Steroid-free alternative to help control itching, redness and flaking from psoriasis. 7.5% LCD (1.5% coal tar) in a pleasantly scented emulsion base. Can be used as a leave-on lotion for localized thickened skin lesions and plaques or mixed with water for bathing and hand/foot soaks.
Why use Cutar Emulsion?
(Or any coal tar for that matter!)
If you have been to a doctor for your psoriasis, you were probably prescribed a topical corticosteroid. Steroids are anti-inflammatory drugs used to help control psoriasis. Basically, the goals of using a coal tar psoriasis lotion like Cutar and topical steroids are the same: to control itching, scaling, inflammation, and redness. Tar generally takes longer to work than topical steroids and has a characteristic odor. However, steroids can have undesirable side effects that are causing more patients and their doctors to take another look at Cutar. Dermatologists often recommend this psoriasis lotion in addition to steroids to help control the following steroid side effects:
Steroid Rebound – Sometimes when patients stop using topical steroids, their psoriasis returns quickly and often worse than the original outbreak. Cutar will generally keep skin clearer for a longer period of time after you stop treatment. However, it generally takes longer for Cutar to begin showing results.
Tachyphylaxis – Your medication stops working. Often patients will have success with a certain topical steroid, only to have it become less and less effective over time. Patients who get relief from tar, generally stay better for longer periods of time, during and after their course of treatment with tar.
Skin Atrophy – thinning of the skin. Using topical steroids, especially more potent ones, for prolonged periods, may cause skin atrophy where the skin becomes very thin and more susceptible to damage. A good psoriasis lotion like Cutar will not atrophy the skin.
To avoid or decrease the likelihood of side effects, many dermatologists recommend the use of coal tar either alone, or in combination with steroids to get the benefits of both products. Some patients can control psoriasis outbreaks rapidly with steroids, and then maintain clearing with coal tar over the long term, avoiding steroid side effects. Cutar can be used either as a medicated psoriasis lotion or as bath oil for therapeutic soaks.
Directions:
Apply to affected areas one to four times daily or as directed by a doctor.
As a medicated lotion:
Gently rub a small amount onto affected areas. Blot off excess with a tissue to help prevent staining of clothing or linens.
In the bath:
Pour a liberal quantity (6 to 10 capfuls) into the tub, making sure Cutar is well mixed. Soak for 10 to 20 minutes, or as directed by your doctor. After treatment, pat skin dry. GUARD AGAINST SLIPPING.
As a hand or foot soak:
Add 2 to 5 capfuls to a sink or basin. Mix well and soak for 5 to 10 minutes or as directed by your doctor.
Ingredients:
Active Ingredient:
7.5% L.C.D. (equiv. To 1.5% Coal Tar).
