We would like to thank the staff of the UCSF Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center for their work especially our Goeckerman Coordinator, Sarah Hulse R.N.

1. Evaluation and Preparation
<ol>
	<li>Perform a complete history and physical prior to initiating therapy. In the history and physical, document important information such as current/past medications, response to past psoriasis therapies, any history of adverse reactions to ambient sunlight or phototherapy, severity of pruritus, and sleep quality.</li>
	<li>Set up a clinic room with all the necessary material for dermal application of medications and occlusion [See Materials Section and Figur...

<ol>
	<li>Parisi, R., Symmons, D. P., Griffiths, C. E., Ashcroft, D. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Global+Epidemiology+of+Psoriasis:+A+Systematic+Review+of+Incidence+and+Prevalence.">Global Epidemiology of Psoriasis: A Systematic Review of Incidence and Prevalence.</a> The Journal of Investigative Dermatology. , (2012).</li><li>H, G. W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+treatment+of+psoriasis.">The treatment of psoriasis.</a> Northwest Med. 24, 229-230 (1925).</li><li>Koo, J., Lebwohl, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Duration+of+remission+of+psoriasis+therapies.">Duration of remission of psoriasis therapies.</a> Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 41, 51-59 (1999).</li><li>Menter, A., Cram, D. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=The+Goeckerman+regimen+in+two+psoriasis+day+care+centers.">The Goeckerman regimen in two psoriasis day care centers.</a> Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 9, 59-65 (1983).</li><li>Lee, E., Koo, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Modern+modified+'ultra'+Goeckerman+therapy:+a+PASI+assessment+of+a+very+effective+therapy+for+psoriasis+resistant+to+both+prebiologic+and+biologic+therapies.">Modern modified 'ultra' Goeckerman therapy: a PASI assessment of a very effective therapy for psoriasis resistant to both prebiologic and biologic therapies.</a> The Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 16, 102-107 (2005).</li><li>Kim, I. H., West, C. E., Kwatra, S. G., Feldman, S. R., O'Neill, J. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparative+efficacy+of+biologics+in+psoriasis:+a+review.">Comparative efficacy of biologics in psoriasis: a review.</a> American journal of clinical dermatology. 13, 365-374 (2012).</li><li>Serrao, R., Davis, M. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Goeckerman+treatment+for+remission+of+psoriasis+refractory+to+biologic+therapy.">Goeckerman treatment for remission of psoriasis refractory to biologic therapy.</a> Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 60, 348-349 (2009).</li><li>Chern, E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Positive+effect+of+modified+Goeckerman+regimen+on+quality+of+life+and+psychosocial+distress+in+moderate+and+severe+psoriasis.">Positive effect of modified Goeckerman regimen on quality of life and psychosocial distress in moderate and severe psoriasis.</a> Acta Dermato-venereologica. 91, 447-451 (2011).</li><li>Dennis, M., Bhutani, T., Koo, J., Liao, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Goeckerman+therapy+for+the+treatment+of+eczema:+a+practical+guide+and+review+of+efficacy.">Goeckerman therapy for the treatment of eczema: a practical guide and review of efficacy.</a> The Journal of Dermatological Treatment. , (2011).</li><li>Papp, K. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Biologic+therapy+in+psoriasis:+perspectives+on+associated+risks+and+patient+management.">Biologic therapy in psoriasis: perspectives on associated risks and patient management.</a> Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery. 16, 153-168 (2012).</li><li>Menter, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Guidelines+of+care+for+the+management+of+psoriasis+and+psoriatic+arthritis:+Section+5.+Guidelines+of+care+for+the+treatment+of+psoriasis+with+phototherapy+and+photochemotherapy.">Guidelines of care for the management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: Section 5. Guidelines of care for the treatment of psoriasis with phototherapy and photochemotherapy.</a> Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 62, 114-135 (2010).</li><li>de Miguel, R., el-Azhary, R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Efficacy,+safety,+and+cost+of+Goeckerman+therapy+compared+with+biologics+in+the+treatment+of+moderate+to+severe+psoriasis.">Efficacy, safety, and cost of Goeckerman therapy compared with biologics in the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis.</a> International Journal of Dermatology. 48, 653-658 (2009).</li><li>Busse, K., Koo, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Introducing+the+delayed+retinoid+burn:+a+case+report+and+discussion+of+this+potential+risk+of+retinoid-phototherapy+combination+management.">Introducing the delayed retinoid burn: a case report and discussion of this potential risk of retinoid-phototherapy combination management.</a> Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 64, 1011-1012 (2011).</li><li>Maughan, W. Z., Muller, S. A., Perry, H. O., Pittelkow, M. R., O'Brien, P. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Incidence+of+skin+cancers+in+patients+with+atopic+dermatitis+treated+with+ocal+tar.+A+25-year+follow-up+study.">Incidence of skin cancers in patients with atopic dermatitis treated with ocal tar. A 25-year follow-up study.</a> Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 3, 612-615 (1980).</li><li>Pittelkow, M. R., Perry, H. O., Muller, S. A., Maughan, W. Z., O'Brien, P. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Skin+cancer+in+patients+with+psoriasis+treated+with+coal+tar.+A+25-year+follow-up+study.">Skin cancer in patients with psoriasis treated with coal tar. A 25-year follow-up study.</a> Archives of Dermatology. 117, 465-468 (1981).</li><li>Roelofzen, J. H., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=No+increased+risk+of+cancer+after+coal+tar+treatment+in+patients+with+psoriasis+or+eczema.">No increased risk of cancer after coal tar treatment in patients with psoriasis or eczema.</a> The Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 130, 953-961 (2010).</li></ol>

