Tazorac is a prescription medication that’s FDA approved to treat acne and plaque psoriasis conditions. This medication comes in the form of a cream and gel. This formula also belongs to the class of drugs known as Retinoids. Tazorac medication contains tazarotene as the primary ingredient.
The Tazorac cream is meant to treat acne in children and adults above the age of 12 years. You can also use this cream to treat Plaque psoriasis. When using Tazorac cream, take note that you can only use the 0.1% containing formula to treat acne and the 0.05% and 0.1% to treat plaque psoriasis.
Like the cream formula, the gel-like Tazorac is also used to treat acne and plaque psoriasis in children and adults above 12 years. The Tazorac gel is also available in two strengths, 0.05%, and 0.1%. Though you can use both strengths to treat plaque psoriasis affecting 20% or less of your body, you can only use the 0.1% formula to treat mild to moderate acne.
How Tazorac Works
Tazorac is an FDA-approved medication for use in treating acne and plaque psoriasis, a condition that results from your immune system attacking your skin cells. This leads to a situation where your skin cells are replaced abnormally, and they end up building on the surface of your skin, causing scaly patches better known as plaques.
With acne, your skin pores become blocked by dead skin cells and excess oils, also known as sebum leading to the formation of whiteheads and blackheads. Tazorac helps fight these two conditions by minimizing the production of skin cells which reduces the number of dead skin cells forming on your skin surface. Tazorac also helps fight inflammation and other skin irritations such as itchiness and redness.
Tazorac will not start working immediately on your skin. It may take one to two weeks before you start noticing any difference in your condition. This drug will take approximately 12 weeks for the full effect to be noticed.
Side effects of Tazorac
Tazorac is said to cause some mild side effects such as redness, itchiness, burning sensation, stinging, dry skin, and peel offs. This med can also cause some serious aftermaths such as severe skin irritation, sunburns, and extreme allergic reactions. It’s advisable to stop using Tazorac medication immediately when you start experiencing these side effects.
Also, ensure to communicate with your doctor about any other medication you are taking before starting on Tazorac.
Why Is Tazorac So Expensive?
Tazorac is one of the most expensive acne and plaque psoriasis treatments on the market today. The expensive nature of this drug is informed by a number of reasons, such as the processes and technicalities involved in coming up with the drug, and the advertising, marketing, and distribution costs. The fact that this drug is only available through a doctor’s prescription also makes it a little bit expensive. It is naturally easier and cheaper to get a drug over the counter than through a doctor’s prescription due to the consultation fees and other costs involved in the process.
What are the Alternatives to Tazorac?
Though a sure bet in treating acne and plaque psoriasis, the expensive nature of Tazorac may make it not a better option for most people. Also, this medication is only available through a doctor’s prescription makes it difficult to access. With these facts, one may be tempted to consider other alternatives which are cheaper and readily available. Below are some Tazorac alternatives you can consider to help in treating your Acne and plaque psoriasis.
Alternatives to Use in Treating Plaque Psoriasis
Coal Tar
Coal tar is one of the most popular products in treating psoriasis. Coal tar helps regulate the production of your skin cells, thus reducing the formation of plaques. This product also helps fight inflammation and other skin irritations such as itching and redness.
You can use coal tar treatment alone or combine it with other drugs, such as topical corticosteroids, for better results in treating psoriasis.
Fluocinolone topical Oil
Fluocinolone topical oil is another common treatment used in managing scalp psoriasis. Fluocinolone is a favorite for most people due to its ease of usage and minimal side effects. To use this topical treatment, dampen your scalp and hair and apply a thin layer of the Fluocinolone medicine. Leave it on for at least four hours before washing and thoroughly rinsing your hair with a mild shampoo.
Calcipotriene
Calcipotriene is a prescription medicine used in treating scalp and skin psoriasis. This medication is available in various forms, such as ointment, foam, cream, and solution. Calcipotriene helps treat psoriasis by slowing down the production of skin cells in the areas affected by this condition.
Alternatives to Use in Treating Acne
Benzoyl peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide ingredient is a popular formula in the treatment of mild to moderate acne. You will find this concentration in different gels, spot treatments, and cleansers used in acne treatment. One of the best things about Benzoyl peroxide is that it’s readily available over the counter.
Benzoyl peroxide helps treat acne by killing the spot-causing bacteria found underneath the skin and pushing the pores to shed off unwanted dead skin cells and excess oils.
Erythromycin
Erythromycin is a topical skin treatment available only through the doctor’s prescription. You can use this medicine alone or combine it with other drugs to treat acne. Erythromycin is available in different forms, such as powder, solution, and gel.
When using erythromycin to treat acne, ensure to apply it to a well-cleansed skin surface. Also, use this medication in its recommended amount, dosage, and form. If your doctor requests that you apply erythromycin before heading to bed, ensure to do that and follow up with a gentle moisturizer to keep your skin well hydrated.
Minocycline
Minocycline is another effective antibiotic used in the treatment of acne. This medication belongs to a class of antibiotics called tetracycline. These antibiotics work by eradicating bacteria by minimizing their ability to manufacture the proteins they need to thrive. Minocycline will only help treat active acne by killing bacteria and reducing inflammation.
Takeaway
Acne has become a nightmare in the 21st century. The increased cases of acne emanate from the changes in eating habits, pollution in the environment, and usage of more pronounced body and skincare products. If you have ever suffered from this monster, you know the difficulties that come with trying to reverse the condition.
For the longest time now, Tazorac has been a favorite amongst many people working to overcome acne. This drug is known to work well in eliminating acne and scars for good. One primary disadvantage of this drug is that it’s overly expensive, making it unaffordable to most people. But lucky for you, we have shared some possible alternatives that will work well in treating your condition. Therefore go ahead and feel safe using any of the above-recommended treatments.
