Covate 0.50% ointment

Introduction

Expert Advice

Indications:
This medicine is used in the treatment of psoriasis (skin disease characterized by marked redness and itchy patches), intractable eczema (skin disease) and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Pregnancy:
No definite data regarding pregnancy is available, therefore; be cautious. Consult your doctor before taking this medication.

Lactation:
No definite data regarding lactation is available, therefore; be cautious. Consult your doctor before taking this medication.

Precautions:
Due to its potential to absorb through the skin, it is advised to use this medicine in the exact amount and frequency that is advised by the doctor. Do not use it to treat diaper rashes. If you are planning to use it in children, use this medicine for not more than 5 days. Do not use this medicine for prolonged treatment. Avoid contact with mouth and eyes. The risk of visual disturbance is present, therefore, stop its use if this continues. Elderly patients are also advised to use this medicine grave caution. Do not use steroids as a sole therapy for psoriasis. Discontinue use in case of local area irritation. Avoid use in broken, inflamed or occluded skin, psoriasis (autoimmune skin disorder), dermatitis (skin inflammation) around chronic leg ulcers.

Side effects:
This medicine’s side effects include burning, itching, irritation, erythema (redness of the skin), folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles), dryness, hypo-pigmentation, numbness of fingers, stinging and cracking of the skin, skin atrophy (thinning of the skin), malaria, telangiectasia (a condition where tiny blood vessels widen), acne, hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) and hypersensitivity. Hypersensitivity reactions include contact dermatitis (inflammation of skin), in which case the medicine must be discontinued.

Contraindications:
This medicine’s use is prohibited in monotherapy of bacterial infections of the skin, untreated fungal, viral, or parasitic infections, on burns or acne, inflammation or infections around the mouth, skin around the genital area and axilla. This medicine is also contraindicated in plaque psoriasis (autoimmune disorder), perianal or genital itchiness and itchiness without inflammation.

Primary Uses

Indications

This medicine is used in the treatment of psoriasis (skin disease characterized by marked redness and itchy patches), intractable eczema (skin disease) and other inflammatory skin conditions.

Side Effects

This medicine’s side effects include burning, itching, irritation, erythema (redness of the skin), folliculitis (inflammation of the hair follicles), dryness, hypo-pigmentation, numbness of fingers, stinging and cracking of the skin, skin atrophy (thinning of the skin), malaria, telangiectasia (a condition where tiny blood vessels widen), acne, hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) and hypersensitivity. Hypersensitivity reactions include contact dermatitis (inflammation of skin), in which case the medicine must be discontinued.

Contraindications

This medicine’s use is prohibited in monotherapy of bacterial infections of the skin, untreated fungal, viral, or parasitic infections, on burns or acne, inflammation or infections around the mouth, skin around the genital area and axilla. This medicine is also contraindicated in plaque psoriasis (autoimmune disorder), perianal or genital itchiness and itchiness without inflammation.

FAQS

When is this medication used?

It is a topical medication, used to treat itching and redness in various skin conditions.

Is it used as a dressing medication as well?

No, it is strictly avoided in airtight dressings.

Can I withdraw its use once the redness goes off?

No, you should not. Doing this will bring the skin condition back, hence ensure to complete the entire course.

How long are we supposed to use this medication?

It is not to be used for more than 4 weeks. If symptoms fail to resolve within this period, inform your doctor.

What area of the skin should be avoided during the application?

Avoid the eye area, severely injured skin and mouth while application.