Abstract

Acne vulgaris (AV) is a communal chronic skin disease which causes both inflammatory (papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts) and non-inflammatory lesions (open and closed comedones). Though most cases arise during adolescence, it can also persist or arise in adulthood. Acne is related with depression, poor self-image, and anxiety, all of which destructivelyupset quality of life.

Keywords Acne vulgaris, comedonal acne, actinic keratosis, photoaging, tretinoin lotion 0.05%

Introduction

We present a case of comedonal acne in an elderly female treated with a novel tretinoin lotion 0.05%. She also had some actinic keratosis (AK), which are hyperkeratotic, scaly lesions due to prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. These lesions have the capability to develop into squamous cell carcinoma. In this patient, a novel tretinoin lotion 0.05% resulted in quick and constant improvement of acne.

The selection of therapy is influenced by many factors like, patient preference for the mode of treatment, the distribution and number of lesions, lesion characteristics, patient patience for side-effects (e.g. pain, inflammation, hypopigmentation, scarring), availability of treatment, and cost.

Case report

A 64-year-old womancame with facial comedonal AV, AK of the face and neck, and self-reported complaints of dull complexion.

Her past dermatological history comprised basal cell carcinoma of the right temple and left nasal tip. After ruling out fish protein allergies, she was recommended tretinoin lotion, 0.05% for comedonal acne. She was counselled to apply a thin layer topically to her face at bedtime and reduceunshielded exposure to UV light including sunlight and sunlamps throughout the treatment with tretinoin lotion.

After 1-month follow-up, her facial appearance was visibly enhanced and she had fewer acne lesions. There was noteworthy improvement in her comedonal acne at her 3-month visit.

No side-effects (treatment-related) were experienced. She was instructed to continue escaping unprotected exposure to UV light and advised to contact again, if she developed pruritus or urticaria.

Discussion

Tretinoin lotion 0.05% consists of micronized tretinoin particles together with skin hydrating ingredients: sodium hyaluronate, soluble collagen, and glycerin in a polymeric mesh matrix. Though the particular mode of action of tretinoin in acne treatment is unknown, data suggests that topical tretinoinreduces cohesiveness of follicular epithelial cells with decreased microcomedone formation. Quite a few studies have confirmednoteworthy success of this new formulation in reducing inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions in moderate and severe female acne.

Tretinoin lotion, used for treatment of acne, also mend skin tone and photodamage. Even though this has not been reported earlier, it is acknowledged that photoaging can be treated by retinoid formulations.

Conclusion

Tretinoin lotion 0.05% is effective and well-tolerated in the treatment of comedonal acne..

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