Do you have a troublesome condition where your scalp is constantly flaking, red, and sometimes itchy? We often think of this as a normal scalp condition, but sometimes it could be something a little different, a skin condition called psoriasis . So, one of the special medications your doctor will prescribe for this condition is Calcipotriene. Today, we will talk about this medication, how to use it, and everything you need to know.
Simply put, what is Calcipotriene?
Calcipotriene is a synthetic compound similar to vitamin D. It is specifically designed to treat scalp psoriasis.
Many people think that this can completely cure the disease. But in reality, this is not a medicine that completely cures the disease. However, it does help a lot in controlling the symptoms .
Simply put, this medication will greatly reduce the redness, thickening, and flaking of your scalp, giving you relief. The bottle your doctor gave you may have a name like `Dovonex Scalp` on it. That is a brand name for this medication.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before prescribing this medicine to you, your doctor will ask you about some things. However, if you have any of the following conditions, you should definitely tell your doctor. It is very important for your safety.
| Situation you need to report | Why is it important? |
|---|---|
| High levels of calcium in the blood or urine | This medicine can further increase calcium levels in the body. |
| High levels of vitamin D in the blood | Because Calcipotriene is also a vitamin D derivative, it can unnecessarily increase vitamin D levels in the body. |
| Having kidney stones | Elevated calcium levels can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. |
| Sunburn | This medication may make the skin sensitive to sunlight, so it is not recommended to apply it to burned skin. |
| Various allergies | Be sure to tell us if you have any allergies to Calcipotriene, vitamin D, other medications, foods, or dyes. |
| Pregnancy or breastfeeding | It is essential to inform your doctor if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to know how to use it correctly.
Most importantly: This medicine is for topical use only. Do not take it by mouth for any reason!
Here's how to do it step by step:
1. First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and keep them clean.
2. Next, comb your head thoroughly with a comb, gently removing any loose pieces of skin.
3. Comb your hair and make a section where you can see where you want to apply the medicine.
4. Now apply the medicine directly to the lesions only. Be careful not to get it on healthy skin, especially the forehead .
5. After applying the medicine, gently massage it with your fingertips. This will help the medicine absorb better into the skin.
6. Be very careful not to get it in your eyes. If you accidentally get it in your eyes, immediately rinse thoroughly with clean water.
7. After applying the medicine, wash your hands thoroughly with soap again.
8. Do not apply more than the amount prescribed by your doctor, or use it more than the recommended number of times per day.
If you use it for small children...
If a doctor prescribes this medicine for your young child, be sure to talk to a pediatrician about it and get advice, as young children may need special care when using this medicine.
What to do if the dose increases (overdose)?
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately . Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
What if I miss a medication appointment?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is very close to your next dose (for example, a few hours away), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- Time to results: Symptoms usually start to improve after about 2 weeks. However, it may take 4 to 8 weeks to see the full effect of this medication. So be patient and continue with the treatment.
- Be careful with sunlight: This is very important.
This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun (photosensitive). Therefore, avoid going out in the sun as much as possible. If you must go out, wear clothing that covers your skin well and use a good sunscreen recommended by a doctor. Do not use artificial sunlight such as sun lamps or tanning beds.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| If you have any of these, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Serious allergic reactions | Skin rash , severe itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue. |
| Difficulty breathing | If you feel like you're having trouble breathing. |
| Exacerbation of the disease | If you feel like your psoriasis is getting worse after taking medication. |
| Symptoms of increased calcium levels in the body | Constipation, excessive thirst, nausea/vomiting, depression, feeling unusually tired or weak. |
| If these persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Minor skin problems | If the skin feels numb, burning, or red where the medicine was applied. |
| Dry skin | If your skin feels dry and flaky. |
| Skin discoloration | Skin discoloration where the medication was applied. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you have any further questions or notice anything unusual, please ask your doctor.
How to keep medicine safe?
- Be sure to keep it out of the reach of small children and out of their reach.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius). Do not store in very hot or very cold places.
- Do not freeze the medicine. That is, do not put it in the freezer.
- Do not keep medications that have passed the expiration date on the bottle; throw them away.
Take-Home Message
- Calcipotriene is a topical medication used to treat psoriasis. It is a form of vitamin D.
- Although this does not completely cure the disease, it helps greatly in controlling symptoms such as redness, thickening of the skin, and peeling.
- When applying the medicine, be careful not to let it get on healthy skin, especially the eyes and forehead.
- Avoid direct sunlight while using this medication, as the skin may become sensitive to sunlight.
- If you experience serious side effects such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing, see a doctor immediately.
- Talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you have. Don't treat based on guesswork.
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