Retin-A
Uses
Retin-A is used in the treatment of acne. Retin A reduces
the formation of pimples and promotes quick healing of pimples
that do develop.
How To Use Retin-A
Patient instructions are available with the product.
Read them carefully before using.
Apply a thin layer to affected area at bedtime. Use a gauze pad
or cotton swab to apply the liquid. Wash hands immediately after
use.
Using Retin-A 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 Retin-A
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 Retin-A are seen.
Side Effects of Retin-A
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, inform your
doctor. This medicine may also increase sun sensitivity.
Notify your doctor if you experience: blistering, crusting, redness,
severe burning or swelling of the skin.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor
or pharmacist.
Precautions
Retin-A can increase sensitivity to sunlight, wind and
cold. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and sunlamps. Wear protective
clothing and use an effective sunscreen.
Use mild soap when washing your face. Do not wash face excessively.
Abrasive soaps, cleansers, medicated creams or lotions can increase
skin irritation. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about their
use. Use other acne preparations with caution while using Retin
A.
Retin-A should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is not known if Retin-A passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breast-feeding.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. This medicine may
be harmful if swallowed. Symptoms of overdose may include excessive
redness, peeling, and discomfort.
Retin-A Notes
Cosmetics may be used, but clean skin thoroughly before
applying Retin A.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do
not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip
the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not
"double-up" the dose to catch up.
Retin-A storage
Store at room temperature away from sunlight.
| Retin-A online
resources (will open in a new window) |
WebMD
- Retin-A
Information and side effects of Retin-A. From the site: "Tretinoin
/ Retin-A is a topical form of vitamin A. It helps the skin
to renew itself more quickly and therefore reduces pimple
and blackhead formation, and may improve the appearance and
texture of skin. The Retin-A and Avita brands of tretinoin
topical are used to treat acne." |
| Safemedication.com
- Retin-A
Patient information on Retin A / Tretinoin. From the site:
"Tretinoin is used to treat acne. It promotes peeling
of affected skin areas and unclogs pores. Tretinoin / Retin
A controls acne but does not cure it.... Your acne probably
will get worse (red, scaling skin and an increase in acne
sores) during the first 7-10 days that you use this medication.
Nevertheless, continue to use it; the acne sores should
disappear. Usually 2-3 weeks (and sometimes more than 6
weeks) of regular use of Tretinoin is required before improvement
is seen." |
Acne - online resources
About
Acne Treatments - Providing basic information about acne and
treatment products.
Acne
and acne scarring: why should we treat? - Reasons for early
medical intervention and options for treatment of acne scarring,
from the Medical Journal of Australia.
Acne Heal
- Information on acne myths, treatments, and medications.
Acne Help
- Information about medication, myths, and treatment.
Acne Support
Group - Support group for people with acne and rosacea. Basic
information, membership fees, links, and contact information.
Supported by educational grant from Galderma UK, a producer of
prescription medicines.
Acne.as - Offering
information, help and advice for the treatment of acne and related
scarring.
Acne.com -
Comprehensive introduction to acne, its causes and treatments.
Sponsored by the makers of Proactiv Solution.
Acne.net -
Introduction to several forms of acne and some available treatments,
by a dermatologist and medical school professor.
AcneNet
- Comprehensive acne information resource sponsored by an unrestricted
educational grant from Roche Laboratories Inc., the producer of
Accutane, in collaboration with The American Academy of Dermatology
Acne-RX-Skincare.com
- Information covering the control and treatment of the condition,
scarring, and a newsletter.
Approved
Cures - Providing information and sales for natural and commercial
acne treatments, preventions and products.
BUPA
Foundation - Acne - Concise explanation of causes, symptoms
and treatment of this disorder, also available for download.
Dermalux
Ltd - Sales of a light therapy treatment for acne. Based in
the United Kingdom.
Free Acne
Book - Presenting a theory on how acne can be reduced through
modification of diet.
A
Guide to The Treatment Of Acne - Overview of the different
types of acne and treatment, from a dermatologist.
National
Institutes of Health - Questions and Answers About Acne -
Illustrated information on causes of acne skin lesions, and tips
and information on common treatments, their side effects, and
current research.
Acne and skin disorders - online resources
About
Skin Conditions - Explains skin problems and their causes,
the different treatments available, and discusses types of skin
conditions, such as melanoma.
Ace
Zones: Skin Disorders - Information and articles about acne,
eczema, itchiness, dry skin, and lupus.
AllExperts
Dermatology Q&A - Directory of experts volunteering to
answer questions related to skin disorders.
American
Academy of Dermatology Patient Information Pamphlets - Includes
information about skin care, sun protection, skin allergies, and
several common dermatologic conditions.
Ask
The Doctor - The Dermatology Forum - Ask the Doctor - online
medical forum (Q&A)for all aspects of skin / dermatology conditions.
Department
of Dermatology - Univ. of Iowa - The Deptment of Dermatology
of the University of Iowa College of Medicine. The site provides
information and resources for the public, patients and medical
professionals about skin disorders.
Dermatologic
Disease Database - Over 100 skin diseases and terms described
in detail, along with treatment options. Many high quality photos
accompany the listings. The site's search engine can help locate
any condition.
Dermatology
Channel - Information regarding a variety of diagnosis, including:
acne, birthmarks, fungal infections, and Psoriasis.
Dermatology
Online Atlas - A searchable index of images of skin disorders.
DoctorDerm's
Den - The Skin, your body's largest organ. Learn about the
skin, beauty myths, how the sun affects the skin, skin cancer,
and many links to skin conditions and diseases.
Health
Care Book: Dermatology - Symptoms, diagnostic tests and treatment,
divided by specific conditions.
MCW
HealthLink - News and information about skin diseases from
the physicians of the Medical College of Wisconsin.
MedicineNet:
Focus on Skin - Offers information on skin disorders written
for patients experiencing acne, skin cancer, dermatitis and other
skin conditions. Includes tests, procedures, and articles.
Natural
Healthlink - Detailed information on acne. Also treatment
and herbs, nutritional supplements and dietary changes that may
be helpful.
Skin-Disease.com
- Information on skin diseases and treatments. Part of the ALtruis
Biomedical Network.
Suite
101: Skin Disorders - Directs readers to information pertaining
to various dermatological conditions and highlight medical treatments,
alternative treatments, and the prevention of skin problems.
SurgeryDoor
Skin Centre - Brief information on a range of common skin
conditions.
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