clobetasol)
Face, hand, perineal area, and lower leg are sites where medicaments are frequently applied and associated with allergic contact dermatitis to topical preparations. More common steroid sensitizers may be related to their frequency of use and include hydrocortisone, Locoid, Dermovate, etc. A thorough medicament history is important for diagnosis and should be confirmed with patch testing. Standard series allergens as well as corticosteroids series should be used for testing.
Corticosteroid series include:
Amcinonide 0.1%
Betamasone 17 valerate 0.12%
Clobetasol 17 propionate 0.25%
Hydrocortisone 1%
hydrocortisone 17-butyrate 0.1%
Triamcinolone Acetonide 0.1%
Budesonide 0.1%
Prednisolone 0.1%Corticosteroids Rebound Effect: Late readings at 72 hour or later for clinical relevance.  Chronic Use of Steroids
Chronic use of steroids almost always leads to tachyphylaxis (lack of response). Changing from one steroid to another may delay tachyphylaxis, but the only way to prevent it is to stop using topical corticosteroids, at least temporarily. Alternatively, regiments which have been called “pulse therapy” or “weekend therapy” are quite effective and minimize the likelihood of a person developing skin side effects (see below) and tachyphylaxis. In these regiments, strong topical corticosteroids are applied on weekends only, and emollients or non steroidal antipsoriatic agents are applied.
The continued use of steroid based or corticosteroid-based medications will lead to decalcification of the bones. Since psoriasis is in the majority of cases also associated with arthritis (most psoriasis sufferers also have a form of arthritis) decalcification of the bones will lead to extension of the arthritis or an increase in the pains associated with arthritis.
Topical Steroids and Photo-therapy
Use of topical steroids can shorten the duration of remission in patients who are undergoing photo therapy with ultraviolet B or PUVA. It is sometimes necessary to treat stubborn plaques with topical steroids in those undergoing photo therapy. However topical corticosteroids should not be used routinely on all psoriatic plaques. Other agents namely can increase the redness and inflammation brought on by ultraviolet B or PUVA photo therapy. Topical tars also have photosensitizing potential.
Steroids are not a monotherapy
It is still important to moisturize regularly even though topical steroids come in crème formulations. In most cases, steroids are not a monotherapy; that is they must be used with other medications.
Systemic Steroids
Sometimes psoriasis lesions are injected with steroid medication. The injections can be effective in clearing isolated psoriasis lesions, but are not practical when there are many lesions. There are few side effects from intralesional injections if they are used only occasionally and for a small number of lesions. Oral doses or muscular injections of steroid medications are not a standard treatment choice for psoriasis. Occasionally, the withdrawal of steroids may be associated with a worsening or flare of psoriasis and long-term use can create serious side effects.
Questions? Contact us.

Coal Tar. Its use in topical medications, the benefits, the consequences.

And what does the FDA stipulate?

Coal Tar. Its use in topical medications, the benefits, the consequences.

