Skin care

WHY DO I NEED SPECIAL SKIN CARE?

While you are taking Oratane you will have to take a little extra care of your skin because Oratane will make your skin drier, more fragile and sun sensitive. The information in this section will help you to look after your skin and keep the side effects of Oratane under control.

It is a good idea to follow the skin care advice given in this section even before you start to notice any of the side effects related to Oratane. Prevention is always better than cure.

WHAT NOT TO DO WHILE TAKING ORATANE

It is important to follow this list so that your skin remains in good condition.

Do not use other acne medication. Oratane is a strong medication and you should not use any other medication unless your doctor has specifically told you to do so.
Do not squeeze any pimples. This can make the pimples worse and can damage your skin, resulting in skin infections.
Do not remove any scaly or peeling skin. Since your skin is fragile you can damage your skin by trying to remove scaly and peeling skin, this could lead to skin infections.
Do not have facials. Because your skin is fragile the potentially harsh treatments involved in a facial can cause damage to your skin.
Do not have waxes. Waxing while your skin is fragile can actually remove skin as well as hair!
Do not have any part of your body pierced. There can be a serious risk of infection of any new piercing while you are on Oratane.
Do not have electrolysis. Because your skin is fragile, electrolysis has the potential to damage your skin.
Do not use hair colouring containing peroxide and do not have a perm or use hair rollers. If you want to get your hair permed it is best to do so at least two weeks before you start taking your Oratane. While you are taking Oratane your scalp will be more sensitive and your hair will be more fragile. Because of this it is important to avoid harsh hair treatments such as colours and perms.
Do not use solariums and sunbeds. Solariums and sunbeds can burn your skin just like the sun. Your skin is more sensitive to the sun while you are taking Oratane and it is also too sensitive to use a solarium and sun bed.
Do not have overly hot showers. Very hot showers can irritate your skin.

WHAT CAN I DO TO EASE THE SIDE EFFECTS?

The most common side effects of Oratane are dryness and sun sensitivity. Choose gentle products for sensitive skin. If you notice anything unusual about your skin or anything that concerns you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about it. It is a good idea to write down anything you notice or any questions you have for your doctor.

SPECIFIC AREAS

DRY LIPS

Dry lips are a very common side effect of Oratane. Apply a lip balm regularly during the day to keep your lips hydrated. By applying a lip balm every one to two hours you can prevent your lips from becoming dry and cracked. Make sure you also pay attention to the corners of your mouth, this area is prone to cracking. A lip balm that contains a sunscreen is best. You should carry a tube of lip balm with you during the day. You should see your local doctor if your lips become very cracked or begin bleeding.

Avène Cold Cream
Avène Cicalfate Lip Balm
QV Face Lip Balm SPF30

DRY SKIN

Dry skin is the most common side effect of Oratane treatment. You can expect your skin to become drier all over your body. To help protect your skin it is best to keep your showers shorter than two minutes if possible and use lukewarm water rather than hot water. Apply a face or body moisturiser to hydrate the skin.

FACIAL CLEANSERS

These cleansers are designed for use on the face. You should only use gentle cleansers that are designed for use on sensitive skin.

Avène Tolerance Extremely Gentle Cleanser
QV Gentle Wash
QV Face Gentle Cleanser

FACE MOISTURISERS

Using a moisturiser on your face regularly will help minimise the dryness that may be seen with Oratane treatment. The best type of moisturiser is an oil free face moisturiser for sensitive skin. Avoid greasy moisturisers.

Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Balm
Avène Tolerance Control Soothing Cream
QV Face Moisturising Day Cream (SPF30)
QV Face Ultra Calming Moisturiser
QV Face Oil Free Moisturiser

BODY CLEANSERS

Use gentle body cleansers formulated for sensitive skin.
Avène XeraCalm Cleansing Oil
QV Wash
QV Gentle Wash
QV Bar

BODY MOISTURISERS

Choose body moisturisers for sensitive skin. To keep your skin in good condition you should use a moisturising lotion on your whole body, even if you don’t seem to have any dryness. Prevention is always better than cure. For extremely dry areas use a cream, rather than a lotion.

