Do you have psoriasis? Everything about Calcipotriene Foam in simple terms

How annoying is it when your skin turns red, peels, and sometimes itches? Especially for someone with a condition called `(Plaque Psoriasis)`, this can be a great deal of stress. Some people even feel uncomfortable facing society. So, one medicine that doctors prescribe to treat this condition is `Calcipotriene`. It comes in the form of a `(foam)`, so it is easy to use. Today, we will talk about everything in simple terms about this `Calcipotriene Foam`.

Simply put, what is Calcipotriene?

It's not really that complicated. Calcipotriene is a synthetic compound that is similar to vitamin D. To be precise, it is a derivative of vitamin D. Its main function is to control the redness, inflammation, and scaling of the skin caused by psoriasis.

When you have psoriasis, your skin cells divide much faster than normal and pile up on top of each other. That's when the skin thickens and looks like a scab. So what this medicine called `Calcipotriene` does is control the rate of cell division and help the skin to recover.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before using any medicine, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Especially if you have any of the conditions below, you should definitely inform your doctor before using `Calcipotriene`.

• If you have high blood calcium levels: Since this medicine is a form of vitamin D, it can increase calcium levels in the body. Therefore, if you already have high calcium levels, this medicine may not be suitable.
• If you have high levels of Vitamin D in your blood: This is also the same reason as above.
• If you have large areas of skin that are burned or injured: The amount of medicine absorbed by the body through injured skin can be increased. Therefore, it is not recommended to apply it to such areas.
• If you have recently undergone or are undergoing radiation therapy: Your skin may be sensitive due to radiation therapy.
• If you have an allergy to Calcipotriene or any other medicine, food, or dye: This is very important. Tell your doctor about any previous allergies.
• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: You need to be very careful about using medication during pregnancy.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: Some medications can pass into breast milk, so you should tell your doctor about this as well.

How exactly do you use this foam?

The way to use this is very simple, but it's important to do it correctly.

1. For topical use only: First of all, remember that this is a topical medication. Do not take it orally or ingest it in any other way for any reason.

2. Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.

3. Apply only to the affected area: Do not apply this to healthy skin. Apply only to areas with rough skin. Do not apply to a large area of ​​skin at once. Use only on areas that your doctor has prescribed.

4. Do not apply to sensitive areas: Do not apply this medicine to sensitive areas such as your face, eyes, or genitals .

5. In case of eye contact: If you accidentally get it in your eyes, do not panic. Immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean water (tap water is fine) for several minutes.

6. Do as your doctor tells you: Your doctor will tell you how many times a day and for how long to take the medicine. Follow those instructions exactly. Do not take more than the prescribed amount or more often than the prescribed amount.

7. Do not apply a bandage: Do not apply a bandage or plaster over the medication unless specifically instructed to do so by your doctor.

8. Apply a thin layer: When applying the medicine, just like we apply a cream on our face, we should apply it in a thin layer , not too thickly. Apply it and massage it into the skin until it is absorbed.

What if this is used for small children?

Doctors sometimes prescribe this medicine to children over 4 years of age. But it should be done with great care and under medical supervision. If your child has been prescribed this medicine, be sure to follow the doctor's instructions exactly.

What to do if you overdose on medication?

Imagine you have been bitten by a snake, or a small child has been bitten by a snake. In such a situation, do not panic and go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of your nearest hospital as soon as possible. Alternatively, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take your medicine, don't make a big deal out of it. Take the correct dose as soon as you remember. But if it's almost time for your next dose, don't take the missed dose. Skip it and take the correct dose for the next dose. Never take a double dose.

Be careful of these things when using the medicine.

• Be careful with the sun: This is very important. When using `Calcipotriene`, your skin may become a little more sensitive to the sun. In medical terms, we call this `(Photosensitivity)`. Therefore, stay out of the sun as much as possible. Minimize going out during the hottest hours, such as between 10 pm and 3 pm. If you do go out, wear long-sleeved clothing that covers your skin, wear a hat, and use a good sunscreen , as recommended by your doctor. Avoid using sun lamps and tanning beds altogether.
• See your doctor: If your doctor has scheduled an appointment for you, be sure to go on those dates. Tell your doctor if your symptoms are improving, getting worse, or if you have any other concerns.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, Calcipotriene can cause side effects in some people. However, not everyone gets them. Let's break these side effects down into two categories.

How do you store and dispose of the medicine?

• Storage: Keep the medicine bottle out of the reach of children and pets . It is best to store it at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius).
• Keep away from fire: This is very important. This foam is flammable. Therefore, keep it away from fire, places with high heat (e.g. near the stove in the kitchen), and people who smoke.
• Expired medicine: Do not use this after the expiration date.
• Disposal: Ask your doctor about the best way to dispose of expired or unwanted medications. If not, check the label for instructions. If you are throwing them in the trash, remove the foam from the container, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, put it in a bag, seal it tightly, and throw it in the trash.