Goeckerman psoriasis treatment

The Goeckerman treatment is one of the safest and most effective treatments for moderate to severe psoriasis. Only a few medical centres in the United States offer this treatment.

Psoriasis is characterized by the build-up of rough, dry, dead skin cells forming thick scales. The exact cause of psoriasis isn't known. But it appears to be a disorder of the immune system. The Goeckerman treatment combines coal tar ointment with light therapy (phototherapy) using ultraviolet B (UVB) light. Both are applied to the skin over a three-week period.

It's not clear exactly how the coal tar works. It appears to decrease inflammation, which slows the growth of skin cells. In addition, it may have a very mild modulating effect on the immune system. Ultraviolet light also slows the rapid growth of skin cells. The treatment uses UVB light because it's less likely to increase the risk of skin cancer than is ultraviolet A (UVA) light.

A basic form of Goeckerman psoriasis treatment can be conducted in the privacy of your own home, by utilising bath additive coal tar solution and coal tar lotions and a home phototherapy unit such as the Dermalight80 or UV-Buddy available here.