Tretinoin: Warnings And Uses

Tretinoin is a retinoid. These molecules are involved in many processes in the body, such as cell differentiation and proliferation, as well as apoptosis, or programmed cell death, and reproduction.

Tretinoin, also called trans-retinoic acid, is a vitamin A that is active in all tissues of the body 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 process of desquamation of the follicular epithelium and reduce obstruction of the follicles. However, we will see the mechanism of action later and in more detail.

For its application, tretinoin is administered topically, both in adults and in children over 12 years of age. A thin layer of the cream should be applied before going to bed and the repetition of the application is adjusted according to the effectiveness and tolerance of each patient.

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

Tretinoin is marketed in the form of creams containing 0.025 or 0.05 grams of this active principle per 100 grams of product.

What is acne?

Although you probably already know this disease or even have suffered from it, we are going to talk a little about the causes that produce it and its general characteristics, in order to expand our knowledge and to dispel doubts about this pathology so common in the general population.

Acne is a skin disorder that starts in the hair follicles. During this disease, these follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. As a result, comedones, blackheads and pimples often 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 have been established, which are as follows:

• A bacterial infection, such as that produced by Propionibacterium acnes
• Excessive fat production
• Obstruction of the hair follicles by accumulation of fat and dead cells, as we have already mentioned.
• Strong hormonal activity, especially androgens.

In addition to this, there are other factors that promote the onset of this disease and make it worse. Stress, for example, can make this condition worse, as can diet and certain medications.

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

How does tretinoin work in the body?

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

This drug stimulates mitosis of skin cells and reduces the intercellular cohesion of the stratum corneum. It also interferes with the abnormal keratinization of the hair follicle, thus preventing the excessive formation of keratin and the accumulation of lipids. Keratin is a protein with a very fibrous structure which is 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 therefore to reduce the obstruction of the follicle. It also has an anti-inflammatory and preventive action for the formation of new microcomedones, which are commonly known blackheads.

Warnings Regarding Tretinoin Treatment

There are a number of important things to keep in mind when taking this retinoid. In this regard, you should avoid:

• Sun burn
• Photosensitivity reactions
• Avoid contact of the product with the eyes, eyelids, nose, mouth and other mucous membranes of the body.
• Older people should be especially careful, as should children, as no safety profile has been established for young people.
• Avoid infections in the affected areas.
• No pregnant woman should take oral retinoids, such as tretinoin, during pregnancy. These medicines should also not be taken by a woman who could become pregnant during treatment. The risk is not as high, but it should be avoided.

Conclusion

Tretinoin is a drug used in dermatology for the treatment of various skin conditions, but especially to fight acne.

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