Retinoids are drugs that are derivatives of vitamin A. They are primarily used in dermatology, where they are used to treat acne and psoriasis, among others. As effective as retinoids can be, there may be some risks associated with their use - what should patients be aware of when their doctors recommend retinoids?
Retinoids are available in various forms - some of these drugs are intended for external use, while others are taken orally. Retinoids are used to treat a variety of skin conditions - retinoids are often used to treat acne and psoriasis, but they are also used to treat various skin blemishes.
Retinoids exhibit several different effects. It is mentioned that they can have an anti-ageing effect due to the fact that they promote the synthesis of procollagen. They are characterised by anti-inflammatory effects, regulate the growth rate of cells in the outer parts of the skin and have a supportive effect on unblocking skin pores.
Proper use of retinoids should not result in any serious side-effects, but it is worth mentioning here anyway, which problems may occur while taking these drugs. When retinoids are applied to the skin in high doses over long periods of time, skin irritation is possible, which can manifest as redness, excessive dryness and itching. In rare cases, skin discolouration, skin swelling or eczema can be a side effect of retinoid use.
There is another very important aspect of retinoid use worth mentioning here. Taking retinoids may increase the risk of birth defects in the foetus - for this reason, pregnant women should definitely not use these drugs, while for other patients, pregnancy is recommended after a certain period of time has elapsed since the cessation of retinoid treatment.