Dr. Koo is a speaker for Abbott, Leo, and Stiefel-GSK. Dr. Koo conducts research for Amgen, Janssen, Novartis, Photomedex, Galderma, and Pfizer. Dr. Koo has no stocks, employment, or board memberships with any pharmaceutical company. No conflicts of interest disclosed for any other authors.

The Goeckerman Regimen protocol outlined above is utilized at UCSF and can be varied in multiple ways according to the patient's response to therapy. Since the patient is seen and examined every day, the protocol can be individualized for each patient to ensure maximum efficacy. The traditional Goeckerman treatment solely consisted of the use of CCT and UVB phototherapy.2 However, the regimen has been modified to include the use of topical corticosteroids (and at times other topical medications such as calcipo...

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 2-3% of the population.1 One-third of the patients experience generalized psoriasis that causes debilitating physical and psychological effects. The Goeckerman regimen, first published in 1925 for the treatment of generalized psoriasis, consists of exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light and application of crude coal tar (CCT).2 Though newer internal agents such as biologics have enhanced the treatment of psoriasis, Goeckerman therapy remains as an extremely effective option, while providing a long duration of remission.3,4 In a published study conducted at UCSF, 100% of patients on Goeckerman therapy achieved PASI75 (75% improvement of Psoriasis Assessment of Severity Index [PASI] from baseline) by 3 months.5 In comparison (though not head to head), patients on the most potent biologics achieved only 67-68% PASI75 in 3 months.6 The Goeckerman regimen has a quick onset and has been utilized with success in patients with treatment-resistant psoriasis refractory to phototherapy or internal medications.7 The Goeckerman regimen also has an extremely safe toxicity profile with essentially no internal side effects, which are the more serious risks associated with other psoriasis treatments. Furthermore, the therapy has been shown to have a significant and positive effect on the quality of life of patients with generalized psoriasis.8 
	Goeckerman regimen was formerly administered 24 hr a day at an inpatient facility until the patient was cleared of their psoriasis. However, due to changes in reimbursements and managed care, patients are now treated in daycare facilities for a minimum of 4-8 hr/day and 5 days/week until their disease clears. Goeckerman therapy was initially formulated for the treatment of psoriasis, but a modified version has recently been used for the treatment of other skin conditions such as eczema with success. The following protocol is utilized at UCSF specifically for psoriasis, but slight changes in the procedures can be tailored for eczema, generalized pruritus, prurigo nodularis, pityriasis lichenoides chronica, erythroderma, and other related skin disorders.9
	Though it is one of the oldest therapies available for psoriasis, there is an absence of any published videos demonstrating the process. A video can have a broad appeal as it can be used as a resource for referring healthcare practitioners (primary care physicians and dermatologists) to understand the process and feel comfortable recommending the therapy. A video demonstrating the Goeckerman process will also be instrumental for educating residents and medical students who are not exposed to the regimen since there are only a few institutions left that continue to provide this type of intensive therapy. A video will also be beneficial for prospective patients who are interested in receiving Goeckerman therapy.

