Coal Tar, Pine Tar and Sulfonated Shale Oil Preparations: Comparative Activity, Efficacy and Safety

Abstract

Background: Tar and sulfonated shale oil preparations are used in the treatment of a variety of inflammatory skin diseases, including psoriasis vulgaris; due to the high polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content of tars, a possible relationship with cancer in humans has been postulated. On the other hand, the purity of sulfonated shale oils concerning PAHs guarantees a good tolerability during dermatologic therapy. Aim: In this review, it is attempted to compare activity, efficacy and safety of coal tar, pine tar and sulfonated shale oil preparations which currently play a role in dermatologic treatment. Results and Conclusions: Primary sources of PAHs in the normal human environment are forest fires, cigarette smoke and combustion of fossil fuels for heating and energy. Thermal processing of fossil substances is also required for the production of tars and sulfonated shale oils. Due to individual manufacturing techniques, tars and sulfonated shale oils differ completely in their chemical composition. Still, sulfonated shale oils are often falsely grouped as tars because of their related origin and similar dermatologic indications. There is at least limited evidence of the activity and efficacy of various tars as well as sulfonated shale oil preparations in different frequent inflammatory skin diseases. This includes psoriasis vulgaris and atopic eczema of glabrous as well as hairy skin. There is still some concern about the long-term tolerability of tar preparations at least in some contexts. This, however, does not apply to sulfonated shale oil preparations. Consequently, at least their use should still be considered a rational drug treatment in dermatology.

Randomized, Open-Labeled, Non-Inferiority Study between Ciclopiroxolamine 1% Cream and Ketoconazole 2% Foaming Gel in Mild to Moderate Facial Seborrheic Dermatitis

“…No beneficial clinical effect of retinoids has been shown, in spite of their potential effect on inhibiting sebum production. Other active ingredients are commonly used in antidandruff shampoos [1], including pyrithion zinc, selenium sulfide and tar, with inconsistent results [14]. By contrast, the efficacy of topical antifungals are now well established.…”

History and Use of Wood Pyrolysis Liquids as Biocide and Plant Protection Product

“…In most of the reports demonstrating negative impacts of tars the active ingredient has been coal tar [69]. Due to individual manufacturing techniques, tars differ in chemical composition and as a result, the toxicological studies are divergent [70].…”

Use of Botanical Pesticides in Modern Plant Protection

“…However, the authors suggested that birch tar oil does not pose a severe hazard to aquatic biota (Figure 12). Due to variations in manufacturing techniques, pyrolysis liquids differ in chemical composition and, consequently, the toxicological studies are divergent (Schmid et al 1996). Very little is known about the toxicity of birch tar and wood vinegar, although the liquids have been used for hundreds of years in East European countries like Russia (Nozdrin et al 2004).…”