Avène XeraCalm Balm
Avène XeraCalm Cream
QV Dermcare Eczema Daily Cream
QV Skin Lotion
QV Cream

DRY EYES

If you find that your eyes feel dry or sore then you may need to use eye drops to keep them moist. Dry eyes can be a particular problem for people who wear contact lenses or people who work in air conditioned areas. If you wear contact lenses you may find that you cannot wear your contact lenses for as long as you did before starting on Oratane. Ask your optometrist or pharmacist to recommend suitable eye drops.

DRY SCALP AND HAIR CARE

If you find that your scalp and hair are drier than usual you may need to use a mild shampoo designed for dry hair. You should use a conditioner to help protect your hair and scalp. You should avoid using hair dyes, especially dyes containing peroxide, as they may make your hair and scalp drier and can cause irritation. If dandruff becomes a problem you should use a medicated anti-dandruff shampoo.

QV Nourishing Shampoo and QV Nourishing Conditioner
Sebizole Shampoo for persistent dandruff

DRY VAGINA

You may find that your vagina is dry and this may cause pain during sexual intercourse. You can use lubricating gel to help such as KY Jelly.

DRY ANUS

You may experience some dryness and irritation around the anus. You can help relieve and reduce this problem by applying petroleum jelly several times a day.

DRY NOSE

The inside of your nose can also become dry while you are taking Oratane. If this becomes severe it can result in nosebleeds. To keep the inside of your nose moist you should apply a small amount of petroleum jelly a few times a day using a cotton bud. If you suffer from persistent nose bleeds or your nose bleeds are difficult to stop, you will need to see your pharmacist or your doctor. Severe nose bleeds can be treated with prescription products.

QV Intensive Moisturiser
Vaseline Petroleum Jelly

COSMETICS

FOUNDATIONS

You will need to use an oil-free noncomedogenic foundation, preferably one with a sunscreen and apply with clean hands, a clean brush or sponge.

POWDERS

Most powders are suitable for use while taking Oratane.

CONCEALER

You should use a non-comedogenic concealer.

BLUSHERS

You should only use powder blushers while you are taking Oratane.

LIPSTICK

All lipsticks are suitable for use while taking Oratane. The best lipsticks to use are those that contain sunscreens. It is also a good idea to wear a lip balm under your lipstick, because this will provide better protection for your lips.

LIP BALMS

A lip balm that contains a sunscreen is best. You should carry a tube of lip balm with you during the day.

Avène Cicalfate Cold Cream
Avène Cicalfate Lip Balm
QV Face Lip Balm SPF30

Makeup can sometimes aggravate your acne but if you choose your products carefully you can still wear makeup if you want to. Look for products marked as “non-comedogenic” which won’t block your pores. Where possible use products for sensitive skin.

RETURN TO ORATANE HOME

Oratane homepage

WHY DO I NEED SPECIAL SKIN CARE?

It is a good idea to follow the skin care advice given in this section even before you start to notice any of the side effects related to Oratane. Prevention is always better than cure.

WHAT NOT TO DO WHILE TAKING ORATANE

It is important to follow this list so that your skin remains in good condition.

Do not use other acne medication. Oratane is a strong medication and you should not use any other medication unless your doctor has specifically told you to do so.
Do not squeeze any pimples. This can make the pimples worse and can damage your skin, resulting in skin infections.
Do not remove any scaly or peeling skin. Since your skin is fragile you can damage your skin by trying to remove scaly and peeling skin, this could lead to skin infections.
Do not have facials. Because your skin is fragile the potentially harsh treatments involved in a facial can cause damage to your skin.
Do not have waxes. Waxing while your skin is fragile can actually remove skin as well as hair!
Do not have any part of your body pierced. There can be a serious risk of infection of any new piercing while you are on Oratane.
Do not have electrolysis. Because your skin is fragile, electrolysis has the potential to damage your skin.
Do not use hair colouring containing peroxide and do not have a perm or use hair rollers. If you want to get your hair permed it is best to do so at least two weeks before you start taking your Oratane. While you are taking Oratane your scalp will be more sensitive and your hair will be more fragile. Because of this it is important to avoid harsh hair treatments such as colours and perms.
Do not use solariums and sunbeds. Solariums and sunbeds can burn your skin just like the sun. Your skin is more sensitive to the sun while you are taking Oratane and it is also too sensitive to use a solarium and sun bed.
Do not have overly hot showers. Very hot showers can irritate your skin.