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" What is Zorac gel used for?  Mild to moderate plaque psoriasis, affecting up to 10 per cent of the total skin surface.   How does Zorac gel\u00A0work? Zorac gel contains the active ingredient tazarotene, which is a type of medicine known as a retinoid. Retinoids have a structure similar to vitamin A and are involved in the normal growth of skin. It is not known exactly how tazarotene works, but it&amp;#039;s\u00A0thought to inhibit the excessive cell growth and keratinisation (process by which skin cells become thickened due to the deposition of a protein within them) seen in psoriasis. It reduces the thickening of the skin, plaque formation and scaling. You may start to see the benefits of this treatment after one\u00A0week of using the gel. However, a\u00A0usual course of treatment\u00A0is\u00A0for\u00A012 weeks. Follow the instructions given by your doctor.  How do I use Zorac gel?  A thin film of\u00A0Zorac gel should be applied to the affected area of skin\u00A0once daily in the evening.\u00A0 Avoid getting\u00A0the gel on\u00A0healthy areas of skin around the psoriasis - you may want to use a barrier cream such as zinc paste to protect these areas. Don&amp;#039;t apply the gel to\u00A0inflamed skin,\u00A0skin folds or areas of skin that rub together such as the armpits or groin. Don&amp;#039;t apply it to\u00A0your scalp if you have hair, or to\u00A0your\u00A0face, and take care to\u00A0avoid getting the gel in your\u00A0eyes. Wash your hands immediately\u00A0after applying the gel (unless your hands are the area being treated)\u00A0to avoid accidentally getting\u00A0it on\u00A0other areas. If you forget to apply the gel just continue as before;\u00A0don&amp;#039;t apply double the amount of gel to make up for a missed application.  What should I know before using Zorac gel?  You can use cosmetics and\u00A0moisturisers on the same area of skin as Zorac\u00A0gel, but don&amp;#039;t apply them at the same time; use them at least one hour before or after applying Zorac. Don&amp;#039;t cover the treated\u00A0area with airtight dressings such as bandages or other dressings, as these will enhance the absorption of the medicine into the body and may increase the risk of side effects. Avoid excessive\u00A0exposure to UV light, such as\u00A0sunlight, sunlamps,\u00A0sunbeds or PUVA or UVB therapy while using Zorac gel, as it increases the sensitivity of your skin to UV light. If you can&amp;#039;t avoid\u00A0exposure to sunlight, use protective measures such as sunscreens or protective clothing over the areas of skin you have treated with the gel. Your doctor\u00A0may want you to have a\u00A0pregnancy test before you start\u00A0treatment because this medicine may be harmful to an unborn baby. If you could get pregnant you must use a reliable method of contraception (such as an injected or implanted form) to prevent pregnancy while you are using Zorac. If\u00A0you think you could be pregnant at any point you should stop using Zorac and consult your doctor.\u00A0Ask your doctor for further information and advice.  Who should not use Zorac gel?  Children and adolescents under 18 years of age. Women who are\u00A0pregnant\u00A0or\u00A0breastfeeding. People suffering from\u00A0psoriasis with\u00A0pus discharge (psoriasis pustulosa) or excessive scale formation (psoriasis\u00A0exfoliativa). People who\u00A0are allergic to any of the ingredients.\u00A0If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using the gel and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.  What are the possible side effects of Zorac gel? Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with Zorac gel. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this gel\u00A0will experience that or any side effect. Very common (affect\u00A0more than 1 in 10 people)  Itching, burning sensation, redness or irritation of the skin\u00A0in and around the\u00A0area of use. If your skin becomes very irritated stop using the gel and consult your doctor.  Common (affect\u00A0between 1 in 10 and 1 in 100 people)  Contact dermatitis. Skin rash.  Worsening of psoriasis. Pain and stinging of skin.  Dry or peeling skin.  Read the leaflet provided with the medicine or talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist if you want any more information about the possible side effects of Zorac gel. If you think you have experienced a side effect, did you know you can report this using the yellow card website?  Can I use Zorac gel with other medicines? It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with Zorac. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while using this one, to make\u00A0sure that the combination is safe. Take extra care protecting your skin from UV light while using Zorac gel\u00A0if you are using other\u00A0medicines that can\u00A0increase skin\u00A0sensitivity to light, for example:  phenothiazines such as\u00A0promethazine or prochlorperazine  quinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin.  tetracycline antibiotics such as\u00A0minocycline or doxycycline  thiazide diuretics such as\u00A0bendroflumethiazide.   You should not receive light treatment such as PUVA or other UV light treatment while using Zorac gel. You should avoid using skin\u00A0products that cause excessive drying or irritation to your skin while you are using Zorac, for example skin exfoliants or\u00A0coal tar based products.  Other medicines containing the same active ingredient There are currently no other medicines available in the UK that contain tazarotene as the active ingredient. Last updated 23.08.2016 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/skin-and-hair/a7801/zorac-gel-tazarotene/>