Tazarotene uk is a topical cream that can treat acne, psoriasis, and sun damage to the skin. It can also reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin tone.

The drug is also sometimes used to improve the appearance of scars or dark spots caused by previous acne, and it can help reduce hyperpigmentation (dark spots) in people with darker skin tones.

It works for these conditions by slowing the production of skin cells and blocking their overgrowth. It can also unblock pores and reduce inflammation. The drug is available as a cream, gel, or foam that is applied directly to the skin, usually once or twice a day. It may cause mild irritation in and around the area where it’s applied, but this can be relieved by using the medication less often or putting a moisturizer on top of the cream.

The medicine has several side effects, and some of them can be severe. The most common are redness, itching, or tingling of the skin. Some people also experience dryness or burning. These side effects usually disappear once the body gets used to the medicine. If they’re bothersome, talk to your doctor about them. They may switch you to a different strength of the medication, or they might recommend other treatment for the condition that’s causing them.

Some medications interact with tazarotene, and this can increase your risk of side effects. Avoid taking the drug with thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide, or any other blood pressure medication. You should also avoid intense sunlight while using this medicine, and use a sunscreen with a high SPF when outdoors.

This medication is not intended for pregnant women, since it contains a type of drug called a retinoid that can harm the fetus. It hasn’t been studied to see whether the drug can cause harm if used during breastfeeding.

Tazarotene can make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so you should wear a hat and cover your skin when possible. It’s also a good idea to use an SPF-containing sunscreen every time you go outside, especially if you have fair skin.

Tazarotene is usually taken long term, but your doctor will tell you how long to use it. The medication can cause a sunburn, so you should not expose the treated skin to sunlight for several days after applying it. This will help the treatment work more effectively. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember. Don’t apply more of the medicine to make up for a missed dose, as this can lead to severe skin irritation. If you’re having trouble remembering your dose, try using a reminder method, such as an alarm clock or a kitchen timer. You can also ask your doctor to prescribe a special medication reminder device.