description
Tretinoin is a vitimin a derivative. Tretinoin enhances cell and vascular proliferation and is therefore a great exfoliator of the skin. Tretinoin works by altering the follicular epithelium ( the outer layer of the skin ) so that it does not keratinize ( form a hard compact layer ). When used in cojunction with topical minoxidil, this attribute has the effect of dramatically increasing the penetration and absorbsion rate of the minoxidil maximising the beneficial effects.

indications.
Topical Retino-A can be used for the following conditions :
1. To enhance the absorbsion of topical minoxidil for the treatment of hair loss / alopecia.
2. To help diminish the visible signs of aging and reduce lines on the face and age spots.
3. To treat the condition known as acne vulgaris.
This website is primarily concerned with the beneficial effects that Retino-A ( Tretinoin ) exerts on hair loss. Retino-A
used on its own can result in moderate hair regrowth in some patients. However, when used in conjunction with topical minoxidil, Retino-A enhances the penetration and absorbsion of the minoxidil. This is probably due to the fact that by preventing keratinization, Retino-A decreases the protective barrier of the skin allowing greater absorbsion of medications that are put into direct contact with the skin. One particular study showed a threefold absorbsion rate of topical minoxidil when used in conjunction with 0.05% Tretinoin as compared with the controlled group.

dosage / administration
As Tretinoin is best used in conjunction with topical minoxidil solution, Retino-A should be applied prior to the twice daily application of minoxidil. The cream should be applied evenly using a guaze swab or the tips of clean fingers. Since Retino-A can cause some skin irritation, it is important to apply it carefully at first to guage reaction. If acceptable irritation is experienced, Retino-A can be applied to the required areas. Retino-A may cause a transitory feeling of warmth or slight stinging and may also produce a slight erythema similar to mild sunburn. It has been reported that aloe vera can soothe any irritation caused by Tretinoin therefore this could prove a worthwhile addition to treatment involving Retino-A. Excess application of Retino-A does not provide more rapid or better results. In fact, marked redness, peeling or discomfort can occur. If excess application occurs, Retino-A should be discontinued for several days before resuming therapy.

side effects
Some degree of local irritation is expected. The most commonly reported undisirable effects are skin, burning, stinging, warmth, erythema, pruritus, rash, peeling, and temporary hypo and hyperpigmentation. Rarely reported undesirable effects are blistering and crusting of the skin, eye irritation and edema. These reactions are usually mild to moderate in severity, generally well tolerated and self limiting, occuring during the early course of therapy and generally decreasing over time with the exception of dry skin, which tends to persist. True contact allergy to topical Tretinoin is rarely encountered.

warnings and precautions
In order to minimize the potential for additional skin irritation, care should be taken to avoid contact with the eyes, eyelids, angles of the nose, mouth, mucous membranes or other areas where treatment is not intended. Retino-A can increase sensitivity to sunlight, including ultravoilet lamps, so particular caution should be exercised if subject to prolonged exposure to ultravoilet light. When exposure to sunlight cannot be avoided, use of sunscreen products and protective clothing over treated areas is recommended. No adequate and well controlled prospective studies have been performed with pregnant women exposed to topical Tretinoin to date. However, a well-conducted retrospective cohort study of babies born to women exposed to topical Tretinoin during the first trimester of pregnancy found no excess birth defects amongst these babies when compared with babies born to women in the same cohort who were not similarly exposed. Therefore, topical Tretinoin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Also, it is not known if Tretinoin is excreted in human milk. Therefore, caution should be exercised when Retino-A is administered to a nursing mother. Safety and effectiveness have not been established with regard to use of Retino-A by children, therefore medical advice should be sought.

drug interactions
Abrasive soaps, cleansers,medicated creams or lotions,soaps and cosmetics that have a strong drying effect, and products with high concentrations of alcohol, astringents, spices or lime can increase skin irritation. Particular caution should be exercised in using preparations containing sulphur, resorcinol, or salicylic acid with Retino-A. It is also advisable to 'rest' a patients skin until the effects of such preparations subside before use of Retino-A is begun.