$Unique_ID{BRK00887}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Is There a Medicine That Reduces Wrinkles and Treats Acne?}
$Subject{wrinkle wrinkles age aging acne treatment treatments Skin tretinoin
Vitamin A side effects irritation sensitivity sun dermis collagen growth new
vessels}
$Volume{R-20}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Skin*0006701.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There a Medicine That Reduces Wrinkles and Treats Acne?


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QUESTION:  my girl friend's doctor has given her some new medicine that is
supposed to reduce her wrinkles.  It is also supposed to be a treatment for
acne.  I have spent many a hard earned dollar on creams that were supposed to
help me get rid of some of my age lines, but never really worked; and I am
skeptical about this stuff too.  Is there any truth to the story?

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ANSWER:  It may be a bit too soon to be sure, but there is preliminary
scientific evidence to suggest that local applications of a medication called
tretinoin may improve the appearance of skin aged by the sun, and that
wrinkling may be reduced.  Tretinoin is a prescription medication, a
derivative of Vitamin A, that is currently used to treat acne.  For that
indication, the medication is applied once daily, usually at bed time to
clean, dry skin.  It is available in three preparations; cream, gel, and
liquid.  While each of these may cause irritation to the skin, that is a side
effect of the medication, the liquid preparation is the most irritating, the
cream the least so.  Tretinoin works on the outer layer of the skin, the
epidermis, promotes normal growth, and normalizes the way the skin sheds its
outer layers.  Its undesirable side effects include irritation of the skin,
causing it to become red and scaly.  It may also heighten a person's
sensitivity to sun exposure.  It may be that it also has an effect on the
dermis, the tissue that lies beneath the epidermis, and there stimulates the
growth of collagen and new vessels, reversing the effects of aging caused by
sunlight.  While all this may sound like something you always dreamed of, you
must use this preparation under medical supervision, being aware that there
are cases where the medication has changed the pigmentation of the skin.
Whenever any side effects are discovered, the medication must be discontinued.
Additional investigations are needed to fully evaluate both the potential
beneficial effects, as well as any possible hazards which may result from use
of this medication.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.