What Are the Dangers of Using Retin-A?
Retin-A, also known by the generic name tretinoin, is a gel made from a derivative of Vitamin A. It is used to treat acne and other skin conditions like rough skin, skin discoloration and wrinkles.
Retin-A, also known by the generic name tretinoin, is a gel made from a derivative of Vitamin A. It is used to treat acne and other skin conditions like rough skin, skin discoloration and wrinkles. According to RxList, tretinoin irritates the skin and causes rapid skin cell turnover, and actually reduces the number of skin layers. Tretinoin was approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a topical treatment in 1971, but there are some dangers and side effects of using Retin-A.
Skin Irritation
Retin-A often causes localized skin inflammation, and when treatment is stopped this goes away, according to MedicineNet. Users of tretinoin also report dryness, scaling, stinging, peeling and mild burning. By peeling away layers of the skin and in effect making your skin layers thinner, Retin-A also increases the likelihood of sunburns. Some users develop increased sun sensitivity and are very susceptible to sunburn on the treated areas.
Allergic Reactions
Users of topical creme and gel forms of tretinoin rarely report any severe allergic reactions. It is thought that only a small amount of the tretinoin drug actually enters the bloodstream. However, an oral form of the drug has caused users to develop a severe condition called retinoic acid-APL syndrome. According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information, this is caused by oral tretinoin rapidly increasing the number of white blood cells in the body. This reaction is highly unlikely with the topical form, but users should be alert for allergic reactions like difficulty breathing, itching, hives or swelling.
Risks to Pregnant and Nursing Mothers
According to MedicineNet, there are no studies regarding the use of Retin-A during pregnancy. It is also unknown if a mother's body absorbs enough of the drug to harm a nursing infant. It is important to note that the oral form of the drug comes with a warning of potential birth defects for pregnant women, and a warning for those nursing.
Drug Interactions
Combining tretinoin with other drugs can exacerbate skin irritation. MedicineNet says you should avoid combining Retin-A with other topical acne medicines, especially salicylic acid. Harsh soaps, cleansers, waxes and other astringents can increase dryness and irritation, according to MedicineNet. Any other medications that increase sun sensitivity should also be avoided while using Retin-A.