Tazorac & Dovonex for DSAP

http://www.emedicine.com/DERM/topic343.htm Treatments: Drug name: Calcipotrial (Dovonex) – Calcipotriol is approved for the treatment of psoriasis. It has been reported to be helpful in DSAP. Drug Category: Topical Vitamin D3 Analogues – These drugs regulate calcium-induced keratinocyte differentation.

NOTES: Dovonex comes in three varieties for treatment of psoriasis. 1.Dovonex Cream, 2.Dovonex Ointment, 3.Dovonex Scalp Lotion. DOVONEX is Available from: LEO Laboratories Limited, Princes Risborough, Longwick Road, BUCKS. U.K.

Tazarotene: which goes by the name Tazorac, has been under investigation for psoriasis treatment for five years. Data suggest that approximately 60% of psoriasis patients will achieve a good-to-excellent response after eight weeks of topical application of this retinoid (a family of drugs related to vitamin A). Tazorac targets the keratinocyte, the epidermal cell that produces keratin and constitutes 95% of the cells on the outer layer of skin. It affects cell differentiation and hyperproliferation (reproducing too quickly), and inflammation. Produces redness when used on DSAP because of the exfoliation that occurs. I found that after about 2 weeks of daily use of Tazorac I had to start using it EVERY OTHER DAY. Otherwise the spots would erupt and scab. My doctor told me to use Tazorac AS TOLERATED! I recommend only testing a few less visible DSAP spots to see what results you get BEFORE attempting to try out a large area. Keep on mind that these spots will turn RED from Tazorac!

Calcipotriene [drug name= Dovonex] It improves psoriasis in 80% of patients, but rarely clears it.

What is calcipotriene topical? Calcipotriene is a synthetic topical form of vitamin D. It is involved in the growth and development of skin cells.

Tacalcitol (a vitamin D derivative) is currently being evaluated as treatment for psoriasis (in the U.S.). It's use as a psoriasis treatment came as a chance observation. A patient with osteoporosis treated with a vitamin D derivative showed improvement in psoriasis.

Laser treatment for DSAP ?

As far as using laser treatment for flat out curing DSAP I have read that laser treatment does not work. The lesions just keep growing back. DSAP runs deep. However one patient has E-mailed me to say that they are pleased with results of using the YAG laser.

I asked my doctor about laser treatment for redness on DSAP. He says that it does not work on DSAP. What happens is that the very harsh laser treatment itself winds up leaving a scar of it's own. It's a trade off of one for the other.