<table border="1">
	<tbody>
		<tr>
			<td>Name of Medication </td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>2% Crude Coal Tar in White Petrolatum or Cetaphil</td>
			<td>Compounded at Pharmacy</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>5% Crude Coal Tar in White Petrolatum or Cetaphil</td>
			<td>Compounded at Pharmacy</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10% Crude Coal Tar in White Petrolatum +/- 2/5/10% Salicyclic Acid</td>
			<td>Compounded at Pharmacy</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>10% Crude Coal Tar in Cetaphil</td>
			<td>Compounded at Pharmacy</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>20% Liquid Carbonis Detergenis in Nutraderm</td>
			<td>Compounded at Pharmacy</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>20% Liquid Carbonis Detergenis in Aquaphor or Cetaphil</td>
			<td>Compounded at Pharmacy</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Triamcinolone 0.1% ointment/cream/lotion</td>
			<td>Prescription Medication - Generic</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Desonide 0.05% cream/ointment</td>
			<td>Prescription Medication - Generic</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Fluocinolone 0.01% oil</td>
			<td>Prescription Medication - Generic</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Clobetasol 0.05% ointment/cream</td>
			<td>Prescription Medication - Generic</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Hydrophillic Ointment</td>
			<td>Over the Counter - Generic</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Mineral Oil</td>
			<td>Over the Counter - Generic</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Name of Equipment </td>
			<td>Company</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Narrow-Band Phototherapy Unit</td>
			<td>National Biologic Corporation</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
		<tr>
			<td>Broad-Band Phototherapy Unit</td>
			<td>National Biologic Corporation</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
			<td>&nbsp;</td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

the goeckerman regimen for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 2-3% of the population. The Goeckerman regimen consists of exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light and application of crude coal tar (CCT). Goeckerman therapy is extremely effective and relatively safe for the treatment of psoriasis and for improving a patient's quality of life. In the following article, we present our protocol for the Goeckerman therapy that is utilized specifically at the University of California, San Francisco. This protocol details the preparation of supplies, administration of phototherapy and application of topical tar. This protocol also describes how to assess the patient daily, monitor for adverse effects (including pruritus and burning), and adjust the treatment based on the patient's response. Though it is one of the oldest therapies available for psoriasis, there is an absence of any published videos demonstrating the process in detail. The video is beneficial for healthcare providers who want to administer the therapy, for trainees who want to learn more about the process, and for prospective patients who want to undergo treatment for their cutaneous disease.

In a study performed at our center at the University of California San Francisco, PASI75 response (a 75% improvement in the Psoriasis Assessment Severity Index) was achieved in 100% of patients receiving Goeckerman (n = 25) over a 3-month time period.5 24/25 patients needed only 2 months to achieve PASI75, while the remaining patient obtained a PASI75 response at 3 months. In another study, Menter et al. administered the Goeckerman regimen for 300 patients and 100% of the patients achieved 90% or more...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis at JoVE.com

The Goeckerman Regimen for the Treatment of Moderate to Severe Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. The Goeckerman regimen, formulated for the treatment of psoriasis, consists of exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light and application of crude coal tar (CCT). The following protocol is for the administration of Goeckerman therapy for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a  chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease affecting approximately 2-3%  of the population. The Goeckerman regimen consists of ...

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38.7K Views.  University of Southern California. Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. The Goeckerman regimen, formulated for the treatment of psoriasis, consists of exposure to ultraviolet B (UVB) light and application of crude coal tar (CCT). The following protocol is for the administration of Goeckerman therapy for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis.