Psoriasis, the skin disease we all know, is a really annoying condition, isn't it? Only those who suffer from it know the discomfort that comes with red, thick, and flaky skin. So, has your doctor prescribed a foam to apply to your skin as a treatment for this condition? Then this article will be very important for you. Let's talk about this medicine in simple and precise terms.
What really happens with this medicine?
Simply put, there are two main types of medication in this foam that you have been given. One is Calcipotriene . This is something that works in a similar way to vitamin D in our body. It does this by controlling the rapid division of skin cells. In psoriasis, skin cells grow and accumulate rapidly. So this medication controls that.
The other is Betamethasone . This is a type of steroid. It works by reducing inflammation, redness, and itching in the skin. So, these two medications work together to control your psoriasis condition, reduce redness, thickness, and peeling of the skin, and give you relief.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using the medicine
It's important for your doctor to have a complete picture of your health. So before you start using this foam, be sure to tell him or her if you have any of the conditions listed below.
| Situation to be concerned about | Why do you need to tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Severe cases of psoriasis (such as erythrodermic, pustular) | This medicine is not suitable for all types of psoriasis. |
| If you are undergoing light therapy for your skin | This medicine may interact with light therapy. |
| If you have high blood calcium or vitamin D levels | This medicine may affect calcium levels in the body. |
| If you have a skin infection or thin skin | Steroids can increase the risk of infections and cause the skin to become thinner. |
| If you have an allergy to this medicine or any other medicine, food, or coloring. | This is essential to prevent an allergic reaction. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You need to talk to your doctor about the possible effects on the baby. |
| If a mother is breastfeeding her child | It is important to know whether the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk. |
How exactly do you use this foam?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
Most importantly: This medicine is for topical use only . Do not take it by mouth for any reason.
Here are the things to do in order:
- Shake well: Shake the medicine bottle well before use.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
- Apply only to affected areas: Take a small amount of the foam and apply a thin layer to the affected areas of the skin. Do not apply to healthy skin.
- Do not apply bandages: Do not cover the area where the medicine was applied with a bandage or a bandage, unless your doctor specifically instructs you to do so.
- Do not let it get into your eyes: This medicine is very harmful to your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water.
- Do not take more than the prescribed amount: Do not take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor. Also, do not take more than the prescribed number of times per day.
If you give it to children...
This medicine is sometimes prescribed for children over the age of 12. However, if you are giving this medicine to your child, it is essential to talk to a pediatrician about it and follow his or her instructions exactly.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Don't panic, but it is important to act quickly.
What do you do if you forget to take your medicine?
This is different for everyone. If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose. Doing so increases the risk of side effects.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people. But not everyone does. The important thing is to know what these side effects are and how serious they are.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| |
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- Blood tests: Your doctor may order several blood tests while you are taking this medication. These will check how the medication is affecting your body, especially your calcium levels.
- Be careful with the sun: This medicine may make your skin a little more sensitive to the sun. So , limit your exposure to direct sunlight as much as possible. If you go outside, wear clothing that covers your skin, and use sunscreen . Avoid using tanning beds.
- Protect yourself from other diseases: If you come into contact with someone who has chickenpox or measles, tell your doctor about it, as steroids can have a small effect on your immune system.
How do you store the medicine?
- Keep away from fire: This medicine is flammable. Therefore, keep it away from fire, excessive heat, and smoking. Do not keep it near the kitchen stove.
- Temperature: Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Do not store above 49 degrees Celsius (120 F).
- Keep away from children: This is very important. Keep the medicine bottle safely out of reach of children.
- After expiration: Discard any medication that has passed its expiration date.
Take-Home Message
- This foam is a treatment for psoriasis. It contains both Calcipotriene and Betamethasone.
- Before using the medication, tell your doctor about all your health conditions, especially other skin diseases and allergies.
- The medicine should only be applied to the areas where psoriasis is present. Apply a thin layer. Do not apply to healthy skin.
- If you experience any serious side effects, such as swelling of the face, lips, or tongue, fever, or skin infection, call your doctor immediately.
- This medicine is flammable, so keep it away from fire and excessive heat, and keep it out of the reach of children.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not give it to anyone else, even if their symptoms are the same as yours.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න