Tretinoin: Indications And Uses

Tretinoin, also known as retinoic acid, is vitamin A active in all body tissues except the retina. It is widely used in dermatology for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

It is part of the family of retinoids, which have a comedolytic action, that is, they normalize the desquamation process of the follicular epithelium and reduce follicle obstruction. However, we will see its mechanism of action later and in more detail.

Its application is performed topically, both in adults and children over 12 years of age. A thin layer of cream must be applied before bed and the repetition of the application is regulated depending on the effectiveness and tolerance of each patient.

Before application, it is recommended to wash the skin with soap and water in order to promote absorption. An improvement in the condition is usually seen between 2 and 4 weeks. However, the maximum effect is not reached before 6 or 8 weeks of treatment.

Tretinoin is sold in creams that contain 0.025 or 0.05 grams of this active ingredient for every 100 grams of product.

What is acne?

Although you probably already know or have suffered from this disease, let’s talk a little about what causes this problem and its general characteristics, so that we can expand our knowledge and clarify doubts about this pathology so common in the general population.

In this sense, acne is a skin disorder that originates in hair follicles. During this illness, these follicles become clogged with fatty and dead skin cells. As a result, comedones, blackheads and pimples form.

Acne can appear on different parts of the body, but the most common areas are the face, back, chest and shoulders.

Four main causes were established :

• Bacterial infection, such as that caused by Propionibacterium acnes .
• Excessive fat production.
• Obstruction of hair follicles due to accumulation of fat and dead skin cells, as we have already mentioned.
• High hormonal activity, especially from androgens.

In addition, there are other factors that favor the appearance of this disease and aggravate it. For example, stress can make this condition worse, as can diet and certain medications.

As a curiosity, a small study was conducted to find out if chocolate made acne symptoms worse, and the results were positive. However, more data is needed to know exactly why.

How does tretinoin exert its effect on the body?

As we have seen, tretinoin is a retinoid. Retinoids are involved in many processes in the body, such as cell differentiation and proliferation, as well as apoptosis or programmed cell death and reproduction.

This drug stimulates skin cell mitosis and reduces the intercellular cohesion of the stratum corneum. Furthermore, it interferes with the abnormal keratinization of the hair follicle, preventing the formation of excess keratin and the accumulation of lipids. Keratin is a protein with a very fibrous structure that constitutes the main component of the outermost layers of the epidermis.

In addition, tretinoin has a comedolytic action, that is, it manages to normalize the desquamation of the follicular epithelium and, thus, reduce follicular obstruction. It also has anti-inflammatory and preventive action for the formation of new microcomedones, which are commonly known as blackheads.

Warnings about Tretinoin Treatment

It is important to consider a number of precautions when being treated with this retinoid. In this sense, it is important to avoid the following:

• Sunburn.
• Photosensitivity reactions.
• Product contact with eyes, eyelids, nose, mouth and other mucous membranes of the body.
• Elderly people need to be especially careful, as well as younger people, as a safety profile has not been established in children.

• Infections in affected areas.
• No pregnant woman should take oral retinoids, such as tretinoin, during pregnancy. Women who might become pregnant during treatment should also avoid them. Topically, the risk is not that high, but it should also be avoided.

Conclusion

Tretinoin is a medicine used in dermatology to treat different skin conditions, but above all to fight acne.

It is important to be well informed about the administration of this medication, as well as to always follow the doctor’s recommendations. Misuse of this medication can have serious consequences.