And what does the FDA stipulate?
On the consequences of using coal tar, see also: http://www.health-report.co.uk/psoriasis_cancer_warnings.htmlNote: Bio-Force® is a 100% natural product and does not contain any steroids, coal tar or any other harsh chemicals. Treating psoriasis with coal tar is a very old and effective remedy. There are both over-the-counter coal tar medications and prescription coal tar medications. The difference is in the potency. Coal tar can be combined with other psoriasis medications (e.g., topical steroids) or with ultraviolet light. Coal tar may make the skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light, and extreme caution is advised when combining its use with UV therapy (or exposure to the sun) in order to avoid getting a severe burn.  The use of Coal tar is banned in Europe.Tar for instance contains poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) impurities and naphthalene, which is suspected to cause cancer. Prescription ointments containing increased levels of coal tar mixed with corticosteroids are known to reduce the plaque formation and decrease itching in mild to moderate forms of Psoriasis. Long term use should be avoided however, since they often cause serious side effects. Coal tar basically “burns” away excessive scaly layers of skin and lesions that are caused by the rapid skin cell turnover of the psoriatic skin. Coal tar does add to the inflamed condition and irritation of the skin. Many individuals are sensitive to coal tar. If you use coal tar, you must protect the treated areas from sunlight. If not, you may experience excessive skin burn. Coal tar can lead to skin atrophy, thinning of the skin, stretch marks and discoloring of the skin.See also: http://ehp.niehs.nih.gov/roc/tenth/profiles/s048coal.pdfCOAL TARS AND COAL TAR PITCHES *First Listed in the First Annual Report on Carcinogens
CARCINOGENICITY
Coal tars and coal tar pitches are known to be human carcinogens based on sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in humans (IARC 1985, 1987). There have been a number of case reports of skin cancer in patients who used tar ointments for a variety of skin diseases. A mortality analysis in the United Kingdom from 1946 showed a greatly increased scrotal cancer risk for patent-fuel workers. Furthermore, a large number of case reports describe the development of skin (including the scrotum) cancer in workers exposed to coal tars or coal-tar pitches. Several epidemiological studies have shown an excess of lung cancer among workers exposed to coal tar fumes in coal gasification and coke production. A cohort study of U.S. roofers indicated an increased risk for cancer of the lung and suggested increased risks for cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, esophagus, stomach, skin, and bladder, and for leukemia. Some support for excess risks of lung, laryngeal, and oral cavity cancer is provided by other studies of roofers. Several epidemiological studies have shown excesses of lung and urinary bladder cancer among workers exposed to pitch fumes in aluminum production plants. A slight excess of lung cancer was found among furnace and maintenance workers exposed to coal tar pitch fumes in a calcium carbide production plant. One study showed a small excess of bladder cancer in tar distillers and in patent-fuel workers. An elevated risk of cancer of the renal pelvis was observed in workers exposed to “petroleum or tar or pitch”. One study of millwrights and welders exposed to coal tars and coal tar pitch in a stamping plant showed significant excesses of leukemia and of cancers of the lung and digestive organs (IARC 1987).
When administered topically to experimental animals, coal tars (CAS No.8007-45-2), coal tar extracts, and high-temperature coal tars (CAS No.65996-89-6) induced skin papillomas and carcinomas (IARC 1985).Pharmaceutical coal tars and tar ointments caused skin papillomas, squamous cell carcinomas, and/or carcinomas when applied to the skin of mice of both sexes. When applied to the skin, coal tar induced epidermoid lung carcinomas in rats, and when applied to the ears of rabbits, coal tar caused skin papillomas. When administered intramuscularly, coal tar fume condensate induced injection site sarcomas in mice of both sexes. Analyses of coal tars indicate the presence of a number of known carcinogens and potentially carcinogenic chemicals which are discussed elsewhere in this document, including benz [a ]anthracene,benzo [b ]fluoranthene,benzo [j] fluoranthene,benzo [k ]fluoranthene, benzo [a pyrene, dibenz [a,h ]anthracene, dibenzo [a,i ]pyrene, and indeno [1,2,3-cd ]pyrene (see Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, 15 listings). When administered topically or by whole-body exposure, coal tar pitch, a coal tar distillate, induced skin papillomas and carcinomas in mice. When applied topically, coal tar pitch extracts induced skin papillomas and carcinomas in mice; these extracts also had both initiating and promoting activities (in separate studies) in mouse skin. In one study, an extract of a hard residue from a coke oven tar induced lung tumours, but no skin tumours, in mice (IARC 1974). Analyses of coal tar pitches reveal the presence of several carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (IARC 1985).
*No separate CAS registry number is assigned to tars.
KNOWN TO BE A HUMAN CARCINOGEN TENTH REPORT ON CARCINOGENSCoal Tars and Coal Tar Pitches (Continued)PROPERTIESCoal tars are by-products of the destructive distillation (carbonization) of coal to produce coke and/or gas. The composition and properties of a coal tar depend primarily on the temperature of the carbonization, and to a lesser extent, on the nature (source) of the coal used as feedstock. They are typically viscous liquids or semisolids that are black or almost black in color and have a characteristic naphthalene-like odor (ATSDR 1996). Coal tars are slightly soluble in water, soluble in benzene and nitrobenzene, and partially soluble in acetone, carbon disulfide, chloroform, diethyl ether, ethanol, methanol, petroleum ether, and sodium hydroxide. In general, coal tars are complex combinations of hydrocarbons, phenols, heterocyclic oxygen, sulphur, and nitrogen compounds. Over 400 compounds have been identified in coal tars and as many as 10,000 may actually be present. The content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in coal tars increases as the carbonization temperature increases. Low-temperature coal tars (<700 °C) are black, viscous liquids that are denser than water and contain a lower percentage (40%to 50%) of aromatic compounds than high-temperature coal tars (>700 °C) (IARC 1985). Coal tars are highly flammable and corrosive and toxic gases may be released from fires. The vapours can form explosive mixtures with air (HSDB 2001). Coal tar pitch is a shiny, dark brown to black residue produced during the distillation of coal tars. Pitch contains various polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, their methyl and polymethyl derivatives, and heteronuclear compounds (IARC 1985).
