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Psoriasis Treatment FAQs

What is the combination therapy for psoriasis?

At Solay Health, we start with guided phototherapy treatments. Depending on how your skin responds, we may escalate to a combination therapy called Goeckerman to get a better treatment response.

Invented at the Mayo Clinic in 1925, the Goeckerman therapy has proven to be a highly effective treatment for psoriasis and eczema. It involves topical applications of coal tar and exposure to narrowband UVB phototherapy.

How effective is the combination therapy for psoriasis?

The Goeckerman therapy remains one of the most effective treatments for psoriasis and eczema. It has even been used successfully in patients who were treatment-resistant and in patients who have contraindications to biologic medications.

For Psoriasis:
A study examining 300 patients in both Baylor University and UCSF’s Goeckerman centers found that 100% of psoriasis patients achieved 90% improvement in the PASI score (PASI 90), with 73% of patients remaining in remission for at least 12 months.

For Eczema:
A study at UCSF found that 80% of patients who were treated with Goeckerman achieved greater than 90% skin clearance with an average remission of 7.2 months.

Is the combination therapy for psoriasis safe?

The safety profile of Goeckerman therapy is excellent and does not carry the same internal risks as biologics. Since the side effects of Goeckerman therapy are minimal, the regimen can be used in everyone including the elderly, children, patients with history of cancer, immunosuppressed patients, and patients with other comorbidities.

How long does it take to complete the treatment?

In most cases, the treatment ends once your skin has fully resolved. This is often dependent on the patient’s medical history and the severity of the condition. Typically, the treatment period is usually 8 weeks, followed by a post-treatment maintenance plan to extend results.

When will this be available in my state?

We’re currently only available in California and Illinois, but we’re actively working to expand to other states. Please sign up for our newsletter to be notified when we’re available in your state.