RETIN-A
(tretinoin gel 0.1%) is proven to reduce the severity
of acne vulgaris in effected patients. Seen most commonly
in adolescents, but also seen in older patients as well,
true acne involves the formation of comedones (large
deep seeded pus filled pimples) that resolve slowly
leaving behind a deep scar. RETIN-A can significantly
reduce the severity of these lesions.
HOW
DOES RETIN-A WORK?
Evidence
suggests that RETIN-A acts primarily by modifying
the abnormal keratinization (formation of the superficial
layer of skin) located around hair follicles. Comedones
(large deep seeded pus filled pimples) form in follicles
with an excess of keratinized superficial skin cells.
RETIN-A promotes the detachment of these excess
cells and the enhanced shedding of these cells from
the follicular base. Through this action, comedo contents
are emptied and the formation of new comedones is significantly
reduced.
HOW
TO USE THIS MEDICATION:
Apply
a thin layer to affected areas at bedtime. Use a gauze
pad or cotton swab to apply the liquid. Wash your hands
immediately after use. Using this medication more frequently
or in excessive amounts does not improve the results,
but may increase side effects. Avoid applying near the
eyes, mouth, or open cuts since this medication can
irritate sensitive skin. Acne may appear to worsen when
the medication is first used; continue therapy. It may
take three to six weeks before the full benefits of
this medication are seen.
HOW
EFFECTIVE IS RETIN-A?
In
a number of different clinical studies RETIN-A
was significantly superior to a control gel in decreasing
comedo count. Taken together approximately 25% of patients
achieved superior results with the use of this medication.
RETIN-A
AND ROGAINE?
Yes,
when applied topically to the scalp RETIN-A can
induce hair regrowth and significantly augment the activity
of ROGAINE.
It
is postulated that this effect is due to increased absorption
of ROGAINE through the scalp by an alteration of the
stratum corneum (superficial layer) barrier. One study
demonstrated that 0.05% RETIN-A tripled the absorption
of ROGAINE locally over effected areas, when
compared with a control drug.
CAN
I USE COSMETICS IF I AM ALSO USING RETIN-A?
Cosmetics
may be used, but clean skin thoroughly before applying
RETIN-A.
USE
DURING PREGNANCY:
RETIN-A
is applied to the skin. Usually, less than 10% of RETIN-A
passes into the mother's bloodstream, and even less
reaches the baby. Broken skin, using more than is needed
on an area, or use on a large area will cause more of
the RETIN-A to pass through the skin. In general,
the less RETIN-A that is used on the mother's
skin, the less likely there will be risks to the baby.
Several
studies have tried to find out the effects of RETIN-A
on pregnancy. These studies have not found that babies
whose mothers used RETIN-A during pregnancy are
any more likely to have birth defects than babies whose
mothers did not use RETIN-A.
Nonetheless,
it may be best to reserve RETIN-A use during
pregnancy for only the most severe cases of Acne Vulgaris.
Even then, it should be used with extreme caution.
SIDE
EFFECTS:
Immediately
after applying, the skin may feel warm or mild stinging
or redness may occur. Some peeling of the skin may occur.
These effects should subside as your skin adjusts to
the medication. If they persist or become bothersome,
stop the medication. This medicine may also increase
sun sensitivity. RETIN-A may also cause itchiness
and scaling of the skin. This can sometimes be very
extreme depending on the individual. Most people will
experience some itching or scaling if too much RETIN-A
is applied.
CAUTIONS:
This
medication can increase sensitivity to sunlight, wind
and cold. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and sunlamps.
Wear protective clothing and use an effective sunscreen.
This medication should be used during pregnancy only
if clearly needed. It is not known if RETIN-A
appears in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Use mild soap when washing your face. Do not wash face
excessively. Abrasive soaps, cleansers, medicated creams
or lotions can increase skin irritation. Use other acne
preparations with caution while using RETIN-A.
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