USE
Coal tar is primarily used for the production of refined chemicals and coal tar products such as creosote, coal tar pitch, and crude naphthalene and anthracene oils from the distillation of crude coal tar. It is also used as a fuel in open-hearth furnaces and blast furnaces in the steel industry. Coal tar is suitable as a fuel because of its availability, its low sulphur content, and its high heating value. Both high-temperature and low-temperature coal tars are used to treat psoriasis and other chronic skin diseases. Coal tar products are also used in numerous pharmaceutical products including creams, ointments, pastes, lotions, bath and body oils, shampoos, soaps, and gels. The coal tar products present in these formulations include coal tars (0.18%to 10%), coal tar solution (2%to 48.5%), coal tar extract (5%), tar distillate (3%to 25%), coal tar fraction (1.25%),and acetyl alcohol coal tar (4%).Coal tar extract is also used in neomycin sulphate-hydrocortisone ointment. USP-grade coal tar is approved for use in denatured alcohol. Coal tar is also used as a binder and filler in surface-coating formulations and as a modifier for epoxy-resin surface coatings (IARC 1985).
Coal tar pitch is primarily used as the binder for aluminium smelting electrodes (IARC 1984). Pitches are also used in roofing materials, surface coatings, black varnishes, and pipe  coating enamels. Coal tar pitch is used to impregnate and strengthen the walls of brick refractories. Hard pitch is used as a binder for foundry cores. Coke oven pitch is used to produce pitch coke, which is subsequently used as the carbon component of electrodes, carbon brushes, and carbon and graphite articles. Distillation fractions and residues from high temperature coal tars are used in the production of naphthalene, recovery of benzene, production of anthracene paste, briquetting of smokeless solid fuel, impregnation of electrodes and fibers, manufacture of electrodes and graphite, and for road paving and construction (IARC 1985).
KNOWN TO BE A HUMAN CARCINOGEN TENTH REPORT ON CARCINOGENSCoal Tars and Coal Tar Pitches (Continued)
PRODUCTION
Coal tar was first produced in the United States in 1913, when over 1.0 billion lb were produced as a by-product of coke production (IARC 1985).The majority of coal tar production occurs in the steel industry, and therefore, its production depends on the demand for steel. U.S. production was 168.6 and 188.5 million gallons in 1986 and 1987, respectively (ATSDR 1996). In 1994, the annual U.S. production was 1.8 billion lb (USITC 1995). Six current U.S. suppliers of coal tar and one supplier of coal tar pitch were identified (Chem Sources 2001).
EXPOSURE
The primary routes of potential human exposure to coal tar and coal tar products are inhalation, ingestion, and dermal contact. Occupational exposure of workers to coal tars and pitch may occur during coke production, coal gasification, aluminium production, and at foundries. NIOSH estimated that 145,000 workers were employed in operations that involve coal tar products. OSHA reported that approximately 10,000 coke oven workers were potentially exposed to coal tar in the workplace (IARC 1984). NIOSH reported pitch volatile concentrations (benzene soluble fraction) ranging from 0.4 to 12.0 mg/m 3 as an 8-hr time-weighted average (TWA) at three aluminium production facilities. NIOSH estimated that all workers at these facilities were potentially exposed to pitch volatiles at a concentration of 3.4 mg/m 3 as an 8-hr TWA (NIOSH 1974).Workers in the coal gasification industry and iron and steel foundry industry are also potentially exposed to pitch volatiles including a variety of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (IARC 1984).OSHA estimated that 121,000 workers were potentially exposed to tars, and approximately 2,500 workers at 50 facility locations in the U.S. were potentially exposed to coal tar pitch volatiles (CTPVs) while coating metallic pipes with hot coal tar enamels (Larson 1978).
Exposure of the general population to coal tar may occur through its use in treating skin disorders. Nearly 2%of the United States population is affected by psoriasis, one of the conditions for which coal tar ointments (containing 1%to 10%coal tar) is prescribed (IARC 1985).
The general population may also be exposed to tars that are present as environmental contaminants. Potential occupational exposure to coal tar pitch (usually measured as CTPVs) can occur for workers producing or using pavement tar, roofing tar, coal tar pitch, coal tar paints, coal tar coatings, coal tar enamels, and refractory bricks. NIOSH estimated that approximately 500,000 workers were potentially exposed to asphalt fumes while at work (NIOSH 1979a).The ambient air concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons near roof tarring operations ranged from 0 to 200 µg/m 3, and 0 to 3700 µg/m 3 near pavement tarring operations. Another study found that pitch workers at a U.S. roofing site inhaled up to 53 mg of benzo [a ]pyrene in 7 hours (IARC 1985). NIOSH reported that a felt machine operator was potentially exposed to CTPVs (cyclohexane-soluble fraction) at a concentration of 0.11 mg/m 3. Painters using coal tar paints at a metal products plant were potentially exposed to CTPVs at a TWA concentration of 0.48 mg/m 3 (NIOSH 1980). The concentration of CTPVs (benzene-soluble fraction) at a plant manufacturing a plastic pipe covering (a mixture of coal tar, bitumen, and powdered polyvinyl chloride) ranged from 0.18 to 4.41 mg/m 3 (NIOSH 1976). ndustrial hygiene surveys conducted at eight U.S. plants that coated pipes with coal tar enamel indicated that the mean potential exposure to CTPVs in the coating operations was 1.9 mg/m 3. Coating operators and kettle tenders were potentially exposed to mean concentrations of 6.5 mg/m 3 and 2.3 mg/m 3, respectively (Larson 1978). CTPVs (benzene-soluble fraction) were detected at 0.03 to 3.01 mg/m 3 in several breathing zone and area samples during the carbon-carbon impregnation and densification processes at a United States fiber plant using coal tar pitch (NIOSH 1979b).
