Tretinoin Cream

Tretinoin Cream Review: Uses, Side Effects and Restrictions

Tretinoin cream is used to treat acne topically. It is part of the retinoids family, which is a form of vitamin A. It may also be prescribed by a doctor or a skin specialist to treat wrinkles and other conditions, such as reducing redness and improving skin colour. The skin will be smoothed out by eliminate skin roughness. The pores of the skin can also be refined, with oil production being regulated. This medication is typically prescribed to be applied at night before bedtime or once every 2 to 3 days. It comes in three different strengths: .1%, .05%, and .025% and is approved by the FDA.

Before using Tretinoin cream, you should consult with your doctor and inform them of medical history, and if you suffer from eczema. Tretinoin cream is known to make your skin more sensitive to the sun, so it is advised that protective clothing and sunscreen be worn daily. Cosmetics can be applied one hour after applying this cream to the skin. It is important to wear a daily moisturiser to protect the skin from excessive drying.

How should Tretinoin cream be applied?

Tretinoin cream should be applied after washing the hands. Wash the area the cream will be applied to with a mild soap and allow to dry thoroughly before the cream is used. Apply the medication with either a cotton pad, clean fingertips, or a cotton swab. Cover the area lightly but do not apply too much product.

What are the side effects of Tretinoin cream?

Immediately after applying this cream to the skin, a sensation of burning or stinging may occur. During the first few weeks of applying to the skin, the skin can become dry and there may be some mild redness and scaling. It could possibly make acne worse at this time. However, these side effects are short lived and will improve with continued use of the product.

Other side effects that are typically not seen include severe burning or swelling of the skin, eyelid swelling, eye watering and and redness, crusting, blistering, and lightening or darkening of the skin. If any of these side effects are seen, it is advised to see your skin specialist as soon as possible. A severe allergic reaction to Tretinoin cream is generally not seen, however immediate medical attention will be needed if the following are seen: severe dizziness, trouble breathing, itching or swelling of the face, tongue or throat, or a rash.

Are there any restrictions for using Tretinoin cream?

Tretinoin cream should only be used on the skin. It should never be applied on the lip or inside the nose or mouth. If the skin is sunburned, has a cut or scrape, or if you suffer from eczema, this cream should not be used. You should refrain from waxing or using laser treatments to remove hair while taking Tretinoin as this will most likely make the top layer of the skin come off as the skin will be sensitive and thinning. It also increases your chance to burning or scarring from laser treatments.

Those that are pregnant or breast feeding should not use Tretinoin cream as it presents a risk for birth defects. Those with diabetes should also refrain from using this cream. Advise your doctor or skin specialist of any medications that are taken, as well as any herbal supplements. Very little Tretinoin cream is absorbed into the blood stream when applied, so chances of interaction with other medications taken is unlikely. If you have abnormally high white blood cell counts, Tretinoin cream is not for you. Tell your doctor or skin specialist if you use any medicines that are applied topically that contain resorcinol, sulfur, alcohol, or salicylic acid as skin irritation or excessive skin drying may occur. Products that contain any of these, as well as lime, spices, or astringents could cause severe adverse reactions when combined with Tretinoin cream.