Tazarotene for psoriasis

About tazarotene

Tazarotene is a gel which is applied to the skin to treat plaque psoriasis. Psoriasis is a condition where red scaly patches develop on your skin, called plaques. Some of the most common areas affected are over your elbows and knees and the lower part of your back. The patches may vary in size from time to time and can be itchy. Treatment for psoriasis aims to clear the plaques as much as possible.

Psoriasis is caused by cells in the outer layer of your skin multiplying faster than normal. This causes the older and dead skin cells to build up on the surface of your skin, causing the red scaly patches. Tazarotene works by slowing the overproduction of your skin cells which eases the inflamed, scaly areas.

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start using tazarotene it is important that your doctor knows:

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• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about applying tazarotene and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from using it.

• Tazarotene gel is available in two strengths. Your doctor will probably prescribe the lower-strength gel for you at first to see how your skin reacts, and then may increase the strength if this is necessary. This allows your doctor to make sure that you have the strength that helps your condition but also reduces the risk of skin irritation.

• Apply a thin layer of gel before going to bed each night. Apply it only to the areas of your skin which are affected. Remember to wash your hands straightaway afterwards to make sure you don't get the gel into your eyes or on any healthy areas of your skin by accident.

• Do not use the gel on more than 10% of your body area (this is roughly equivalent to the total skin area of one arm). Do not use the gel on your face, scalp, armpits or behind your elbows and knees.

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• If your skin becomes very dry or irritated, it may help to use a moisturiser but do this at least an hour before using tazarotene. It is recommended that you do not use any moisturisers or cosmetics for at least an hour after applying tazarotene gel.

• Do not cover any areas of skin that have been treated with tazarotene with a dressing or a bandage.

• It is likely that your doctor will suggest a course of treatment of up to three months. You should start to see an improvement in your skin within a week or so, and this improvement will continue for several weeks. You should continue to apply the gel regularly for as long as you have been recommended in order to get the full benefit.

• Tazarotene could harm an unborn baby so it is important that you do not become pregnant while you are using the gel. Please make sure you have discussed with your doctor which types of contraception are recommended for you, as some hormonal contraceptives (such as the 'mini pill') are not suitable.

• Your skin may become more sensitive to sunlight than normal while you are using tazarotene. Try to avoid sitting out in the sun and do not use sunbeds.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with tazarotene. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with the medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the preparation, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

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