Did the doctor prescribe Calcipotriene cream for you too? Let's find out exactly what it is.

Sometimes our skin, especially on the elbows, knees, and scalp, becomes red and flaky, right? We call this plaque psoriasis, or in medical terms, plaque psoriasis. Calcipotriene is a cream that doctors often recommend to treat this condition. If you have been prescribed this, it is very important that you are fully aware of this medication, how to use it, and what to watch out for.

What exactly is Calcipotriene?

Simply put, Calcipotriene is a medication used to treat plaque psoriasis. It comes in the form of a cream. What's special about it is that it's a form of vitamin D.

Now you may be wondering how vitamin D can help with a skin condition. In psoriasis, our skin cells divide faster than normal and pile up on top of each other. That's when the redness and peeling occurs. Calcipotriene cream works by controlling that rapid cell division. Through this, it reduces the redness, inflammation, and peeling of the skin and helps the skin to recover.

Things to tell your doctor before using this medicine

Before your doctor prescribes this cream, he or she will need to know your complete medical history. Therefore, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor about them.

• If you have high levels of calcium in your blood.
• If your body has high levels of Vitamin D.
• If you have large areas of burned or damaged skin.
• If you have recently undergone radiation therapy or are currently undergoing such treatment.
• If you have an allergic reaction to Calcipotriene, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

Based on this information, your doctor will be able to decide whether this medication is right for you or not.

How exactly do you use this cream?

To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it correctly.

• For external use only: This is not an oral medication. Therefore, do not put it in your mouth for any reason.
• Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
• Apply a thin layer: As the doctor said, apply a thin layer only on the areas where the skin is rough. You don't need to apply a lot.
• Do not apply to healthy skin: This should only be applied to the affected skin. Be careful not to get it on the surrounding healthy skin.
• Do not apply bandages: Do not apply a bandage or a bandage over the medication, unless your doctor specifically instructs you to do so.
• Do not apply to sensitive areas: Do not apply this cream to the eyes, face, or genital areas . If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water.
• Use it on time: Use the medicine at the prescribed intervals as directed by your doctor. Do not use it more often than prescribed. Continue using it until your doctor tells you to stop.
• If given to children: Children may need special care when using this medicine. Therefore, talk to your doctor about using this medicine on a child.

What to do if you miss a dose of medicine?

If you forget to take your medicine, 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 double or extra doses.

What are the special things to be careful about?

• Other skin cosmetics: Do not apply any other cosmetics to the same skin area as this cream without consulting your doctor.
• Other medications: Tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements), as some may interact with this cream.
• Monitor your symptoms: Always check to see if your symptoms are getting worse or better. Tell your doctor about it when you see him.
• Be careful with the sun: Your skin may be more sensitive to the sun while using this medicine. Therefore, avoid exposure to strong sunlight as much as possible. If you go out, wear sun-protective clothing and use a good sun-screen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds.

Possible side effects

Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.

How to protect and remove the medicine?

• Keep away from children: Keep this medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Storage: Store at room temperature (between 15-25 degrees Celsius). Do not refrigerate.
• Disposing of expired medications: It is important to safely dispose of medications that are expired or no longer needed. If you are unsure whether to put them in the trash or flush them down the toilet, ask your doctor. If it is appropriate to throw them in the trash, remove the medication from the tube, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, and place it in a tightly sealed bag and dispose of it in the trash.

Calcipotriene, Bark scrapings, Psoriasis, Skin diseases, Dermatology, Skin medicine, Vitamin D cream