Retin A is a derivative of vitamin A used to help treat skin disorders such as acne. The body gets vitamin A by extracting it from vegetables containing carotene and from fish liver oil. Retin A is a topical skin cream that delivers vitamin A directly to the area the individual wants to treat. While it's difficult to overdose on a topical cream, some individuals include additional amounts of vitamin A in their supplementation, increasing their risk of vitamin A poisoning.
Skin
Common effects of Retin A applications include severe burning or stinging of the skin in the area where the application was made, severe peeling of the skin and severe redness, according to MayoClinic.com. Individuals may also experience unusually severe dryness of the skin, and in some cases there may be unexpected lightening of skin color in the treated areas. More rarely, the treated area may become darker. The side effects will usually stop when the medication is removed. When skin color has changed, the effect may last for several months before the skin returns to normal.
Bones
According to Vitamin Supplements Guide, a vitamin A overdose is harmful to bones and skin; brittle bones can result in osteopenia or osteoporosis. It is difficult for an individual to experience these poisoning effects while using Retin A only. However, individuals who use both Retin A and an oral vitamin A supplement may suffer from poisoning.
Gastrointestinal
According to Vitamins Supplements Guide, gastrointestinal signs of an overdose of vitamin A include an upset stomach, vomiting and decreased appetite. Over-supplementation with vitamin A in conjunction with the use of Retin A can also cause birth defects when taken during pregnancy.
Central Nervous System
According to Drugs.com, an overdose may also include symptoms of the central nervous system. Individuals may experience clumsiness, dizziness and headache if they have overdosed on Retin A skin cream. These side effects show up in conjunction with those that affect the gastrointestinal system and the skin.
