A recent article published in StatPearls [Internet] discussed that tretinoin– a valuable medication in the treatment of mild, moderate and severe acne, is used topically as well as systemically. Its oral formulation is also used in the management of acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). 

This drug has been approved by the US FDA for the following indications:

Topical tretinoin gel and cream:

• Acne vulgaris
• Adjunctive palliative treatment of photoaging

        o    Fine facial wrinkles

        o    Facial skin roughness

        o    Facial mottled hyperpigmentation or liver spots

Oral tretinoin (Isotretinoin) is approved for:

• In acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) patients with refractory disease—for those who have a relapse from or contraindication to anthracycline-based therapy.
• Presence of translocations on chromosomes 15 and 17 t(15;17) demonstrating French-American-British (FAB) classification M3 (including the M3 variant)
• Moderate-to-severe and cystic acne 

The authors stated that tretinoin is a vitamin A derivate and belongs toretinoids class of medications.Sunscreen is a requirement for all patients on tretinoins, owing to the increased risk of photosensitivity with its use. In addition, patients must be warned against overt exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. The use of protective clothing and sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher according to tretinoin drug label) must be recommended when outdoors, even on a cloudy day.

Furthermore, the use of skin products that may cause skin irritation and dryness should be avoided. Moreover, physicians, healthcare personnel should be made aware of guidelines to ensure the safe and effective pharmacotherapy with tretinoin– all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and isotretinoin.

Source: In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557478/