The skin of the human body has several functions. One of them is protective. Being always on duty, skin is constantly exposed to danger. It is hurt by heat and cold, water and wind, viruses and bacteria. Furthermore, the state of the skin can be affected by the inner processes in our bodies, like age and hormonal changes.

Acne is an inflammatory skin disease, caused by two factors at once: hormonal changes (for example, during the puberty or pregnancy) and bacteria. The changes in the hormonal levels of the body cause skin to produce more oil, which can easily clog the pores, especially, if it is combined with the existence of bacteria.

Usually, acne subsides by itself with the lapse of time. Sometimes, though, it can torture a person for a long period. There exists a number of medical means to fight acne.

Retin-A is a prescription medication, which is available in the form of liquid, cream and gel. There are also two variations of the given solution: a stronger gel Retin-A Micro, used for severe acne, and Retin-A Microsphere gel for more sensitive skin.

The main active ingredient of the medication is tretinoin, a derivative of retinol (vitamin A). It acts by reducing the production of sebum (oil) in the skin, opening clogged oil glands, and preventing the appearance of the new pimples.

There are several other medications, which contain tretinoin; for example: Renova (a topical cream to improve the state of the wrinkled, rough, and spotty skin, as well as to treat acne), and Avita (used for fighting acne, too). Accutane, another means to control this skin disease, includes isotretinoin, which is a much stronger chemical. Unlike Retin-A, the drug is taken orally in the case of severe uncontrollable acne.

Retin-A, Renova and Avita are used in the same way. The small amount of medication must be applied to the clean and dry skin in the areas of acne once a day in the evening. The results may be seen only in several weeks.

The usual side effect of Retin-A is sensitive, red, puffy, blistered, and crusted skin. It can also cause peeling. To get rid of these feelings is possible using cream less frequently.

Women are always advised to use birth control methods several weeks prior to starting the treatment with Retin-A, and during it in order not to become pregnant. If a woman plans to have a baby in the nearest future, she should not be treated with Retin-A. Breastfeeding women are also not allowed to use the cream. The reason for all said above is that this medication can cause birth defects and affect the fatal development of the babies. Retin-A is similar to Accutane in this aspect.

A patient must avoid the sunlight during the treatment, since the skin becomes more sensitive to it. It is necessary to use Retin-A with extreme caution, if the skin is sunburned, wounded or has eczema, in order to avoid severe irritation.

It is worthy to note that at the beginning of the treatment a temporary worsening of the condition may occur, but it is not a reason to panic. Though, your doctor must know about all the feelings you experience.

Retin-A must not be used with medications, which contain: benzoyl peroxide, sulfur, salicylic acid and other drugs or topical medications for fighting acne.

Ivanna

---

External resources
http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/rxdrugprofiles/drugs/ret1374.shtml
http://www.pamf.org/teen/health/skin/acne-howtotreat.html
http://www.americanpregnancy.org/pregnancyhealth/acnetreatment.html
http://www.keepkidshealthy.com/welcome/treatmentguides/acne.html
http://www.drugs.com
http://www.patient.co.uk

(C) ePillz.com, All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed in any form.

Your Feedback for This Article

Nickname: Input code the below: