Results from this study indicate that coal tar can be maintained as a safe treatment in dermatological practice.

J Invest Dermatol. 2010 Apr;130(4):953-61. Epub 2009 Dec 17.
No increased risk of cancer after coal tar treatment in patients with psoriasis or eczema.
Roelofzen JH, Aben KK, Oldenhof UT, Coenraads PJ, Alkemade HA, van de Kerkhof PC, van der Valk PG, Kiemeney LA.
Click here to access the PubMed abstract of this article.


Two double-blind, randomized, clinical evaluations were conducted to investigate the anecdotal belief that tachyphylaxis occurs in long-term treatment of scalp seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff when using a single pyrithione zinc-based product. Evaluation of data showed a consistent benefit for all products at all time points; therefore, no evidence of decreased benefit over time was found within 48 weeks of treatment.

Int J Dermatol. 2009 Jan;48(1):79-85.
Does tachyphylaxis occur in long-term management of scalp seborrheic dermatitis with pyrithione zinc-based treatments?
Schwartz JR, Rocchetta H, Asawanonda P, Luo F, Thomas JH.
Click here to access the PubMed abstract of this article.


Traditionally used in an ointment vehicle for psoriasis, clobetasol propionate 0.05% is also available in spray, foam, lotion, and shampoo formulations, which may provide for improved convenience and acceptance with similar efficacy, safety, and tolerability as the traditional ointment and cream formulations. For patients who prefer a less messy vehicle, adherence and outcomes are likely to be better with the formulations other than the traditionally recommended ointment.
Am J Clin Dermatol. 2009;10(6):397-406.
Topical clobetasol propionate in the treatment of psoriasis: a review of newer formulations.
Feldman SR, Yentzer BA.
Click here to access the PubMed abstract of this article.


Topical vitamin B12 offers a new therapeutic approach for eczema (atopic dermatitis) and psoriasis, and may be suitable for long-term therapy as no long term adverse effects have been reported.

British Journal of Dermatology 2004; 150: 977-983.
Topical vitamin B12–a new therapeutic approach in atopic dermatitis-evaluation of efficacy and tolerability in a randomized placebo-controlled multicenter clinical trial.
Click here to access the PubMed abstract of this article.
Dermatology 2001;203:141-147
Vitamin B(12) cream containing avocado oil in the therapy of plaque psoriasis.
Click here to access the PubMed abstract of this article.


Salicylic acid has been used alone as a treatment for psoriasis, but is most commonly used to increase the penetration of other topical preparations, primarily corticosteroids. In this small study, the use of 6% salicylic acid gel in conjunction with tacrolimus ointment showed statistically significant improvement for the treatment of plaque psoriasis compared with the use of salicylic acid alone.

“For patients with localized psoriasis, and for many of those with moderate psoriasis as well, the mainstay of treatment is still topical therapy. The quality of life is greatly affected in such patients, and they often express high levels of dissatisfaction with current treatment options. Safe, convenient, and effective topical regimens, such as combination therapy with topical tacrolimus and salicylic acid, can be of great benefit in this large population.”
Arch Dermatol. 2005 Jan;141(1):43-6.
Topical tacrolimus ointment combined with 6% salicylic acid gel for plaque psoriasis treatment.
Carroll CL, Clarke J, Camacho F, Balkrishnan R, Feldman SR.
Click here to view the abstract or FREE FULL TEXT of this complete article.


“Methotrexate has been used as an effective systemic chemotherapeutic drug for psoriasis by dermatologists for over 30 years. Nevertheless, pharmacokinetic data indicate that oral methotrexate can cause a decrease in red and white blood cell and platelet counts and can also cause severe liver damage, diarrhea, and stomach irritation, as dose-related drug-induced side effects. Such indications have limited its prescription by physicians. However, [Syed and Nordstrom of the Department of Dermatology, University of California-San Francisco, and researchers from three other locations note that] if its incorporation in a gel as a topical agent, in a proper dosage. imparts better results without the cited side effects, then such a formulation appears to justify a clinical evaluation. Furthermore, published data have indicated that 70% of patients prefer topical therapy for treating psoriasis.”

This article concludes: “methotrexate 0.25% in a hydrophilic gel is well tolerated and significantly more effective than placebo as a patient-applied topical medication to treat psoriasis vulgaris.”

J Cutan Med Surg 2001; 299-302
Management of psoriasis vulgaris with methotrexate 0.25% in a hydrophilic gel: a placebo-controlled, double-blind study.
Click here to view the PubMed abstract for this article.


This article concludes: “Methotrexate 0.25% in a hydrophilic gel is well tolerated but is not very effective in controlling the lesions of psoriasis on the palms and soles; however, a higher concentration in a different base with better penetration could possibly provide better results.”

J Dermatol 2004 Oct;31(10):798-801
Topical 0.25% methotrexate gel in a hydrogel base for palmoplantar psoriasis.
Click here to access the PubMed abstract of this article.


Tiwari, Kumar, et al. published a case report of topical methotrexate delivered by iontophoresis for the treatment of recalcitrant palmoplantar psoriasis. In a 46 y.o. male with well-defined bilateral palmar plaques of 6 years duration which were resistant to several therapies, the right palm was treated, as it had more severe lesions. Iontophoresis was performed using cotton gauze soaked in 4 to 6 ml of methotrexate disodium solution 10 mg/ml, once a week for four weeks. The researchers reported 75% improvement after four weeks of therapy. Iontophoresis allows high concentrations of drug to be delivered to a limited area, and may offer a method of reducing total drug accumulation and reduced side effects.

Int J Dermatol. 2003 Feb;42(2):157-9
Topical methotrexate delivered by iontophoresis in the treatment of recalcitrant psoriais–a case report.
Click here to view the citation for this article.

Not finding what you were looking for? Please contact us online or call us at (406) 869-0123 or Toll Free at (800) 523-7404.