KNOWN TO BE A HUMAN CARCINOGEN TENTH REPORT ON CARCINOGENS
Coal Tars and Coal Tar Pitches (Continued)
The potential for skin exposure may be considerable for coal tar and pitch workers because they often wear little clothing due to the heat, thereby exposing large portions of the body to CTPVs. In the skin oil of nine roofing workers (potentially exposed to coal tar pitch and bitumen), 0.048 to 36 ng polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were detected for a 36-cm 2 area of the forehead (Wolff et al.1982).
REGULATIONS
EPA regulates coal tars under the Clean Air Act (CAA), setting national emission standards for point and stationary source categories. EPA also regulates tars under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA), wastes containing tars are subject to reporting and record-keeping requirements under the hazardous waste disposal rule. FDA requires warning labels on cosmetics containing coal tar products and has determined that coal tar shampoos are generally recognized as safe. The FDA Advisory Panel on over-the-counter drug products determined that coal tar is not safe for use as a topical antifungal agent. NIOSH has a recommended exposure limit (REL) of 0.1 mg/m 3 for coal tar and coal tar pitch. NIOSH recommends a 15-minute ceiling of 5 mg/m 3 for asphalt fumes. OSHA has established a permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 0.2 mg/m 3 as an 8-hr TWA for CTPVs (benzene-soluble fraction) and 2,000 mg/m 3 for naphtha (petroleum distillates). OSHA also regulates tars as chemical hazards in laboratories under the Hazard Communication Standard. Regulations are summarized in Volume II, Table 48.
REFERENCES
ATSDR. Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. Toxicological Profile for Wood Creosote, Coal Tar Creosote, Coal Tar, Coal Tar Pitch, and Coal Tar Pitch Volatiles. Update. (Final Report).Atlanta, GA: ATSDR, Public Health Service, U.S.Department of Health and Human Services.1996.254 pp. Chem Sources. Chemical Sources International, Inc. http://www.chemsources.com, 2001.
HSDB. Hazardous Substances Data Bank. Online database produced by the National Library of Medicine. Coal Tar. Profile last updated May 15, 2001.Last review date September 29, 1994. IARC. International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Man. Some Anti-thyroid and Related Substances, Nitrofurans and Industrial Chemicals.Vol.7.326 pp. Lyon, France: IARC, 1974.
IARC. International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Polynuclear Aromatic Compounds, Part 3. Industrial Exposures in Aluminium Production, Coal Gasification, Coke Production, and Iron and Steel Founding.Vol.34.219 pp. Lyon, France: IARC, 1984.
IARC. International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of the Carcinogenic Risk of Chemicals to Humans. Polynuclear Aromatic 4.Bitumens, Coal Tars and Derived Products, Shale Oils and Soots.Vol.35.271 pp. Lyon, France: IARC, 1985.
KNOWN TO BE A HUMAN CARCINOGEN TENTH REPORT ON CARCINOGENSCoal Tars and Coal Tar Pitches (Continued)
IARC. International Agency for Research on Cancer. IARC Monographs on the Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risks to Humans. Overall Evaluations of Carcinogenicity. Supplement 7.440 pp. Lyon, France: IARC, 1987.
Larson, B.A. Occupational Exposure to Coal Tar Pitch Volatiles at Pipeline Protective
Operations.Am.Ind.Hyg.Assoc.J.Vol.39, 1978, pp. 250-255.
NIOSH. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Environmental Surveys of Aluminium Reduction Plants. DHEW (NIOSH) Publication No.74-101.Cincinnati, OH: Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, 1974.
NIOSH. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Health Hazard Evaluation Determination, Protecto Wrap Company, Denver, Colorado. NIOSH Publication No.75-13-265.
Cincinnati, OH: Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, 1976.
NIOSH. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. A Recommended Standard for Occupational Exposure to Asphalt Fumes.7 p. Cincinnati, OH: Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, 1979a.
NIOSH. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Hazard Evaluation and
Technical Assistance, Fiber Materials, Inc., Biddeford, Maine. NIOSH Publication No.TA-79-6. Cincinnati, OH: Department of Health, Education, and Welfare, 1979b.
NIOSH. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Health Hazard Evaluation Determination, Continental Columbus Corporation, Columbus, Wisconsin. NIOSH Publication No.78-102-677.Cincinnati, OH: Department of Health and Human Services, 1980.
USITC. U.S. International Trade Commission. Synthetic Organic Chemicals, United States Production and Sales, 1994.USITC Publication No.2933. Washington, DC: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1995.
Wolff, M.S., B.Taffe, R.Boesch, and I.Selikoff. Detection of Polycyclic AroContact Us! matic Hydrocarbons in Skin Oil Obtained from Roofing Workers. Chemosphere Vol.11, 1982, pp. 595-599.
KNOWN TO BE A HUMAN CARCINOGEN TENTH REPORT ON CARCINOGENSSee also: http://www.health-report.co.uk/psoriasis_cancer_warnings.html - Active Ingredients Psoriasis ProductsTITLE 21–FOOD AND DRUGS
CHAPTER I–FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
PART 358–MISCELLANEOUS EXTERNAL DRUG PRODUCTS FOR OVER-THE-COUNTER HUMAN USE
Subpart H–Drug Products for the Control of Dandruff, Seborrheic Dermatitis, and Psoriasis Sec. 358.710 Active ingredients for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or psoriasis.
The active ingredient of the product consists of any of the following within the specified concentration established for each ingredient:
(a) Active ingredients for the control of dandruff.
(1) Coal tar, 0.5 to 5 percent. When a coal tar solution, derivative, or fraction is used as the source of the coal tar, the labeling shall specify the identity and concentration of the coal tar source used and the concentration of the coal tar present in the final product.
(2) Pyrithione zinc, 0.3 to 2 percent when formulated to be applied and then washed off after brief exposure.
(3) Pyrithione zinc, 0.1 to 0.25 percent when formulated to be applied and left on the skin or scalp.

