A review of tazarotene in the treatment of photodamaged skin

Abstract

Stephanie Ogden1, Miny Samuel2, Christopher EM Griffiths11Dermatology Centre, University of Manchester, Hope Hospital, Salford Manchester, M6 8HD, UK; 2RTI-Health Solutions, Williams House, Manchester Science Park, Lloyd Street North, Manchester M15 6SE, UKAbstract: Chronic sun exposure leads to photodamage, which is characterized clinically by fine and coarse wrinkles, dyspigmentation, telangiectasia, laxity, roughness and a sallow appearance. Many treatments claim to reduce the signs of photodamage, however evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCT) to support these claims is limited. The use of topical retinoids, particularly tretinoin, isotretinoin and tazarotene, has been shown to significantly reduce signs of photodamage both clinically and histologically. Over recent years a number of RCTs, have affirmed that topical tazarotene is an effective and safe treatment for photodamaged skin.Keywords: photodamage, photoaging, tazarotene, retinoids