To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Title: New Psoriasis Treatment Clears Lesions, Eases Pain URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/5BACE.htm Doctor's Guide February 18, 1998
TORONTO, ON -- February 18, 1998 -- For the more than one million Canadians who suffer from psoriasis, there is a unique treatment option available that can ease the pain and discomfort of the chronic skin disorder. Tazorac(TM) (tazarotene), is a gel used for the treatment of plaque psoriasis, the most common form of the condition. It is the first of a new generation of prescription drugs -- topical retinoid -- approved by Health Canada for the treatment of psoriasis. Psoriasis, characterised by unsightly red patches covered by thick, dry silvery scales, is caused in part by over-accelerated growth of skin cells. There is no known cure and it can be both physically and psycho-socially disabling. It can have a profound influence on the person's quality of life by affecting employment, sleep and social life. Tazorac is a water-based topical retinoid gel -- a synthetic vitamin A derivative. Vitamin A and its derivatives are essential for the development and maintenance of normal outer skin cells. Tazorac clears psoriasis lesions by slowing the growth of skin cells, normalising their shape and reducing the associated inflammation. Tazorac is the only retinoid medication applied directly to the affected areas of the skin. It combines the effectiveness of oral retinoids with the safety of a topical product. Because it is applied to the skin, Tazorac can be used to treat mild to moderate cases of the condition -- a major milestone in the development of psoriasis therapies. Another key benefit for psoriasis sufferers is that Tazorac has been found to show improvement in as little as one week, with relief lasting for up to 12 weeks following treatment. Results will vary among patients; most will experience improvement in four to six weeks. With many other psoriasis treatments, the lesions often return as soon as treatment is discontinued. "Tazorac provides psoriasis patients with the potent effectiveness of oral retinoid treatments, and the safety of a topical medicine," said Dr. Harvey Lui, a dermatologist at Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences Centre. "A safe and effective therapy like Tazorac, which appears to demonstrate sustained relief, is an important addition to our treatment options." Another benefit of Tazorac is that it is safe to use on most parts of the body including the face and scalp. Tazorac has a well-documented safety profile. The majority of adverse effects -- itching, inflammation and burning -- were mild-to-moderate, dose-related and reduced over time and with proper usage. Additionally, studies of Tazorac have found no evidence of steroid-like side effects, such as thinning of the skin. The most common form of the condition, plaque psoriasis, is characterised by clearly defined red patches covered by thick, dry, silvery scales that stick to the skin. While psoriasis can affect any part of the body's skin surface, plaques commonly form on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. It occurs in one to three per cent of the world's population with equal frequency in men and women, less frequently in children, and more often in families with previous history. While no one knows what causes psoriasis, common triggers for flare-ups have been identified. The most common of these is emotional stress. Other medical problems, including various infections, can lead to the onset of psoriasis, as can certain medications and skin injuries. And although there is no clear seasonality of the disease, lack of sun and skin dryness due to cold weather and indoor heating in winter are factors that can worsen the symptoms of the condition. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet* located at http://www.docguide.com --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Return to News Story Page This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs. All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved.