Tazarotene for Plaque Psoriasis
Title: Topical tazarotene: a review of its use
in the treatment of plaque psoriasis.
Authors: Dando TM and Wellington K
Publication: Am J Clin Dermatol. 2005;6(4):255-72.
Tazarotene or Tazorac is a topica retinoid (derivative of vitamin
A) used to treat plaque psoriasis. When used by itself, topical
tazarotene is effective at controlling signs and symptoms of plaque
psoriasis, and had lower frequency of relapse as compared to fluocinonide
cream.
The most common side effects associated with tazarotene are:
- Itching
- Burning
- Erythema or redness
Combination therapy of tazarotene and topical corticosteroid
generally result in better efficacy than tazarootene alone, reduce
irritation side effects, decrease the risk of post-treatment flare-ups
seen in corticosteroid alone, and decrease the degree of skin
atrophy or wasting associated with topical corticosteroid.
The combination of tazarotene and ultraviolet light therapy also
seems to be promising.
The authors concluded that using tazarotene either by itself
or in combination with other therapies are useful treatment options
for patients with plaque psoriasis.
Editor’s Note: fluocinonide cream is a topica
steroid that reduces or inhibits inflammation, redness, and swelling.
It is used to treat a number of conditions, such as allergic reactions,
eczema, and psoriasis.
