Psoriasis Relief - How Tar Could Be the Game-Changer You’ve Been Looking For
Question:
Does tar help with psoriasis?
Answer:
Yes — tar can help with psoriasis, particularly coal tar, which has been used for over a century to treat this condition.
Here’s a breakdown:
π©Έ How Tar Helps Psoriasis
Coal tar (and sometimes wood tar) works by:
Slowing skin cell growth – Psoriasis causes skin cells to multiply too quickly; tar helps normalize this process.
Reducing inflammation, itching, and scaling – It helps calm redness and irritation.
Softening plaques – Makes thick, scaly patches easier to remove or treat with other medications.
⚗️ Forms Available
Coal tar is found in:
Shampoos (for scalp psoriasis)
Creams, ointments, or gels
Bath additives
Common over-the-counter brands include Neutrogena T/Gel, Psoriasin, and MG217.
⚠️ Precautions
Smell and staining: Tar has a strong odor and can stain skin or clothing.
Sun sensitivity: It can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight — avoid UV exposure for 24 hours after use.
Not for everyone: It’s generally safe in low concentrations, but not recommended for open sores, inflamed skin, or during pregnancy without medical advice.
π¬ Clinical Support
Tar’s effectiveness is supported by decades of clinical use and research. Though newer biologics and steroid creams often work faster, tar remains a safe, affordable, and effective option for mild-to-moderate psoriasis.
Question:
What causes psoriasis and is there a cure?
Answer:
That’s an excellent — and important — question. ❤️
𧬠What Causes Psoriasis
Psoriasis isn’t just a “skin problem” — it’s a chronic autoimmune condition.
Here’s what happens in simple terms:
Your immune system, for reasons not fully understood, mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells as if they were harmful.
This immune overreaction causes rapid skin cell turnover — instead of taking 28–30 days for new skin cells to form and shed, it happens in 3–5 days.
The result: red, inflamed patches covered with thick, silvery-white scales (plaques).
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⚖️ Main Triggers and Contributing Factors
While the root cause involves immune system malfunction and genetics, several things can trigger or worsen flare-ups:
1. Genetics – It tends to run in families.
2. Immune system dysregulation – Overactive T cells release inflammatory chemicals (like TNF-Ξ±, IL-17, and IL-23).
3. Stress – One of the most common triggers.
4. Infections – Especially strep throat (can trigger guttate psoriasis).
5. Cold, dry weather – Can make skin dry and worsen flares.
6. Skin injury – Cuts, scrapes, or even sunburns can cause new plaques (Koebner phenomenon).
7. Certain medications – Beta-blockers, lithium, some antimalarials, and steroid withdrawal.
8. Alcohol and smoking – Both can aggravate psoriasis.
9. Hormonal changes – Pregnancy, menopause, or puberty can influence flares.
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π©Ί Is There a Cure?
π There’s no permanent cure yet — but there are very effective treatments that can control or even completely clear psoriasis for long periods.
Current medical approaches include:
1. Topical Treatments
Corticosteroid creams
Vitamin D analogs (calcipotriol, calcitriol)
Coal tar
Salicylic acid (for scale removal)
2. Phototherapy (Light Therapy)
Controlled exposure to UVB light can slow skin cell growth and reduce inflammation.
3. Systemic Medications (for moderate to severe cases)
Methotrexate, cyclosporine, or acitretin (retinoid)
Biologic therapies (e.g., adalimumab, secukinumab, ustekinumab) — these target specific immune pathways and can lead to complete skin clearance in many patients.
4. Natural & Complementary Approaches
Stress reduction (meditation, prayer, or breathing techniques)
Diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods (fish, olive oil, leafy greens)
Oatmeal baths, aloe vera, or dead sea salt soaks
Coal tar and salicylic acid shampoos (for scalp psoriasis)
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π‘ Hopeful News
Researchers are constantly uncovering new immune pathways and developing more precise biologic and gene-targeted therapies. Many people with psoriasis today live with completely clear skin thanks to modern treatments.
