Tazarotene Cream For Acne
Tazarotene is a topical cream that can treat acne and plaque psoriasis. It is in a class of drugs called retinoids. Tazarotene works by changing the way your skin cells grow. It helps keep pores unblocked and reduces inflammation (swelling). It also slows the production of too much skin cells.
Tazarotene comes in a lotion and a gel form. Both types can be applied to the skin twice a day. You should not apply the cream to healthy or irritated areas of your skin.
If you have a sensitive reaction to the medicine, talk to your doctor. They may switch you to a lower strength drug that is less likely to cause irritation.
You may need to start with a low dose and increase your dosage slowly. Your doctor will monitor your progress and tell you if you need to change your dose or how often you apply the medication.
Before you start using tazarotene, wash your hands and rinse them well. Then, cleanse your face and gently dry it. If you are treating acne, apply a thin film of the cream to your skin once a day in the evening. Use enough to cover the area where your acne lesions appear. The lotion and gel are not for use on your lips or eyes.
Your doctor will recommend other ways to protect your skin from sun damage while you are taking tazarotene. This includes wearing protective clothing and limiting your time in the sun and exposure to artificial sunlight (tanning beds). It is also important to moisturize.
This medication can make your skin sensitive to cold weather. If this happens, you should wear a moisturizer that is SPF 15 or higher.
You should not use tazarotene while you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because the drug contains a type of drug that could harm a developing baby. If you become pregnant while you are using this drug, you should tell your doctor right away. You will need to have a pregnancy test before you start this drug and every month while you are taking it.
Tazarotene works for acne by slowing the growth of new skin cells. This unblocks pores and stops blackheads and whiteheads from developing. It also reduces the amount of oil produced by your body.
It can take 1 to 2 weeks for tazarotene to work. However, it can take up to 12 weeks for the full effect to be seen.
Your doctor will test your blood before starting you on this medicine. They will also test your skin for a reaction to the medication.
You should tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal remedies. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to aspirin or any other NSAIDs. This medication can interact with certain other drugs. This includes antifungals, anticoagulants, and some antibiotics. It can also affect how well birth control pills work. You should tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions. tazarotene cream