Did your doctor prescribe you a cream for your acne problem or a skin condition like psoriasis? Is it called Tazarotene? Then this article will be very important for you. Sometimes when we take a medicine like this, we feel a little scared, "How do I use this? Will there be any side effects?" We are here to answer all those questions in a simple way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is Tazarotene?
Tazarotene is a type of skin medication. To be precise, it belongs to a class of medications called retinoids . You may have heard of vitamin A. Retinoids are also a type of compound made from vitamin A.
This medicine is mainly used for:
- Psoriasis: A condition in which skin cells divide rapidly, become red, and peel off. This medicine controls the rate at which skin cells grow.
- For Acne: Doctors also prescribe this for some severe, long-lasting types of acne.
In addition to these, this medicine can also be used for other skin conditions. Your doctor will explain this to you in detail.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before prescribing this medication, your doctor will ask you some questions, but it's important for you to keep these things in mind as well.
- Do you have burns or large areas of wounds on your skin?
- Have you or anyone in your family ever had skin cancer/melanoma ?
- Is your skin very sensitive? Do you have any other skin conditions?
- Are you allergic to this medicine, Tazarotene, or any other medicine, food, or dye?
- Are you trying to get pregnant? Or are you already pregnant? (This is a must-mention).
- Are you a breastfeeding mother?
The information you provide about these factors will be of great help to the doctor in deciding whether this medication is suitable for you or not.
How exactly do you use this cream?
To get the most out of a medicine, it is essential to know how to use it correctly.
Most importantly: This medicine is for external use only . Do not take it orally or internally for any reason.
- Cleanliness: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine. However, if you are applying the medicine to your hands, wash your hands only before applying it.
- Be careful with your eyes: Do not allow any contact with your eyes. If you accidentally get contact, immediately rinse your eyes thoroughly with clean (cool tap water) for several minutes.
- At the right time, in the right amount: Use this at the same time every day, as directed by the doctor. Do not apply more often or in excess. It is usually said to apply it as a thin film . That is, take a small amount, smaller than a pea, and spread the medicine evenly over the entire area to be treated.
- Complete the course: Take the medicine for the full duration prescribed by your doctor, even if you feel a little better. Do not stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to.
About use in children
This medicine can be prescribed for some conditions in children over the age of 12. But it is done with special care. Therefore, if you give this medicine to your child, follow the doctor's instructions exactly.
What if the medicine is used too much?
If you think you have accidentally taken too much of this medicine, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. You can also call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital for advice.
Other things that may interact with this medicine (Interactions)
Tazarotene cream may interact with other medications, creams, and vitamins you are using, so it is very important to tell your doctor about everything you are using.
| What can collide | Description and examples |
|---|---|
| Other cosmetics that dry the skin | Using products containing benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, which are used for acne, together with this medication can make the skin even drier and more prone to breakouts. |
| Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight | If you are using certain antibiotics (e.g., Tetracycline , Ciprofloxacin ), certain medications for high blood pressure (e.g., Thiazide diuretics ), and medications containing sulfa, your skin may become very sensitive to sunlight while using this cream. |
| Vitamin supplements | If you are taking vitamin A as a supplement, be sure to tell your doctor about it. Because this cream is also made from vitamin A, it can cause an excess of vitamin A in the body. |
This list is not complete. Tell your doctor about all medications, vitamins, herbal products, smoking, and alcohol use.
Things to be especially careful about when using
- Avoid getting pregnant: This is the most important and important thing to remember. You should absolutely avoid getting pregnant while using this medicine. This medicine can cause serious harm to the unborn baby. Therefore, you should definitely use a non-hormonal method of birth control while using this medicine and for as long as your doctor tells you to. If you have any suspicion that you are pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
- Protect yourself from the sun: This medicine can make your skin very sensitive to sunlight (photosensitivity). So avoid exposure to strong sunlight as much as possible. If you go outside, wear clothing that covers your skin, use a good sunscreen , and avoid using sun lamps or tanning beds .
- Other skin products: Avoid using products that remove oil, alcohol-based products, or abrasive cleaners on the treated areas. These can further dry out and irritate the skin.
- Use of Moisturizer: You can use a moisturizer as your skin may become dry. However, if you apply moisturizer before or after applying tazarotene cream, make sure to let one layer absorb into the skin well and then apply the other layer after it dries.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause some side effects, although not everyone gets them.
| Classification of side effects | |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Severe skin disorders | Severe inflammation, itching, peeling, or crusting at the application site. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious (but tell your doctor if they persist) | |
| Minor skin disorders | Slight redness, dryness, or slight inflammation of the skin may occur during the initial application of the medication. |
| Sensitivity to sunlight | Skin that turns red or burns quickly when exposed to the sun. |
Take-Home Message
- Tazarotene is a skin-thinning medication that should only be used with a doctor's prescription.
- Avoid becoming pregnant while using this medicine as it can be very harmful to the unborn baby.
- It is essential to protect yourself from the sun while using the medication. Always use sunscreen.
- Do not use more or less than the amount prescribed by your doctor. Apply only a thin layer.
- If severe skin irritation, swelling, or allergic symptoms occur, discontinue use immediately and consult your doctor.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications and cosmetics you are using.
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