Retin-A for Acne Vulgaris
Acne vulgaris is a skin condition that mainly affects adolescents but may persist or even become worse and severe in adulthood. Acne vulgaris is characterized by non inflammatory papules or comedones and by inflammatory papules, pustules and nodules. A comedone is a whitehead (closed comedone) or a blackhead (open comedone) without any sign of inflammation. Papules and pustules are raised bumps with obvious inflammation. Acne vulgaris commonly develops on the areas of the skin with the densest population of sebaceous follicles. These areas include the face, the upper part of the chest and the back.
The exact cause of acne is not determined. There are several factors to contribute to the occurrence of the skin disorder. Excess sebum is one of the key factors. Sebum production and excretion are regulated by a number of different hormones. Androgen hormones, in particular, promote sebum production and release. Not only androgen hormones regulate human sebaceous glands but also other agents like growth hormone and insulin like growth factor activate the work of sebaceous glands. There are certain medications that promote acne vulgaris, like steroids, lithium, some antiepileptics and iodides. Acne vulgaris may be connected with different endocrine disorders with excess androgens like congenital adrenal hyperplasia or polycystic ovary syndrome. Acne vulgaris may also be influenced by some cosmetic agents or hair pomades that worsen it.
Acne vulgaris is treated with various topical creams and anti-inflammatory medications. With all the products and treatments existing, for acne Retin-A enjoys the greatest popularity for fighting acne breakouts as well as for treating acne scars. Retin-A contains properties that are formulated to work effectively against acne. Its main ingredient is tretinoin, an acid form of Vitamin A. It improves abnormal cell production. Tretinoin clears up blackhead acne, removes and decreases acne, works to reduce inflammation. The use of Retin-A for acne scars will also help for the skin healing and will diminish new pimples from beginning.
Retin-A should be used at bedtime. One should employ a thin layer of the drug to the affected areas that have acne blemishes. After the dug employment it is necessary to wash it off the hands in order not to spread it to other parts of the body or in any food one consumes. One should be careful not to apply the drug near the eyes or aperture or open cuts as Retin-A can annoy sensitive skin. As far as cosmetics are concerned, they should be properly removed from the surface to which one is going to apply the drug.
Retin-A therapy makes a patient very sensitive to the sunrays. The treatment should not be exercised on the skin affected with eczema, on the skin that is sun burned, wind burned, dry or chapped, otherwise it will lead to adverse and rather-painful side-effects like redness, itching, swelling, burning or warming sensation, stinging, tingling and peeling.