Retinoic ointment from acne

For today in drugstores it is possible to find a huge quantity of the most various preparations which help to cope with spots. Among them, the most popular are lotions, gels, creams and ointments. All of them, approximately, have the same mechanism of action. Despite the fact that the pharmaceutical industry is constantly inventing more and more new products for acne, do not forget about time-tested drugs. This is what retinoic ointment is.

[1], [2]

Indications of the retinoic ointment for acne

Retinoic ointment is used to treat acne, but it is also often used as an effective remedy for fighting the first wrinkles. This can be explained by the fact that this preparation contains vitamin A.

It should be remembered that retinoic ointment can not always be used for acne treatment. First of all, it is necessary to pay attention that in the summer it can cause the appearance of pigmentation on the skin. This reaction is a consequence of the fact that the active components of the ointment interact with the sun's rays.

[3], [4]

Pharmacodynamics

Retinoic ointment on the basis of active substance isotretinoin differs anti-seborrheic, dermatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and keratolytic action. Retinoic acid is considered a biologically active form of vitamin A, which takes part in the differentiation of skin cells.

The effect of this ointment is based on the inhibition of hyperproliferation of the ductal epithelium, which are found in the sebaceous glands. Also, the drug helps to reduce the formation of fat on the skin, to facilitate its removal, to reduce the signs of inflammation that appear near the mouths of the excretory ducts of the sebaceous glands. Due to this, the regeneration of the skin is intensified.

[5], [6], [7], [8], [9], [10]

Dosing and administration

Acne is treated with 0.05% or 0.1% retinoic ointment. In this case, if there are too many pimples on the skin, the dermatologist can recommend complex therapy, which necessarily includes this remedy. In other cases, so-called monotherapy with retinoic ointment is possible.

After applying this ointment to the skin, isotretinoin begins to be partially absorbed through the epithelium, partially entering the deep layers of the skin through the ducts of the sebaceous glands. The retinoid begins to concentrate mainly in the hair follicles, thus helping to regulate the release of fat. At the same time, it becomes less viscous, and its quantity decreases significantly.

At the same time, there is a decrease in the proliferation or multiplication of cells that are located in the upper layers of the sebaceous glands. Skin peeling noticeably decreases. Differentiation and maturation of cells in the dermis are significantly accelerated. Due to this the skin is regenerated, the formation of acne is suppressed.

The main feature of retinoic ointment is the fact that it allows you to get rid of the main cause of acne - increased formation of sebum. For the treatment of acne, as a rule, the following treatment scheme is used: a small amount of ointment is applied only to skin areas with acne. It should be remembered that retinoids are slow, so usually the course of therapy lasts up to 12 weeks.

Please note that the correct course of treatment in your particular case may be prescribed only by a dermatologist.

[16], [17], [18], [19]

Use of the retinoic ointment for acne during pregnancy

During pregnancy, and also during the feeding of the baby with breast milk, it is forbidden to apply retinoic ointment from acne. This is due to the presence of embryotoxic and teratogenic effect. If you are planning a pregnancy and use at the same time a retinoic ointment, you should pay attention to the gynecologist for this fact. Perhaps, the use of the funds will have to be stopped.

Contraindications

In addition to pregnancy and lactation, this ointment has other contraindications:

1. Reception of other retinoid drugs.
2. Decompensation of heart failure.
3. Allergy to isotretinoin.
4. Chronic pancreatitis.
5. Diseases of the liver and kidneys in chronic form.
6. Application to large areas of the skin.

[11], [12], [13],

Side effects of the retinoic ointment for acne

The occurrence of side effects from the use of this drug is an extremely rare case. In some patients, applying ointment to the skin can cause:

1. Temporary rapid redness of the skin.
2. The appearance of a large number of acne eruptions, starting from the second week of use.
3. Allergy to medicinal product.
4. Conjunctivitis.
5. Peeling and excessive dryness of the skin.
6. Heilit.

[14], [15]

Overdose

It is very important during the treatment of acne with retinoic ointment not to allow the development of hypervitaminosis A. It is characterized by the appearance of the following symptoms: severe headaches, reddening of the skin, nausea, increased drowsiness, vomiting, skin itching and dry skin. In some cases, joint pain may occur. That is why when using this medication the dermatologist should recommend stopping the use of retinol-containing drugs (including retinol palmitate and retinol acetate).

For the treatment of overdose it is necessary to stop the use of retinoic ointment and prescribe symptomatic therapy with the use of adsorbents.

[20], [21]

Interactions with other drugs

The action of retinoic ointment may decrease if you simultaneously take antibiotics that enter the tetracycline group. Also, their interaction can lead to increased intracranial pressure. Remember that isotretinoin also weakens the effectiveness of the action of progesterone. Therefore, if you use contraceptives with a small amount of progesterone, it is recommended to replace them during therapy with retinoic ointment.

[22], [23], [24]

Storage conditions

Store retinoic ointment is recommended at sufficiently low temperatures (from 2 to 8 degrees), but it should not be frozen. It is very important to use for storage of the drug a place that is inaccessible to young children.

[25], [26], [27], [28], [29]

Shelf life

Shelf life is two years. It is not recommended to use the product after its expiration.

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