(5) Selenium sulfide, 1 percent.
(6) Selenium sulfide, micronized, 0.6 percent.
(7) Sulfur, 2 to 5 percent.
(b) Active ingredients for the control of seborrheic dermatitis.
(1) Coal tar, 0.5 to 5 percent. When a coal tar solution, derivative, or fraction is used as the source of the coal tar, the labeling shall specify the identity and concentration of the coal tar source used and the concentration of the coal tar present in the final product.
(2) Pyrithione zinc, 0.95 to 2 percent when formulated to be applied and then washed off after brief exposure.
(3) Pyrithione zinc, 0.1 to 0.25 percent when formulated to be applied and left on the skin or scalp.
(4) Salicylic acid, 1.8 to 3 percent.
(5) Selenium sulfide, 1 percent.
(c) Active ingredients for the control of psoriasis. (1) Coal tar, 0.5 to 5 percent. When a coal tar solution, derivative, or fraction is used as the source of the coal tar, the labeling shall specify the identity and concentration of the coal tar source used and the concentration of the coal tar present in the final product.
(2) Salicylic acid, 1.8 to 3 percent.
56 FR 63568, Dec. 4, 1991, as amended at 59 FR 4001, Jan. 28, 1994
Help or assistance needed?

]]> http://www.psorialess.com/long-term-side-effects-coal-tar-topicals.html/feed 0 http://www.psorialess.com/long-term-side-effects-coal-tar-topicals.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Psorialess/~3/HLYTi8TtSKI/psoriasis-long-medications.html http://www.psorialess.com/psoriasis-long-medications.html#comments Mon, 21 Jun 2010 15:31:37 +0000 PsoriaLess http://www.psorialess.com/?p=628 Because the psoriasis and eczema sufferer is most likely a long-term user of medical product, it is important to select a treatment method, a medication, that does not cause any side effects. Bio-Force® is a natural and safe product. Using Bio-Force® the final goal is to reduce the level of severity to such an extent that the psoriasis is hardly or not noticeable and quality of life comes back again.

