Coal tar has a reputation as an old cure for eczema. Coal tar is made by melting coal. Though coal tar may still be used in some cases, it is not really a cure for eczema. Sometimes, extracts of crude coal tar are added to a corticosteroid cream for a treatment of eczema. Products that contain coal tar help decrease the itchiness if the person is having intense, persistent itching that other medications have failed to control.

If the doctor prescribes the addition of coal tar or extracts of crude coal tar for eczema, the pharmacist will add the tar to the corticosteroid medicated cream. The prescription or label of the ointment may say liquor carbonis detergens or LCD is coal tar extracts have been added. Topical treatments containing coal tar are typically between one half of a percent to five percent coal tar though some may contain as much as ten percent.

Tar gel products may also be used independently to as cures for eczema. Alcohol is present in many tar gel products. The alcohol in coal tar products may irritate the skin. Some products containing coal tar on the market are shampoos and soaps.

Coal tar products or corticosteroid cream containing coal tar may be used on eczema rashes on skin that has become thickened. Sometimes, bandages containing coal tar are used to cover eczema rashes on thickened skin. Crude coal tar extracts may be used on mild cases of atopic dermatitis. Though it often works best on mild cases, a physician may try other medications such as corticosteroid cream without coal tar first.

As for treatments or cures for eczema rashes, coal tar is not very user-friendly. Many people mind the strong smell of coal tar. It also stains any clothing or fabric with which it comes in contact. Some people are sensitive to coal tar. If the person is sensitive to it, coal tar may cause more inflammation instead of helping to heal the eczema rash.

One side effect of crude coal tar extracts is inflammation of the hair follicles in the area that is being treated for eczema. Some people experience sensitivity to light after coal tar treatment for eczema. Some studies have shown a risk of cancer associated with coal tar. However, these studies used very high concentrations of coal tar. A doctor prescribing coal tar should be familiar with its use and the treatment of eczema.