What is a Tretinoin cream?
Tretinoin cream is a pharmaceutical drug in the dosage form of an ointment or cream formulation, that primarily contains vitamin A.
0.025 Tretinoin belongs to the class of medications called retinoids. Tretinoin comes as a lotion (Altreno), cream (Avita, Refissa, Renova, Retin-A), and gel (Atralin, Avita, Retin-A). It’s also used as an ingredient in combination products, such as Solage, Tri-Luma, Veltin, and Ziana.
What are the uses of a Tretinoin cream?
- Tretinoin Cream 0.025 for Acne is used to treat acne or pimples on your face, chest, or back.
- It helps to smoothen rough facial skin and to reduce fine wrinkles on the skin.
- It is known to reduce excessive oil production of the skin.
- This cream is useful in acute promyelocytic leukemia.
- It also prevents blackheads and whiteheads.
How does a Tretinoin cream work?
A 0.025 Tretinoin Cream for Acne works by promoting the peeling of affected skin areas and unclogging pores. It reduces excessive oil production of the skin. So when a Tretinoin Cream 0.025 for Acne is applied on the skin, it reduces oil production in the skin, replenishes acne-prone skin, and helps keep your pores open.
How to use the Tretinoin cream?
It is usually recommended by doctors to apply this medicinal cream at night time; while the amount one needs and for how long one needs to take depends on what that patient is being treated for.
To start with, one should wash and dry the affected area before applying a thin layer of this medicine. One should wait 20-30 minutes after cleaning your face before applying this medication.
Usually, a small amount of this medication, say about the size of a pea, is advised to be applied once daily; before going to bed.
No other skin product should be applied for at least 1 hour after applying Tretinoin 0.025% Cream.
One should wash his or her hands immediately after applying this ointment, in order to avoid it getting into the eyes, nose, or mouth.
The patient should strictly abide by the doctor’s instructions as to the way this cream needs to be applied, and in the exact amount it is used for each dose.
One should not apply this medication to any damaged or broken skin and avoid contact with one’s mouth, eyes, or even nose.
Can I use 0.025 Tretinoin cream every night?
0.025 Tretinoin is safe to use every night. However, the frequency of application for anyone should be determined by only an authorized healthcare practitioner. The amount of this cream you need and for how long you need to take it will depend on what you are being treated for.
It usually takes several weeks to have a noticeable effect so keep using it even if it appears not to be working. Sometimes acne may get worse before it gets better, however, with proper use, the skin will get clearer. The earlier one start using it, the lesser the chances of getting scars.
During the first few weeks of using tretinoin, the acne might appear worse because the medication is working on pimples forming inside the skin. It may take up to 8 to 12 weeks to notice results from this medication.
Regular usage is required in order to get the most benefit from it. It is better to use it at the same time each day or night. In this way, the chances of missing a dose get diminished.
It advised not to use a larger amount or use it more frequently than recommended. The skin will not improve any faster, but it will rather increase the risk of developing redness, peeling, and pain.
One might keep his or her doctor updated on a weekly to understand the response to the therapy.
Common Side Effects of Tretinoin cream
There might be some side effects of using this pharmaceutical ointment, as mentioned below:
- Erythema (skin redness)
- Skin irritation
- Dry skin
- Dry lips
- Pale red skin
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Increase in acne sores
- Swelling, blistering, or crusting of the skin
- Pain, burning, stinging, peeling, redness, or flaky skin in the treatment area
But a few side effects like itching, hives, pain, or discomfort in the treatment area might go slightly serious, as very rare cases with a few patients.
Most of these above-mentioned side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, one can consult a doctor if they persist or if too worried about them.
Who should not use this cream?
- Patients who are already allergic to Tretinoin.
- It should not be used if you have eczema or sunburned skin.
- 0.025 Tretinoin Cream may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies on humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby.
- Tretinoin 0.025% Cream is probably safe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug does not represent any significant risk to the baby.
- It is not recommended for children below 18 years as safety and effectiveness were not established.
Only a doctor will be able to weigh the benefits and potential risks for any patient. Hence it is always advised to consult a doctor before starting off with this medication.
Other Drugs Interactions with Tretinoin
- ISOTRETINOIN
- AMINOLEVULINIC ACID
- METHOXSALEN
- PORFIRMER
- VERTEPORFIN
- METHYL AMINOLEVULINATE
- BENZOYL PEROXIDE
- SALICYCLIC ACID
- SULFUR
- RESORCINOL
Storage for Tretinoin cream
This pharmaceutical cream should be stored in a cool and dry place away from sunlight.
Caution Alert
- Avoid sun exposure while using Tretin 0.025% Cream 30 gm as it may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight and cause sunburn.
- Wash hair regularly and avoid it from falling across the face.
- Use water-based cosmetic products and remove the makeup completely before going to bed.
- Do not apply this pharmaceutical cream in large amounts or beyond what is prescribed; as it does not give quick or better results but causes peeling, marked redness, or skin discomfort.
- Do not squeeze spots or try to clean blackheads as it may worsen them and cause permanent scarring.