What is Tazarotene?
Tazarotene belongs to a class of medications called retinoids, which are derived from vitamin A. Retinoids work by accelerating skin turnover and reducing inflammation, making them well-suited to managing a range of dermatological (skin) conditions.
You usually apply the cream to affected areas once a day, in the evenings. It can help reduce itchiness, and heal red, inflamed skin patches while also breaking down scales.
How does Tazarotene work?
Tazaratone can reduce inflammation, which can soothe psoriasis flare-ups and allow your skin to heal. It also helps slow down the rapid cell growth psoriasis causes, which can ease scaling and help to thin the plaques that build up in affected areas.
What doses of Tazarotene are there?
Tazarotene cream is available in two strengths: 0.05% and 0.1%.
Your doctor might start you on the lower dose to see how your skin responds to it. If it doesnโt work effectively at improving your psoriasis, they might then suggest you try the higher strength.
How long does Tazarotene take to work?
You might notice that Tazarotene helps reduce your psoriasis symptoms (like itchiness and soreness) shortly after using it.
But how well Tazarotene works will differ person-to-person. One study found that both the 0.1% and 0.05% strength treatments were effective when applied once a day for twelve weeks,[1] so you might need to use the cream long-term to improve your psoriasis.
Treated trusted source:
- Weinstein, G D, et al (2003). Tazarotene cream in the treatment of psoriasis: Two multicenter, double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled studies of the safety and efficacy of tazarotene creams 0.05% and 0.1% applied once daily for 12 weeks.
How we source info.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, weโll tell you where this came from. And weโll only present data as clinically reliable if itโs come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.