π Next, let’s talk about natural and faith-based ways to manage psoriasis — healing that touches both body and spirit.
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πΏ 1. Biblical Understanding & Spiritual Peace
In Scripture, skin afflictions are often associated with testing, purification, or renewal — not punishment.
God’s heart is always healing, restoration, and wholeness.
> “I am the LORD who heals you.” — Exodus 15:26
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” — Psalm 147:3
Sometimes, our bodies reflect the inner stress or burdens of our souls. When we release worry, guilt, and fear to Yeshua (Jesus), we often notice physical relief as well.
> “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28
So, part of healing psoriasis naturally is spiritual rest — allowing peace to flow deeper than the skin.
Try this short daily prayer:
> “Abba, thank You for making me in Your image. I receive Your healing, peace, and restoration over every cell of my skin. Let Your Shalom cover me from within.”
π₯¦ 2. Healing From the Inside: Food as Medicine
Psoriasis involves inflammation, so focusing on anti-inflammatory foods can calm flare-ups.
Eat more of:
Omega-3 rich fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)
Olive oil, avocado, walnuts, flaxseed
Leafy greens (kale, spinach, collards)
Colorful fruits & veggies (especially berries, sweet potatoes, carrots)
Herbal teas (chamomile, ginger, turmeric, green tea)
Plenty of water — hydration helps skin renew naturally.
Avoid or limit:
Processed sugars and refined carbs
Red meat and dairy (may trigger inflammation in some people)
Alcohol and smoking
Artificial additives and fried foods
A simple approach:
> “If God made it and it grows from the earth, it blesses the body.”
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πΈ 3. Gentle Natural Remedies for the Skin
Aloe Vera Gel – Soothes irritation and hydrates dry patches.
Dead Sea Salt Baths – 20 minutes in warm water with 1 cup of salt helps reduce scales and redness.
Coconut or Olive Oil – Softens plaques and nourishes skin; apply after bathing.
Apple Cider Vinegar Rinse – Dilute 1 part vinegar to 3 parts water for scalp psoriasis (soothes itching).
Coal Tar or Salicylic Acid Shampoos – Time-tested natural aids for scalp and stubborn plaques.
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☀️ 4. Light and Rest
Moderate sunlight exposure (10–15 minutes a few times per week) helps the body make vitamin D, which slows abnormal skin cell growth.
Avoid sunburn — gentle light, not harsh rays, brings healing.
> “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD bestows favor and honor.” — Psalm 84:11
Adequate rest is also vital. Psalm 4:8 reminds us:
> “In peace I will lie down and sleep, for You alone, LORD, make me dwell in safety.”
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π️ 5. Emotional and Stress Relief
Stress is one of the biggest psoriasis triggers.
Spiritual peace, creative expression, and worship are not just emotional therapies — they literally lower the body’s stress hormones.
Try:
Deep breathing with prayer
Gentle stretching or walking outdoors
Journaling gratitude each day
Listening to peaceful worship or Hebrew melodies
Observing Sabbath rest intentionally — one day to fully exhale and recharge
> “A heart at peace gives life to the body.” — Proverbs 14:30
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πΌ 6. Faith Perspective: Healing in Process
While psoriasis may not disappear overnight, God’s healing often unfolds layer by layer — spirit, mind, and body.
You can speak life over your skin, not condemnation:
> “Thank You, Lord, that my skin is renewing according to Your word. Every cell responds to Your order and peace.”
And remember — healing isn’t just about the symptom, it’s about the story: God turning affliction into testimony.
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π Summary of Faith-Based, Natural Management
Area Focus Faith Anchor
Spirit Prayer, peace, rest in Yeshua Exodus 15:26 – “I am the LORD who heals you.”
Body Anti-inflammatory foods Genesis 1:29 – “I give you every seed-bearing plant.”
Skin Natural oils, aloe, tar, salt baths Psalm 51:7 – “Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.”
Mind Reduce stress, rest, worship Isaiah 26:3 – “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You.”
