Retin-A acne treatment: Uses, side effects

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Retin-A contains active ingredient Tretinoin is a product often prescribed by dermatologists for patients with cystic acne. Retin-A tretinoin has very strong activity, high efficiency but also many side effects. Therefore, patients need to strictly follow the doctor's instructions during treatment.

1. Uses of Retin-A in the treatment of acne

Acne is a very common dermatological disease, especially in puberty. Acne can appear anywhere on the body, greatly affecting aesthetics, making patients lose confidence when communicating. Acne is caused by clogged hair follicles with dead cells and sebum. If bacteria invades these hair follicles, it causes inflammation and large bumps, called cystic acne.
There are many topical products on the market that are used to treat cystic acne. One of the most commonly prescribed medications by doctors is Retin-A. Retin-A contains Tretinoin, an active ingredient derived from Vitamin A. Retin a tretinoin helps unclog congested pores by accelerating the skin's life cycle, speeding up skin renewal while reducing oil gland activity. New cells are born to replace old cells, making the skin brighter and smoother.
MORE: Tretinoin: Skin benefits, usage, side effects
Tretinoin retin a is still effective in treating acne scars. The patient will be applied tretinoin to the skin to be affected, then the doctor will use low-intensity direct current technology (ion-iontophoresis) to deliver the drug through the skin, helping the skin. better drug penetration. This method helps to reduce acne scars significantly, returning beauty to the skin. Tretinoin is considered a great invention of dermatology, in addition to treating acne and acne scars, Tretinoin is also used to treat psoriasis, aging skin conditions, sun damaged skin, etc. ...

2. Retin a tretinoin dosage forms

Tretinoin retin a has many different dosage forms on the market such as:
Tretinoin cream: a cream with a thick consistency and usually contains the highest concentration of active ingredients. Tretinoin cream tends to work slowly, but is less irritating. Tretinoin gel: is transparent in color and contains a lower drug content, acts quickly but can cause skin irritation. Shower gel: usually contains very low levels of Tretinoin. Tretinoin in the shower gel is quickly absorbed into the skin. Retin a tretinoin is a drug with strong activity, patients should not use it on their own but need a doctor's examination and prescription. When there are acne problems, especially cystic acne, patients should see a doctor to be prescribed the right Tretinoin product.

3. How to use Retin a tretinoin?

In the treatment of cystic acne, doctors often prescribe Tretinoin retin a to use along with antibiotics. Tretinoin helps open clogged pores, allowing antibiotics to penetrate, effectively eliminating bacteria that cause acne. Tretinoin is usually applied in a thin layer to acne-affected skin once daily at bedtime. Before applying Tretinoin medicine 20-30 minutes, the patient needs to wash his face thoroughly and dry it gently.
While applying the medicine, be careful that Tretinoin does not get on your face, ears, nose, or mouth. Patients can use cosmetics but must always wash their face before applying Tretinoin.

4. Side effects of Retin a tretinoin

Although it has outstanding effectiveness in the treatment of skin problems, when using Tretinoin, patients often experience some side effects such as: burning sensation, skin stinging; warm skin; skin that is itchy, cracked, dry, red, flaky, prone to sunburn, changes in skin color, etc. Less common than many people experience tanning during tretinoin treatment.
To ensure safety during treatment, patients need to strictly follow the doctor's instructions for using Tretinoin. Do not take Tretinoin more often or use a higher dose than prescribed because it may not increase the effectiveness of treatment, otherwise the risk of side effects will be higher. In addition, patients should limit exposure to the sun as much as possible. Tell your dermatologist if the nature of your job requires you to spend a lot of time outdoors.
MORE: Hormonal treatment of acne in women

5. Notes to use Retin a tretinoin safely

As one of the most commonly used topical agents in the treatment of cystic acne, Tretinoin is considered to be quite safe. However, in some cases, to be safe, people with acne should not use Retin a tretinoin, specifically:
Pregnant or trying to become pregnant: There is not enough evidence to prove that Tretinoin is safe. Safe for the fetus, so acne patients should not use Tretinoin treatment while pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Breastfeeding: Because of the risk that the drug passes into breast milk, affecting the baby, patients should not use Tretinoin while breastfeeding. Skin that is sunburned or sensitive to sunlight. The patient is taking some drugs that have side effects that make the skin sensitive to light such as Thiazide, Tetracycline, Fluoroquinolones, Phenothiazines, Sulfonamide,... Retin-A is a drug indicated for the treatment of acne. cystic fish. In order for the drug to be effective, the patient should follow the instructions or as directed by the doctor. In case of skin irritation or the use of the drug does not bring good results, the patient should stop using and go to medical centers for examination and treatment.
Vinmec International General Hospital is the address for examination, treatment and prevention of diseases, including dermatological diseases. When performing the examination process at Vinmec, customers will be welcomed and used modern facilities and equipment along with perfect medical services under the guidance and advice of experts. Good doctors, well-trained both at home and abroad.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference source: healthline.com