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Retinoids for Psoriasis
How Well It Works
In general, these medicines are not used alone. If used alone, it may take several months to see any improvement. The condition may even get worse during the first few weeks of therapy. Tazarotene can cause a severe local irritation if it is used alone. It is much less irritating to the skin if it is used with a Reference corticosteroid Opens New Window. A retinoid combined with a corticosteroid is more effective in reducing symptoms and prolonging remission (period of no symptoms) than when corticosteroids are used alone.Reference 1, Reference 2
Retinoids can improve the outcome of PUVA and UVB phototherapy.Reference 1
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: January 9, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Reference Amy McMichael, MD - Dermatology |
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