Bio-Force®  offers deep penetration of the psoriatic skin and the removal of excessive scales and psoriatic lesions. Softens and removes the scaly skin or lesions associated with psoriasis, eczema or red, dry, crusty and other scaly skin problems. Instantly reduces itching, irritations and overall sensitivity of the skin. Optimizes the immune response and the general condition of skin tissue. Prevents, regresses or delays the rate of epidermal cell division and multiplication leading to a decline of the psoriasis process and, consequently prevents building up of dead skin cells that normally cause scales and lesions to develop. Maintains an excellent hydration, water, level of the skin. Bio-Force® is natural, harmless and safe and does not contain hormones (steroids), coal tar or other or harsh chemicals.  Indications: Where and when do I use Bio-Force®?Psoriasis, Eczema, Seborrheic – Atopic Dermatitis, Rosacea, severe itching or Pruritis, and the psoriatic or eczematous skin in general, allergic skin reactions, skin irritations, redness, dry, scaly, crusty and poor skin conditions in general. Especially suitable for larger skin surfaces. Bio-Force® is a safe and a more effective solution than products containing steroids, coal tar or other harsh chemicals.  Application | DosageDosage: Apply 2 to 4 times daily massaging thoroughly into affected areas. A daily, hot bath, added with some baking soda or sea salt, will soften scales and will, as a consequence, more easily be removed once Bio-Force® is applied. In the initial stage of the treatment and in order to obtain quick results, it is recommended to apply Bio-Force®  under occlusion. There are no side effects associated with the application of Bio-Force®  under occlusion. Once your psoriatic or eczematous condition is under control, maintenance therapy may be individually adjusted. It is recommended to continue treatment of the affected areas for at least 2-4 weeks so that the product is allowed, by the duration of the treatment, of its effectiveness  Bio-Force® penetrates the skin deeper, keeps the skin softer, more pliable, more moist and removes scales or psoriasis lesions, extremely effective. Excellent for night  application. Excellent for application under occlusion in severe cases. Apply in light to moderately severe cases which includes over 70% of the cases tested.Bio-Force® offers a natural and reasonably priced solutions for most cases of psoriasis, eczema, or scaly skin problems in general.

