Of these, two are indicated for the treatment of psoriasis:

Both are contraindicated for use in pregnancy.

How They Work

Psoriasis is an inflammatoryautoimmune diseasecharacterized by the hyperproduction of skin cells known as keratinocytes.

This can lead to the formation of the dry, itchyskin plaquesrecognized as psoriasis.

A pharmacist testing out cream in a lab setting

Microgen / Getty Images

Retinoids work by facilitating cell turnover.

Younger children should only use the product under the direction of a qualifieddermatologist.

Comparatively speaking, the 0.1% formulation is more effective but is also more likely to cause side effects.

Unlike most corticosteroid creams, the 0.1% formulation is safe to use on the face.

The foam version is especially useful for treatingscalp psoriasisas it can better penetrate thick hair.

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Tazorac is used once daily and applied to the affected skin only.

Tazorac should never be used internally, including the mouth, vagina, or anus.

It should also not be applied to thegenitalsunless your dermatologist tells you to.

If you get some in your eyes, rinse thoroughly with water.

Speak with your healthcare provider before adjusting your dosing.

In addition to the above, some people may experience a short-term worsening of psoriasis symptoms themselves.

Tazorac can also make your skin extremely sensitive to the sun.

Because of this, you oughta use sunscreen and wear protective clothing whenever outdoors.

Unprotected skin is more likely to burn, which may, in turn, trigger a worsening of symptoms.

Never stop Tazorac without your healthcare provider’s approval.

It is a second-generation retinoid developed from an earlier form of the drug known as Tegison (etretinate).

Tegison was removed from the market in 1998 due to the high risk of side effects.

Soriatane is often used in combination with phototherapy or newer-generationbiologic drugslikeHumira (adalimumab)and Enbrel (etanercept).

It is generally prescribed in a once-daily, 25-mg to 50-mg dose and taken with food for optimal absorption.

While effective, it can take up to three months before you feel the benefits of Soriatane treatment.

During this time, you may experience a temporary worsening of symptoms.

This is normal and is not an indication that the treatment is failing.

The side effects of Soriatane use are significant and sometimes severe.

This can result in less common but potentially more serious side effects.

Soriatane can interact with other medications, often increasing or decreasing the blood concentration of one or both drugs.

Woman of child-bearing age who take Soriatane must usecontraceptionconsistently and take pregnancy tests every month.

2017;63(4):278-85.

Torsekar R, Gautam MM.Topical therapies in psoriasis.Indian Dermatol Online J.

2017;8(4):235-245. doi:10.4103/2229-5178.209622

PDR.Tazarotene.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration.Soriatane (acitretin) capsules.