Acne and Rosacea Charity Training Manual
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Topical Retinoids<br />
A topical retinoid should be an essential part of any anti-acne regime. They are potentially photosenistisers so should only be used at night <strong>and</strong> washed off in<br />
the morning. They may cause dryness <strong>and</strong> irritation of the skin – part of hyper-vitaminosis syndrome <strong>and</strong> must be used cautiously. A dollop the size of a pea is<br />
enough to cover the whole face. It is very important to instruct your patient how to use the retinoid properly <strong>and</strong> to use it to all parts of the body affected. It is<br />
really common to find a patient has been using the retinoid to the face but not chest, back, arms etc.<br />
Some patients have very sensitive skin <strong>and</strong> may not tolerate the topical retinoid, even when used properly. In such patients, try using it short contact. Apply for<br />
3 hours in the evening <strong>and</strong> wash off <strong>and</strong> moisturize.<br />
The worst skin type for topical retinoids tends to be Indian Asian skin <strong>and</strong> many patients in this ethnic group are unable to tolerate the retinoid even when used<br />
short contact.<br />
Topical retinoids should not be used in women who are trying to conceive or are pregnant. Vitamin A is teratogenic <strong>and</strong> could affect a developing foetus.<br />
Absorption of topical retinoids is minimal <strong>and</strong> the risk to the foetus is very small but women of child bearing age should be warned of this potential risk.<br />
Glossary<br />
• Photosensitiser – an agent that increases the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight leading to an exaggerated sunburn reaction<br />
• Teratogenic – causing birth defects in a developing foetus
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