Tretinoin
Tretinoin
This topical acne treatment option is a vitamin A derivative and is used for acne and sun-damaged skin.
How Do I Use This Medication?
You should apply this tretinoin cream or gel lightly to your skin at bedtime. Avoid putting it around your eyes, and minimize the amount you apply to the sides of your mouth and chin, as it can be irritating.
How Well Does It Work?
It works slowly to prevent new comedones, and will also have an anti-inflammatory effect in acne. You can expect signs of improvement after 8-12 weeks. Benefits in repairing the effects from sun damage are much slower and can often take 6-12 months. You may see a reduction of fine lines and blotchy pigmentation. It is available in combination with topical antibiotics (Stievamycin®), which also provides help against inflammatory acne.
How Does It Work?
The exact mechanism is unknown, we do know that it reduces the production and stickiness of blackheads to the hair follicle. It encourages collagen production, and inhibits melanin production, and there is minimal absorption through the skin.
Will There Be Side Effects?
* Skin irritation - dry, red, scaly skin, inflammation of the skin can result in a short term increase or decrease in pigmentation
* Photosensitivity
* Initial flare of acne may occur
Suggestions For Minimizing Irritation:
* Use on dry skin (as opposed to wet skin, use your towel)
* Reduce the quantity used
* Reduce the frequency, use on alternate days
* Reduce the time of contact with your skin, wash off after 5 minutes
* Use gentle cleansers
* Use light moisturizers
* Avoid the sun
Check out www.MildCleanser.ca
Can I Take Other Medications?
Taking drugs that make you sun sensitive can increase the potential to burn, you should take care when using with other irritating topicals.
Which Brands Are Available?
* Stieva-A® cream/gel/solution (Stiefel)
* Retisol-A® (Stiefel)
* Retin-A® cream/gel (Ortho Dermatological - J&J)
* Vitamin A Acid® (Rorer)
* Renova® (Ortho)
* Avita® cream/gel (Bertek)
What Conditions Are Treated By This Medication?
HPB-approved:
* Acne
* Photodamaged skin
Non HPB-approved:
Uses for which this drug has been found to be effective, but which have not been recognized by government regulatory agencies:
* Ichthyosis
* Flat warts
* Darier's disease
* Acne scars
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