International journal of dermatology
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Goeckerman therapy (GT) for psoriasis is based on cutaneous application of crude coal tar [polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)] and exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR). PAH and UVR are mutagenic, carcinogenic and immunotoxic agents that promote apoptosis. ⋯ Our results demonstrate high dermal absorption of PAH during GT and provide evidence that GT promotes genotoxicity and apoptosis.