Psoriasis and Naftalan oil therapy: why patients from across the world travel to Azerbaijan

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition characterized by accelerated skin cell turnover, resulting in inflammation, scaling, redness, itching and discomfort. Conventional treatments — topical corticosteroids, phototherapy and biologic medications — can be effective, but many patients continue searching for complementary therapies that reduce symptoms and prolong remission.

For more than a century, medicinal Naftalan oil has been used in Azerbaijan to treat psoriasis and other inflammatory skin disorders. Thousands of patients have reported significant improvements, and many return regularly for maintenance treatment.

Psoriasis vulgaris is the most common form of the disease. It typically appears as red, inflamed patches covered by silvery scales. Naftalan oil applications are widely used for this type and are often associated with visible reductions in scaling and inflammation within the first week of the cure.

Plaque psoriasis can affect large areas of the body, including the elbows, knees, scalp and back. Patients frequently report softening of plaques, decreased redness and improved skin appearance following a structured course of Naftalan treatment combined with selective phototherapy.

Guttate psoriasis is characterized by numerous small, drop-like lesions and often appears suddenly, frequently after a respiratory infection. Many patients undergoing Naftalan therapy experience substantial calming of active lesions and improved skin comfort.

Psoriasis affecting the palms of the hands and soles of the feet can be especially painful and disabling, interfering with walking, manual work and everyday activities. Naftalan therapy is commonly sought for this difficult-to-treat form because of its potential to reduce cracking, scaling and inflammation in areas where topical treatments alone often fall short.

Dietrich M., 39, Munich — Lived with plaque psoriasis for nearly 12 years. Despite using multiple topical treatments, flare-ups continued on his elbows, knees and lower back. After completing a 14-day Naftalan program, he reported significantly reduced redness, softer plaques and improved skin appearance. Six months later, 95% of the improvements remained.

David R., 47, Haifa — Suffered from palmo-plantar psoriasis that made walking uncomfortable and affected his work. Following a 16-day Naftalan program, he experienced a substantial reduction in skin cracking and scaling, and reported that everyday activities became significantly easier.

Ayşe K., 34, Ankara — Developed guttate psoriasis after a severe respiratory infection. Traditional treatments provided only partial relief. After Naftalan oil therapy, she reported a marked reduction in lesions and itching, and a noticeable improvement in confidence and quality of life.

Researchers believe that Naftalan oil contains biologically active compounds — naphthenic hydrocarbons, steranes and related fractions — that help regulate inflammatory processes within the skin. Unlike ordinary petroleum products, medicinal Naftalan oil undergoes specialized processing and has been used therapeutically for generations.

Patients consistently describe improvements in skin inflammation, redness, scaling, itching, plaque thickness and overall skin comfort. For many, the combination of medical supervision, Naftalan oil applications, adjunct physiotherapy and the therapeutic environment of Naftalan contributes to particularly favorable outcomes.