Goeckerman therapy

Goeckerman therapy is a type of psoriasis treatment that combines coal tar and ultraviolet B (UVB) light. Named after the American dermatologist William Goeckerman, who developed the therapy in the 1920s, it is primarily used for patients with severe psoriasis.

History

William Goeckerman, a dermatologist at the Mayo Clinic, developed this therapy in the 1920s. He discovered that coal tar made the skin more receptive to UVB light, which led to the development of the combined treatment.

Treatment

Goeckerman therapy involves the application of coal tar to the skin, followed by exposure to UVB light. The coal tar makes the skin more sensitive to the UVB light, which can penetrate deeper into the skin and slow the growth of affected skin cells.

Effectiveness

Studies have shown that Goeckerman therapy is highly effective in treating severe psoriasis. It can clear psoriasis plaques and improve the quality of life for patients. However, the therapy requires daily treatments and can be time-consuming.

Side Effects

Possible side effects of Goeckerman therapy include skin irritation, increased sensitivity to sunlight, and an increased risk of skin cancer due to the UVB light exposure.

See Also

• Psoriasis
• Coal tar
• Ultraviolet B
• William Goeckerman

References

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