You can contact us for further information or assistance.

Hand Palm Psoriasis

There are several forms of psoriasis. Plaque Psoriasis, and Psoriasis Vulgaris, associated with inflammation and lesions topped by silvery scales, is the most common. Guttate Psoriasis has lesions like little dots and is usually caused by an infection. Guttate Psoriasis can disappear suddenly after 3 months or the psoriasis process stops and sometimes the condition transfers to Psoriasis Vulgaris.

There are several forms of psoriasis. Plaque Psoriasis, and Psoriasis Vulgaris, associated with inflammation and lesions topped by silvery scales, is the most common. Guttate Psoriasis has lesions like little dots and is usually caused by an infection. Guttate Psoriasis can disappear suddenly after 3 months or the psoriasis process stops and sometimes the condition transfers to Psoriasis Vulgaris.

There are two forms of  Pustular Psoriasis. The first, and worse, is called Von Zumbusch, and refers to pustular presence over the entire body. The other form is called Andrews-Barber whereby the pustules only show themselves at feet and or hands. This form occurs more often in women and is being associated with smoking. Psoriasis capitis, or scalp psoriasis, affects the hairy parts of the human head usually in combination with Psoriasis Vulgaris presence on other parts of the body. Scalp Psoriasis does not have an influence to hair quality or hair growth. Psoriasis unguium refers to psoriasis under the nails. One or more nails, on hand or feet or on both, can be affected. The psoriasis forms pits in the affected nails associated with some brown discoloring of the nails. In the worse case the nail removes it-self from its bed. Psoriasis arthropathica or arthritis psoriatica are a relatively seldom form of Psoriasis. This form of psoriasis does not only affect the skin but also creates infections in the joints. These infections are clinically different to those associated with rheumatic arthritis. In some cases one has the experience of the infection of the joints only and no skin infections.  Whatever the symptoms, itching, redness, scaling, crusting or flaking, the Bio-Force® line has been created to relieve them, while helping people with the disease to lead normal lives. For instance, instead of coal tar or steroids, PsoriaLess products use salicylic acid, allantoin and a unique range of peroxidized natural oils as active ingredients, which prevent, regress and delay the rate of epidermal cell division and multiplication and, consequently prevent the loss of protein delaying the overall psoriasis process. Unlike coal tar, PsoriaLess medications have no obtrusive color or unpleasant door. Coal tar also sometimes leaves stains on skin and/or clothing and has many other disadvantages with long term applications. Coal Tar based products should not be applied on a long term basis. Latest research on the use of salicylic acid at high concentrations show very positive results with no side effects.

nail psoriasis

Inverse Psoriasis appears as smooth inflamed lesions without scaling; it is called inverse because it appears on parts of the body that curve inward (armpit, groin, under the breast) and is usually present with bigger or obese people. Erythrodermic Psoriasis is distinguished from the other forms by intense inflammation and sloughing of the skin, and Pustular Psoriasis, or Psoriasis pustulosa, has lesions with fluid emerging and quite a lot of scaling.

