About tretinoin

About tretinoin

Acne is the common cause of spots. Most people with acne are aged between 12 and 25, but some older and younger people are affected too. Small sebaceous glands lie just under your skin surface and make an oil (sebum) that keeps your skin supple and smooth. Tiny pores on your skin allow the sebum to come on to the surface of your skin. In acne, some of these pores become blocked causing small pimples, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Applying tretinoin to the areas of your skin with acne will help to unblock pores, and to treat blackheads and whiteheads. There is also a solution available to use on skin which contains tretinoin with an antibacterial agent called erythromycin. This may be prescribed for you if your spots are inflamed.

Before using tretinoin

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using tretinoin it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
• If you have a skin problem other than acne, particularly if you have eczema or rosacea.
• If you or any close family members have ever had skin cancer.
• If you are taking or using any other medicines. This includes any creams you are using which are available to buy without a prescription.
• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to any medicine.

How to use tretinoin

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. The leaflet will give you more information about the specific brand of tretinoin you have been given, and a full list of possible side-effects from using it.
• Apply tretinoin exactly as your doctor tells you. It is usual to apply it to the area where your spots occur once or twice a day at first, although your doctor may suggest you use it less than this once your skin has improved. You only need to apply a thin layer of gel. It is best if you wash and gently dry the affected areas of your skin before you apply tretinoin.
• If you have been using a preparation for your acne that causes your skin to peel, allow your skin to recover for a few days before you start using tretinoin.
• Do not use tretinoin on any areas of skin which are sunburnt or sore. Also, try to avoid getting tretinoin on the sensitive areas of your skin in or around your nostrils, your eyes and your mouth. Try not to let the gel build up in the folds or creases of your skin.

Getting the most from your treatment

• It is recommended that you use a mild soap and lukewarm water to wash with, as very hot or cold water may worsen acne. Do not wash more than you normally do.
• You cannot clean off blackheads. The black tip of a blackhead is actually a skin pigment and cannot be removed by cleaning or scrubbing.
• If your skin becomes very dry, it may help to use a fragrance-free, water-based moisturising cream. Do not use ointments or oil-rich creams, as these may clog pores.
• You may use make-up and moisturisers, but do not apply them at the same time as you use tretinoin. You should not use any skin products which exfoliate or dry your skin.
• Tretinoin may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than usual. You should avoid strong sunlight and sunbeds, and use a sunscreen with a high sun protection factor (an SPF of at least 15).
• It is normal for tretinoin treatment to take up to four weeks before there is a noticeable improvement in your skin. It can take up to four months for the full benefit to be seen. The most common reason for treatment failure is stopping treatment too soon thinking it is not working. Continue using tretinoin for at least six weeks before you decide if it is working for you or not. If there is no improvement after six weeks or so, speak with your doctor again, as there are other treatments which can be recommended.
• Tretinoin may harm an unborn child, so if you are a woman, you must avoid getting pregnant while you are using tretinoin. Make sure you have discussed with your doctor which types of contraception are suitable for you and your partner.
• Once your spots have cleared, they may flare up again if you stop treatment. To prevent this, it is usual to carry on with a maintenance treatment after your spots have gone. Your doctor will advise you on a suitable preparation.

Can tretinoin cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this preparation, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store tretinoin

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines