Acne vulgaris is a common skin problem that affects more than 85% of all teenagers. There are several treatments options available for treating and preventing acne. Some of these include using antibacterials and antibiotics, laser treatment, and hormonal treatment. Treatment using retinoids is also effective in treating acne.
Retinoid treatment involves the use of retinoids i.e. compounds related to vitamin A to normalize the life cycle of follicle cells. Retinoids affect the cells that line the follicles and prevent hyperkeratinization. Hyperkeratinization leads to blockage of the follicle and causes pimples to appear. Some of the common retinoids that administered topically in the treatment of acne include tretinoin, adapalene, and tazarotene.
A form of vitamin A called retinol is also effective to some extent in treating acne and is commonly used in many moisturizing creams and lotions. When compared to other topical retinoids, it is milder and has fewer side effects.
Topical retinoid treatment has very few side effects. However, in some cases, an initial increase in acne and facial flushing may be observed during treatment.
Topical retinoids to treat acne have been in use for over thirty years. However, they are prescription medications and are not available over-the-counter. For this reason, creams and lotions containing bactericidal and antibiotic agents are more popular when compared to those containing retinoids.
Retinoids are administered orally to treat acne. The most commonly used oral retinoid is isotretinoin which is a derivative of vitamin A. When administered over a period of 4 to 6 months, it brings about complete reduction of acne. Isotretinoin prevents acne by bringing about a reduction in the amounts of oils secreted by the follicles. It also affects other factors that cause acne. Just like topical retinoids, an initial increase in acne may be observed during the course of the treatment.
Isotretinoin is very effective against acne. Positive results are observed in more than 80% of patients who undergo treatment with it. It has much longer effects when compared with bactericides and antibiotics. However, on the minus side, isotretinoin can have severe side effects and for this reason, the patient should be closely monitoring during the entire course of treatment. Common side effects include dry skin and nose bleeding. In some extreme cases, liver damage has also been reported. Isotretinoin treatment can cause birth defects if taken by pregnant women.
If satisfactory results are not observed, a second course of treatment may be given after a months of the first treatment. In some extreme cases, a third or even a fourth treatment may be prescribed. However, in such cases the results are usually unsatisfactory.