Psoriasis [PLEASE READ FIRST POST!]
in Health ·
rapidpanther41 said:Here’s the lowdown on ZORAC, which falls under the Tazarotene category.
Tazarotene
Tazarotene is an esterified retinoid that converts into its active form, tazarotene acid, once it hits the skin. This acid is basically the only known metabolite of tazarotene that actually does anything. It works by specifically regulating gene expression—basically managing cell proliferation, skin tissue hyperplasia, and how skin cells differentiate. We don't fully grasp the exact mechanism of how tazarotene acid treats psoriasis yet, but improvements usually show up as the skin starts looking normal again. It helps lower inflammatory markers like ICAM-1 and HLA-DR, while tackling epidermal hyperplasia and weird cell differentiation issues involving things like keratinocyte transglutaminases, involucrin, and keratin.
You typically find Tazarotene in gels or creams used for mild to moderate psoriasis that doesn't cover more than 10% of your body. Most people start with a 0.05% concentration and then move up to 0.1% if they need to.
Just a heads up: you shouldn't use Tazarotene if you're pregnant or breastfeeding because it might cause birth defects. It’s also a no-go for pustular or exfoliative psoriasis, and you definitely shouldn't put it on hairy areas or in skin folds.
You have to be pretty careful applying Tazarotene to skin that's already damaged or inflamed from psoriasis because it can get irritating fast. Keep it out of your eyes, too. Also, if you've applied a Tazarotene product, don't go out into direct sunlight or hit up a tanning bed.
The most common side effects are itching, burning sensations, redness, irritation, peeling, contact dermatitis, skin pain, and sometimes even a temporary flare-up of the psoriasis itself.
Registered in the US since 2006: Zorac (Belupo)
Thanks... I think I'm gonna pass on buying Zorac. 🙂 I'm not really feeling those side effects. Does anyone know of any other acne meds that are actually decent? I tried Skinoren, but it didn't really do much for me.