Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A. Topical Tretinoin is used in the treatment of mild to moderate acne and on skin that has been damaged by excessive exposure to the sun. Tretinoin irritates the skin and causes the cells of the skin to grow divide and die more rapidly that is it increases the turnover of cells. The number of layers of cells in the skin actually is reduced. In patients with acne new cells replace the cells of existing pimples and the rapid turnover of cells prevents new pimples from forming. By a similar mechanism Tretinoin can reduce some wrinkles areas of darkened skin and rough areas of skin all of which occur in sun-damaged skin. In patients with sun-damaged skin improvements in the skin usually are seen within the first 3 to 4 weeks of treatment. Brown spots begin to fade after six to eight weeks. Wrinkles decrease or disappear after three to six months. Following application to the skin a minimal amount of drug is absorbed into the body. The FDA approved topical Tretinoin in 1971.

Before applying topical tretinoin the affected area of the skin should be cleansed with soap and dried. Patients should then wait 20 to 30 minutes before applying tretinoin gently rubbing it into the affected area. The hands should be washed immediately after application. Tretinoin is most often prescribed once daily usually at bedtime.

Following the application of tretinoin to the skin there often is local inflammation. This reaction disappears when treatment is stopped. Mild stinging or a sensation of warmth also can occur when applying tretinoin. Dryness scaling and redness occur frequently. If severe redness vesicles or crusting develops a physician should be notified immediately and tretinoin stopped. It may be possible to restart therapy with a lower concentration.

Some patients using tretinoin develop an increased sensitivity to develop sunburn photosensitivity. Therefore it is advisable to avoid exposing treated areas of the skin to excessive sunlight or UV lamps to reduce the risk of severe sunburn.

There are no known drug interactions with topical tretinoin.

Topical tretinoin is used to treat persons with mild to moderate acne or skin which has been damaged by excessive exposure to the sun.

Gel should be kept between 2° and 30°C 36-86°F.