Retin-A is used for the improvement of skin texture and appearance. It acts by removing the top layer of the epidermis. Retin-A has an effect on both the top (epidermis) and the deep (dermis) layers of the skin.
It works by reducing the effects of sunlight and consequent aging by speeding up the replacement of surface cells. Apply a thin layer to treated area once a day at bedtime. Use a gauze pad or cotton swab for application of the liquid. Wash hands immediately after use. More frequent or excessive use of Retin-A does not guarantee better results but may increase the risk of side effects. Avoid applying near the eyes, mouth, or open cuts. Retin-A may irritate sensitive skin. Patients with acne might detect a deterioration of their condition during the initial days of the therapy but the treatment should not be discontinued. Three to six weeks might be necessary for the beneficial effect of Retin-A to be felt fully. Use mild soap for cleansing face. Abrasive soaps, cleansers, medicated creams or lotions may result in skin irritation. Before using any of these, consult your doctor. Acne-treatment medications should be used with caution during the treatment with Retin-A.
Warnings Precautions
Retin-A may result in increased skin sensitivity to sunlight, wind and cold. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and sunlamps. Wear protective clothing and use an effective sunscreen. Retin-A should be used during pregnancy only if absolutely necessary. It is not known if Retin-A is passed onto breast milk. If you are breast-feeding, ask you doctor for advice before using Retin-A.
Missing a Dose
In case of missing a dose, apply Retin-A as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not apply two doses of Retin-A at the same time.
Possible Side Effects
Before beginning the treatment, test the effect of Retin-A on a small area of skin in order to determine whether irritation might occur. Exposure to the sun or to ultraviolet rays causes additional irritation. Avoid such exposure and use an effective sunscreen. Cases have been reported of an initial deterioration of the general condition. Since tiny cysts deep within the skin are being eliminated at an accelerated rate such a reaction is normal. Retin-A results in greater sensitivity to wind and cold. If you detect hypersensitivity to any of the ingredients of Retin-A, discontinue use.
Storage
Store at room temperature. Do not expose to sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Marked redness, peeling and discomfort are among the symptoms of excessive Retin-A use. Transient headache, facial flushing, celosias, abdominal pain, dizziness and ataxia are some of the signs of a Retin-A overdose. More frequent or excessive use of Retin-A does not guarantee better results but may increase the risk of side effects.
More Information
In patients who have been previously undergone keratolytic preparations or exfoliants therapy, the treatment with Retin-A should be delayed until all skin rashes have cleared up. Clinical studies of the effect of Retin-A on pregnant women have not yielded conclusive results. In such cases, Retin-A should be used only if absolutely necessary and under a doctor’s supervision. Skin irritation is a common side effect of the treatment with Retin-A. In patients with acne this effect subsides once applications of Retin-A are spaced out. If using any cosmetics, clean skin thoroughly before applying the medication.
Retin-A resources:
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/tretinoin.htm
http://www.sfsu.edu/~shs/skinclinic/retina.htm
http://www.medicinenet.com/tretinoin/article.htm
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