Retin-A

Retin-A (tretinoin) is a medication specially designed for the treatment of acne. This medicine is not supposed to be taken by anyone to whom it was not prescribed. It’s important to understand that using Retin-A is not going to cure your acne. You will need to use this medication regularly to keep your skin condition under control, although you may be able to reduce the number of frequency of applications. To apply Retin-A you will need to wash your face and your hands with some mild soap and dry them with a soft towel. It’s recommended to wait for 20 minutes before applying Retin-A to make sure the area affected is completely dry and ready for the application. When applying the medicines, make sure you do not oversaturate – apply just as much as needed to cover the area affected in thin layer. Retin-A has been reported to increase skin sensitivity. Therefore, you are supposed to use it carefully and avoid prolonged sun exposure. Other side effects this drug can cause may include crusting of the skin, lightening of the skin, swelling, warmth or slight stinging of the skin, scaling skin, red skin, blistering, or darkening of the skin. These side effects are likely to disappear with time. More serious side effects are unlikely but still possible. Please let your doctor know if you develop any of the following reactions: hives, swelling, itching, severe redness, peeling, blistering, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue, crusting of the skin, rash, difficulty breathing, and tightness in the chest. At the very beginning of your treatment the condition of your acne may worsen. There is no need to worry, as this is a normal response that means the drug is working properly for you. Tell your doctor in advance if you have eczema, abnormally high white blood cell count or sunburn, as using Retin-A may not be completely safe for you. Avoid using too much of Retin-A and report any of the following overdose symptoms to your local emergency center: dizziness, headache, discomfort, peeling, flushing, stomach pain, excessive redness, and clumsiness. Do not share your dose of Retin-A with anyone to whom it was not prescribed. It’s best to keep this medication in a place where no one will be able to gain access to it. If you believe Retin-A is not working for you (3 weeks may be required for you to see the first results), contact your doctor and talk about the options you have.