Retin-A, or tretinoin, is a topical medication that is used to treat acne. According to the prescribing information, Retin-A is a retinoid metabolite of vitamin A. Three forms of Retin-A are available on the market: Retin-A cream, Retin-A gel and Retin-A liquid. According to Drugs.com, all three types of Retin-A have the same side effects. Users who experience any of the severe side effects or allergic reactions should speak to a doctor immediately.
Common Side Effects
According to Drugs.com, common side effects can occur from using Retin-A. Physical side effects include redness and peeling where Retin-A is applied. Other side effects include stinging, skin irritation and a feeling of warmth on the skin. In addition, patients may also experience sensitivity to sunlight on the skin where the medication is used. The prescribing information for Retin-A recommends using sunscreen when going outside. Also, using a moisturizer can alleviate some of the peeling and skin irritation.
Severe Allergic Reactions
Some Retin-A users may experience allergic reactions; if this occurs, medical attention should be sought immediately. The types of allergic reactions vary in severity. For example, patients may experience milder allergic reactions, such as a rash, hives or itching. However, more severe allergic reactions can also occur. According to Drugs.com, serious allergic reactions from Retin-A use include difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest and swelling of the mouth, face, lips or tongue.
Other Severe Side Effects
In addition to the common side effects and allergic reactions, some patients may experience severe side effects from using Retin-A, according to Drugs.com. Some patients may have severe redness that can cause irritation and pain in the affected skin. Swelling of the skin can also occur in some patients, as well as blistering in the affected area. The last severe side effect of Retin-A use is crusting of the skin. It may take some time for these side effects to clear. Side effects may be alleviated by switching to a different acne medication or changing the amount of medication used.
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