Are you worried about acne? Let's learn everything about Tretinoin in a simple way! (Tretinoin Lotion)

Have you ever had acne on your face and tried various things to get rid of it? Sometimes, these acne can be very bothersome. So, your doctor may have told you to use a medication called Tretinoin to control your acne. Hearing this name may have given you a lot of questions. So today, let's talk about what Tretinoin is, how to use it exactly, and what things to be careful about, just like talking to a friend.

Simply put, what is Tretinoin?

Tretinoin is a topical lotion or cream used to treat acne . It belongs to a class of medications called retinoids . Simply put, it is a form of vitamin A.

This is a very simple thing to do. Our skin cells are constantly renewing themselves. This medicine increases the rate at which those skin cells renew themselves . Then the dead skin cells are removed quickly. The main reason for acne is that the pores of the skin are clogged with these dead cells and oil. So Tretinoin stops these pores from clogging . Therefore, not only is the appearance of new acne controlled, but the existing acne also begins to reduce.

Doctors sometimes recommend this medication for other skin conditions, so if you have any further questions about this, ask your doctor.

Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine

Before you start using Tretinoin, it's important for your doctor to know some things about you. So if any of the following apply to you, be sure to tell your doctor.

• If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant: This is very important. This type of retinoid medication can sometimes affect the baby in the womb. So talk to your doctor about this openly.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother: Some medications can pass to your baby through breast milk while you are breastfeeding. So, make sure to inform your doctor about this as well.
• If you have an allergic reaction to Tretinoin or any other medicine, food, or dye: If you have ever had a rash or itchy skin after using any medicine before, tell us about it.
• If you have burns, wounds, or large areas of skin damage: It is not a good idea to apply Tretinoin to these areas.

When you tell your doctor these things without hiding them, he can determine the most appropriate and safest treatment for you.

How exactly do you use this?

To get the most out of this medicine, you need to know how to use it correctly.

1. For topical use only: This is a medicine that is intended for topical use only . Do not take it by mouth for any reason.

2. Wash your hands thoroughly: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.

3. Be careful of your eyes, nose, and mouth: Do not let the medicine get in your eyes, inside your nostrils, inside your mouth, or on your lips. If you accidentally get it, rinse the area immediately with water.

4. Apply a thin layer: As your doctor says, apply a very thin layer to the entire area of ​​acne several times a day (usually at night). Don't apply too much, thinking, "If you apply a lot, it will heal faster." Doing so will only dry out the skin, make it red, and cause pain. A small amount, about the size of a pea, is enough for the entire face.

5. Take it at the right time: As much as possible, get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day.

6. Don't stop until your doctor tells you to: It may take a few weeks or a month or two for results to come. So don't panic and stop halfway. Continue using it until your doctor tells you to.

7. Do not apply to wounds or burns: Do not apply this medicine to areas with skin wounds, cuts, scrapes, or burns.

What to do if you overdose? (Overdose)

If you think you have taken more medicine than you think, or if someone has taken it, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital immediately.

This medicine is for you only. Even if someone else has acne, don't give them your medicine.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as directed. Never take a double dose.

Things not to use with this medicine

When using tretinoin, it can interact with some other things, so it's important to be aware of this.

This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including vitamins and herbal remedies) . Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.

Things to be especially careful about while taking this medicine:

• Be careful with the sun: This is the most important thing. When you apply Tretinoin, your skin becomes very sensitive to the sun. The harsh sun in our country can quickly burn, turn red, and darken the skin. Therefore:
• Minimize going out during strong sunlight as much as possible.
• If you're going outside, be sure to wear a good sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).
• Wear a hat, carry an umbrella, and wear long-sleeved clothes.
• Don't even think about using things like sun lamps and tanning beds.

• Be patient: It takes a while to see results. You may feel like your acne is getting worse for the first few weeks. This is called "purging." It means the dirt inside your skin is coming out. So don't panic. Continue using it as your doctor tells you.

• Stop using other things that dry out your skin: Avoid using products that scrub your skin too much or contain alcohol during this time. Unless your doctor has told you to use another acne medication, don't try one thing at a time.

What are the possible side effects?

Like all medicines, Tretinoin can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

This list does not include all possible side effects. If you notice anything unusual, talk to your doctor for advice.

How do you store and dispose of medicine safely?

• Keep away from children and pets.
• Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius). Protect from extreme heat or extreme cold. Do not freeze.
• Do not use expired medicine.
• If you need to dispose of unused, expired medication, don't flush it down the toilet or sink. The best thing to do is to take the medication out of the tube, mix it with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, seal it in a small bag or container, and throw it in the trash. If you're not sure, ask your doctor.