Retin-A (Tretinoin)
Acne is a common skin condition developing when skin cells and oil clogs the hair follicles. Bacteria may infect the follicles as well causing large and inflamed bumps called cystic acne. Acne can take place anywhere on the body.
There are several different topical prescription products which can treat cystic acne. One of the more popular drugs is called retin-A, which is derived from vitamin A. Retin-A has a generic drug name called tretinoin.
Texas Surgical Dermatology, led by board certified dermatologist Dr. Tri H. Nugyen, provides safe and proven skin care procedures to patients in Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and surrounding locations.
What is Tretinoin?
Tretinoin comes under the category of retinoids, which are also a derivative of vitamin-A. They make skin cells function and grow naturally and more effectively. Retinoids can be used for treating:
- Skin aging
- Psoriasis
- Acne
- Certain cancers
Tretinoin is a strong and effective topical retinoid used for treating skin aging and acne.
Availability
Tretinoin medications are available as creams, gels and lotions. Creams are usually thicker and contain the highest concentration of the medication. They also cause less irritation, but may work slowly. Gels are more transparent in color and may contain lower levels of the medication. However, they work quickly.
Lotions contain the lowest concentration levels of the medication and the most water. However, they are easily absorbed by the body. Tretinoin products with higher concentration of the medication are used for treating cystic acne. Your dermatologist will determine the best treatment option for you.
What Does Tretinoin Treat?
Tretinoin is used for treating acne and all resultant complications, such as:
Cystic acne
Cystic acne is usually treated by tretinoin. This type of acne causes boil-like infections on the skin. Blemishes usually go deep in the skin causing permanent acne scars upon healing. You need to work with a good dermatologist for developing a treatment plan that keeps your skin healthy and prevents long-lasting damage.
Acne scars
Tretinoin may be recommended by certain dermatologists for treating acne scars through a technique called iontophoresis. In this technique, the medication will be applied to your skin using electrical current. Researchers have found in the past that iontophoresis can cause medications to penetrate the skin better.
Significant reduction in acne scars and general smoothing of the skin occurs with this treatment. This is as per systemic review of treatments.
Other Medical Applications of Tretinoin
Doctors, in some cases, may recommend retin-A for applications other than treating acne and resultant scars. Retin-A can be used for treating the following skin conditions as well:
- Darkening of the skin or hyperpigmentation
- Fine facial wrinkles
- keratosis pilaris
How Does Tretinoin Work?
Tretinoin unblocks clogged follicles which may cause cystic acne. They are generally coupled together with antibiotics for achieving better results. Antibiotics make their way into clogged follicles when tretinoin opens them up. The antibiotics work directly and help in getting rid of the bacteria, which may be the cause of acne breakouts.
Texas Surgical Dermatology, led by board certified dermatologist Dr. Tri H. Nguyen, receives patients from Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and nearby areas for innovative and advanced skin care treatments.
For More Information contact our Board Certified in Dermatologists at Texas Surgical Dermatology in Spring, TX
For more information on procedures and treatments offered at Texas Surgical Dermatology PA please call 832.663.6566 or click here to contact our dermatologists. Helping patients in Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, Katy and other surrounding areas of Texas.
