Trioxsalen
About Trioxsalen
Trioxsalen is used in the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo. Psoriasis is a skin disease characterised by red, itchy, scaly patches, most commonly on the knees, elbows, trunk, and scalp. Vitiligo is a condition in which the skin loses its pigment cells (melanocytes).
Trioxsalen contains trioxsalen, which works by reducing the overproduction of skin cells in psoriasis patients. In vitiligo, it activates certain skin cells (melanocytes) and helps re-pigment the discoloured, white patches.
You may have common side effects like erythema (skin redness), blisters on the skin, oedema (swelling), and itching. These side effects resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist, discontinue use and consult your physician.
Trioxsalen is for external use only. Trioxsalen should not be used if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you are using any topical medicines other than this medicine, and if you are pregnant/breastfeeding.
Uses of Trioxsalen
• Treatment of vitiligo: Trioxsalen helps restore skin colour in depigmented areas.
• Management of psoriasis: Trioxsalen slows down the excessive growth of skin cells.
• Used in PUVA therapy: Trioxsalen used in combination with ultraviolet A (UVA) light as part of PUVA therapy to treat certain skin conditions.
Medicinal Benefits
- Stimulates the skin's pigment production, aiding in the treatment of vitiligo.
- Helpful in controlling psoriasis by reducing the rate at which skin cells proliferate.
- Lessens inflammation, redness, and scaling in some skin disorders.
- Enhances the texture and appearance of the affected skin.
- Increases the efficacy of PUVA (psoralen plus UVA) treatment.
- Promotes improved skin healing and repigmentation.
- Helps individuals with long-term skin conditions feel more confident and have a higher quality of life.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Check the label for directions before using this medicine. Apply the prescribed amount of Trioxsalen as a thin layer to the clean and dry affected area.
- Wash your hands before and after using Trioxsalen.
- If Trioxsalen accidentally comes into contact with the nose, mouth, or eyes, rinse with water thoroughly.
Storage
Side Effects of Trioxsalen
- Itching
- Erythema (skin redness)
- Blistering and peeling of skin
Medicines Containing this Salt
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Drug Warnings
- Trioxsalen should not be applied if you are allergic to it.
- Inform your doctor if you are using any medicines other than Trioxsalen and if you are pregnant/breastfeeding.
- It should be used with caution in patients who are allergic to sunlight, porphyria, heart disease, liver diseases, stomach problems, cataracts, skin cancers and lupus erythematosus.
- It should be used with caution if you have recently had X-rays or cancer treatments or if you plan to have X-rays in the near future, because it may raise your risk of skin cancer.
- Trioxsalen may cause vision problems, so periodically consult your eye physician.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Let your doctor know about all your current medication history.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have a history of the following conditions before taking Trioxsalen, as it may worsen your condition or cause complications.
- Porphyria
- Cataracts
- Skin cancers
- Lupus erythematosus.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is not known whether Trioxsalen will interact with alcohol. Consult your doctor in case of concerns.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorTrioxsalen belongs to FDA Category C (Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus in pregnancy). Although it is a topical preparation, it should be used by discussing the risks and benefits of this medicine with your doctor.
Breast Feeding
consult your doctorTrioxsalen should be used with caution while breastfeeding. Although it is a topical preparation, it should be used by discussing the risks and benefits of this medicine with your physician.
Driving
safe if prescribedTrioxsalen does not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionTrioxsalen should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Hence, use it as advised by your physician.
Kidney
cautionTrioxsalen should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Hence, use it as advised by your physician.
Children
consult your doctorTrioxsalen should be used in children below 12 years of age only if prescribed by your paediatrician.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Healthy diet:
- To promote skin health, eat fruits and vegetables including oranges, tomatoes, carrots, and green leafy vegetables.
- Hydrate well, as proper hydration lowers dryness and promotes healthy skin.
- To aid in skin healing and restoration, eat lean meat, fish, eggs, and pulses.
- Avoid packaged, spicy, and oily foods that might aggravate skin conditions.
Skin care tips:
- This medication makes the skin more sensitive to sunlight; use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF to shield the skin from UV damage.
- To avoid skin dryness and irritation, use mild, fragrance-free moisturizers.
- Avoid harsh soaps, chemical peels, and irritant cosmetics that could exacerbate skin sensitivity.
- Protect the treated areas by avoiding unnecessary sun exposure, especially after PUVA therapy, and by wearing hats, sunglasses, and protective clothing.
Lifestyle changes:
- Because the skin becomes highly sensitive to UV radiation during treatment, wear sunglasses, sunscreen, and protective clothing to reduce excessive sun exposure.
- To promote skin healing and general health, control stress, get enough sleep, and abstain from alcohol and tobacco.
- Wear loose-fitting clothes and underwear, like boxers or boy shorts. Tight clothes rub on sensitive skin and can make symptoms flare up.
- Choose natural fabrics/clothes made from cotton or silk that are kinder to your skin than synthetics.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Psoriasis: Psoriasis is a common, long-term (chronic) auto-immune disorder. It tends to go through cycles, flaring for a few weeks or months, then subsiding for a while or going into remission. Common signs and symptoms include red patches of skin covered with thick, silvery scales, small scaling spots (commonly seen in children), dry/cracked skin that may bleed or itch, itching, burning or soreness, thickened, pitted or ridged nails, swollen and stiff joints.
Vitiligo: Vitiligo is an auto-immune disease that causes loss of skin colour in patches. The discoloured areas usually get bigger with time. The condition can affect the skin on any part of the body. It can also affect the hair and the inside of the mouth. Symptoms include patchy loss of skin colour (which usually first appears on the hands, face, and areas around body openings and the genitals), premature whitening or greying of the hair (on your scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows or beard), loss of colour in the tissues that line the inside of your mouth and nose (mucous membranes). Causes of vitiligo are family history (heredity) and a trigger event such as stress, severe sunburn or skin trauma.
FAQs
Trioxsalen is used in the treatment of psoriasis and vitiligo.
Trioxsalen works by reducing the overproduction of skin cells. In vitiligo, it activates certain skin cells (melanocytes) and helps re-pigment the discoloured, white patches.
Trioxsalen should be used with caution in patients who are allergic to sunlight, porphyria, heart disease, liver diseases, stomach problems, cataracts, skin cancers and lupus erythematosus condition.
Yes, Trioxsalen may cause vision problems. To overcome vision problems, periodically consult your eye physician.
