Retin A Information:

Retin A consists of Tretinoin, which in other words is Vitamin A. Retin A is used in acne treatment but the exact way it works to reduce/eliminate acne is unknown. It is thought to increase cell turnover of the affected acne cells (i.e. shed off the skin of the acne areas). It is also thought to decrease microcomedo (beginning acne lesions) formation.

Retin A is most commonly used to treat acne vulgaris (the most common form of acne), which involves blocked follicles which become inflamed (reddened bumps--pimples). Retin A is not used to treat severe forms of acne (deeper scarring forms).

What strength of Retin A Cream is suitable for me?
Retin A is available as 0.01%, 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1% cream. The patient's physician will decide what strength is suitable based on factors such as the degree of acne and skin sensitivity. The physician may start at a lower strength then increase the dose as the patient becomes more tolerant to the cream. The physician may also decide to decrease the strength based on potential side-effects (see below). Further, Retin A is available as both a gel and a cream, the gel has a more drying effect and will be used in patients with more oily skin.

How long will it take for Retin A to work? How long do I use it for? What can I expect?
The therapeutic effects of the medication will be seen after about 2-3 weeks, but the maximum benefits (acne clearing effects) may take up to 6 weeks. The patient may also initially see a worsening of acne in the first 2 weeks or so of treatment (due to deeper effects in removing acne lesions), This is NOT a reason to stop treatment.

The patient should be put on Retin A for at least 3 months. It is then usually up to the physician, the period of time that he will want the patient to continue. It may vary from up to 6 months, 1 year, or maybe longer. Generally it is agreed that the patient continue using it for a short duration of time following the period of time that he no longer sees any more improvement.

The patient should also be advised to be patient when using Retin A to treat acne. He/she will not see an overnight change in reduction of acne, it may take many months before the maximum effect is reached.

If no improvement at all is seen after 2 months of treatment, the usual next step will be to combine Retin A treatment with an oral antibiotic (Minocin, Erythromycin, Tetracycline) for 2-4 months.

Retin A Side Effects:

The most common side-effects with Retin A will be dryness of the skin, possible redness, itching and or burning. These are usually of mild intensity, if they are more severe, it is suggested that the patient be switched to a lower strength (ex. a patient may commonly be switched from 0.1% to 0.05%). Also, the patient is advised that these side-effects will usually go away as treatment is continued (ie, they occur at the beginning of treatment and will go away within 2-3 weeks).

Retin A Precautions:

1. Cosmetics-should be thoroughly removed before applying Retin A.
2. Medicated shampoos/soaps, waxing preparations, etc... Anything that may irritate the normal skin should be avoided as Retin A creams will add to the skin irritation side-effects.
3. Exposure to sunlight/sun lamps/tanning beds, etc... Should be avoided, due to the increased sensitivity of UV radiation leading to burning of the skin. If this is not possible, ex. work-related, the patient should use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.

Pregnancy and Retin A Cream?
Retin A contains Vitamin A. Vitamin A has shown to cause birth defects in pregnant women. Therefore, any Vitamin A preparation should be avoided in pregnancy or in patients intending on becoming pregnant. Further, any female patient of child-bearing age should be counseled appropriately on contraceptive measures during Retin A treatment.