Dermatitis

When the skin becomes irritated and inflamed, the resulting condition is called dermatitis. The expression dermatitis, which is often used interchangeably with eczema, simply means an inflammation of the skin. Some common types of dermatitis are:  lichen simplex chronicus (neuro-dermatitis), Atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, stasis dermatitis, Seborrheic dermatitis, nummular Dermatitis and perioral Dermatitis.

Contact dermatitis is the result of contact with a substance to which one is allergic. For example, exposure to poison oak or ivy will cause varying degrees of dermatitis according to one’s individual sensitivity. If you are sensitive to the nickel metal material in a watchband or ring, earring, your skin beneath the object can become inflamed (Nickel Dermatitis). An other example of contact dermatitis is red, sore eyelids that can result from your use of certain cosmetic products, touching your eyelids with contagious or allergy producing substance on your fingers or prickly heat rashes. In other cases, dermatitis can be caused by use of a steroid based topical which further aggravates an existing skin irritation.

Wheat Grass in Eczema - Useless!

Wheat Grass in psoriasis and eczema is a waste of time and money. Useless.. We have tried the application of wheat grass, orally and topically, in a double blind study. The result was very disappointing. No improvements in the skin condition; if anything worsening of the condition and the after look of the skin of topical based wheat grass is terrible. We cannot judge about the (long term) advantages, if any, of using wheat grass orally. Patients did not like to take the wheat grass product. We did not see any physical improvements in the patients condition after a 6 weeks trial using a wheat grass oral solution. Our conclusion is that wheat grass is useless and not worth the money spending on it.

Pages : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 »

psoriasisvulgaris580 [+]

“Psoriasis & Eczema Photos & Pictures Gallery”

Severe form of eczema at the legs and before treatment [+]

“Eczema Cures”

Skin Steroid Atrophy – The Effects of Steroids [+]

“The long term side effects steroids in topicals”

NaturalSafe [+]

“The long term side effects of coal tar in topicals”

NaturalSafe [+]

“The long term side effects of coal tar in topicals”

Psoriasis at back [+]

“Psoriasis – How long do I have to use my medications?”

eczema-kit [+]

“Can Eczema be cured using Natural Treatments? | Miracle Herbs”

nail psoriasis [+]

“Several forms of psoriasis”

Hand Palm Psoriasis [+]

“Several forms of psoriasis”

Psoriasis is a skin disorder [+]

“What is a skin disorder?”

Dermatitis [+]

“What is dermatitis?”

wheat_grass_eczema [+]

“Wheat Grass in psoriasis and eczema, a waste of time and money”

hand psoriasis [+]

“Psoriasis”

scalp_psoriasis_3 [+]

“More om psoriasis”

hairline psoriasis520 [+]

“Psoriasis photos, Eczema pictures”

TopHand [+]

“Psoriasis photos, Eczema pictures”

symetricalhanddermatitis [+]

“Psoriasis photos, Eczema pictures”

sulphurousnaturalbathsglide [+]

“Psoriasis photos, Eczema pictures”

sulphurousnaturalbaths [+]

“Psoriasis photos, Eczema pictures”

scalp-eczema-treatment [+]

“Psoriasis photos, Eczema pictures”

Pages : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 »

]]> http://www.psorialess.com/psoriasis-photos-eczema-pictures.html/feed 0 http://www.psorialess.com/psoriasis-photos-eczema-pictures.html http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Psorialess/~3/4wLBwTn7oXI/relation-psoriasis-eczema-allergy-dermatitis.html http://www.psorialess.com/relation-psoriasis-eczema-allergy-dermatitis.html#comments Sun, 20 Jun 2010 10:14:53 +0000 PsoriaLess http://www.psorialess.com/?p=498

In all three cases of psoriasis, eczema and allergy dermatitis, T cells (which normally help protect the body against infection) become active, migrate to the dermis and trigger the release of cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha TNF-a, in particular) which cause inflammation and the rapid production of skin cells. T cells are put into action by mistake. They become so active that they set off other immune responses.

Natural skin care works to safely support the health of your skin.