Acne is a really annoying thing, isn't it? Especially when you have acne all over your face at a young age, sometimes you don't even want to look at yourself in the mirror. You feel a little scared to go out with friends or go to a party. So, a popular medicine that doctors often recommend to control this acne is Tretinoin. Maybe your doctor has also told you to use this medicine. So today, let's talk about this in simple terms, what is this medicine, how exactly is it used, and what are the things to be careful about.
What is Tretinoin?
Simply put, tretinoin is a medication made from vitamin A. It belongs to a class of medications called retinoids . It is mainly used to treat acne.
Think about it, the top layer of cells on our skin is constantly being replaced. Dead cells are shed and new cells are brought to the surface. But sometimes this process doesn't happen properly. The dead cells, combined with sebum, clog the pores. Bacteria grow inside these clogged pores, which is where acne forms.
So what tretinoin does is increase the rate at which our skin cells renew themselves. That means it removes dead cells faster, unclogs clogged pores, and prevents acne. It can come in the form of a lotion, cream, or gel.
Things you need to tell your doctor before using this medicine
Before prescribing tretinoin to you, your doctor will ask you some questions. It is very important that you provide this information accurately and without hiding it. This is for your safety.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| If you have allergies to tretinoin or other medicines, foods, or preservatives. | This medicine can cause severe allergic reactions, so it is important to inform your doctor in advance. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant . | Tretinoin can harm an unborn baby, so its use is generally not recommended during this time. Be sure to talk to your doctor about this. |
| If you are a nursing mother . | The doctor needs this information to take the safest steps to determine whether the medication will pass to the baby through breast milk or not. |
| If you have large areas of skin that are damaged by burns, wounds , or conditions such as eczema . | Damaged skin can increase the amount of medication absorbed into the body, causing unwanted side effects. |
How exactly do you use this?
To get the most out of this medicine, it is very important to use it correctly.
- For external use only: This is not a medicine to be taken orally. It is a skin application. Do not take it orally for any reason.
- Wash your hands: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before and after applying the medicine.
- Be careful with your eyes, nose, and mouth: Do not let the medicine get in your eyes, inside your nostrils, on your lips, or inside your mouth. If you accidentally get it, rinse the area thoroughly with water.
- The right amount: Use only the amount your doctor tells you to use. Usually , a pea-sized amount is enough for the entire face. Applying too much will not help clear up acne faster. Instead, it will increase side effects like redness and inflammation.
- How to apply: Wash your face with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser, let it dry for 20-30 minutes, then apply a thin film of tretinoin to the acne-prone areas of your face.
- At the right time: It's best to count at the same time every day, usually before going to bed at night.
- Don't stop: Don't stop using the medicine suddenly unless your doctor tells you to. You may feel like your acne is getting worse for the first few weeks. This is normal. Continued use will produce results.
Warning: This is a prescription medication. Even if your friends or family members have acne, don't let them use it. Not everyone's skin is the same. So it could harm them.
What if the dosage of the medicine is increased ? (Overdose)
If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, or if someone has accidentally taken it, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Or, without wasting time, go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to be careful about when using the medicine
- Be careful with the sun: This is the most important thing . When you use tretinoin, your skin becomes very sensitive to the sun. This means that even a short time in the sun can cause your skin to burn, turn red, or turn black. Therefore,
- Be sure to use sunscreen every time you go out during the day.
- Protect your skin from the sun by using a hat, umbrella, and wearing clothing that covers your body as much as possible.
- Never use sun lamps or tanning booths.
- Other things that dry out your skin: Tretinoin can dry out your skin a bit, so avoid using products that contain alcohol, such as toners and scrubs, which can further dry out your skin.
- Other acne medications: Unless your doctor advises you to, do not apply other acne medications, such as benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid, to the same area as tretinoin. Using these together can cause serious skin damage and irritation.
- Be patient: Don't expect results in a day or two after applying this medicine. It may take about 6-8 weeks to see good results. So be patient and continue using it.
Possible side effects
Like any medication, tretinoin can cause some side effects. Some of these are serious, while others are common.
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Skin rash, itchy blisters (hives), swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Severe skin reactions | Unbearable burning, itching, peeling, or blistering of the skin where the medicine is applied. |
| Usually nothing to worry about, but if it persists, here are some things to tell your doctor: | |
| Minor skin changes | The skin may be slightly red, dry, and flaky during the first few weeks (this usually subsides as the skin adjusts to the medication). |
| Skin discoloration | Temporary lightening or darkening of the skin color in the area where the medicine is applied. |
Take-Home Message
- Tretinoin is a very effective medication for acne, but only if it is used correctly.
- Always apply a small amount, about the size of a green bean, in a thin film. Applying too much will not heal the skin as quickly.
- Sun protection is a must! Use sunscreen every day.
- It's normal to have redness and dryness in the first few weeks of using the medication. However, if you experience severe burning or swelling, tell your doctor.
- It takes several weeks to see results, so be patient.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
- If you have any questions about this medication or if you experience any side effects, ask the doctor who prescribed it to you directly, rather than asking others.
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