Can tretinoin cream be used for a long time? How long does a treatment course last?

Update Date: 2024-05-21 Source: Network

Generally, it is not recommended to use tretinoin cream for a long time, as there is no specific course of treatment for this medication, and the duration of use depends on the condition. Tretinoin cream can be used as an adjuvant therapy for acne vulgaris, flat warts, leukoplakia of the mucosa, pityriasis rubra pilaris, follicular keratosis, and psoriasis. It is contraindicated for women during the first 3 months of pregnancy and for lactating women, and it should not be used on the eyes. The main ingredient of tretinoin cream is trans-retinoic acid, which can be irritating to the skin. Skin reactions in experimental animals are significantly more severe than in humans and can cause different degrees of skin irritation, inflammation, redness, erosion, weakening of the stratum corneum barrier, increased drug absorption, and systemic toxicity, depending on the drug concentration and frequency of administration. Although topical application to human skin may be irritating, it does not cause the severe reactions mentioned above. However, long-term use may increase the risk of adverse reactions, so it is advisable not to use tretinoin cream for extended periods. It is important to note that there is no specific course of treatment for tretinoin cream, and the duration of use should be determined based on the condition. The main ingredient of tretinoin cream is all-trans-retinoic acid. One of the pharmacological activities of retinoic acid is to induce epidermal hyperplasia, thickening of the granular layer and spinous cell layer, and increasing DNA synthesis and mitotic index in the affected epidermal cells. The use of tretinoin cream in combination with soap, cleansers, desquamation agents (such as benzoyl peroxide, resorcinol, salicylic acid, sulfur), ethanol-containing formulations (such as after-shave lotions), and isotretinoin can exacerbate skin irritation or drying effects. Therefore, it is important to take caution when using this medication.