Why is Acne Worse for Some in Warm Weather, But Not for Others?
Acne 411
Some Little Known Facts That May Surprise You!
Most people associate acne with teenagers, but in reality acne can occur at almost any time in one’s life, from early childhood to post menopause. With the click of a button, the internet seems to offer an endless supply of information for treating acne so it’s understandable how people can be confused between what is a myth and what is a fact.
Here is the 411 as it pertains to acne and age, acne and location and an acne treatment:
FROM TWO WEEKS TO EIGHTY YEARS
If you’re a new mom you may be surprised to discover that babies can develop what is known as infantile or baby acne and it may develop on a newborn’s skin. Baby acne can occur anywhere on the face, but usually appears on the cheeks, nose and forehead. This condition is common and, thankfully, temporary. There’s little you can do to prevent baby acne and it usually clears up on its own, without scarring.1
Then, of course, there is teenage acne, mostly thought to be brought on by hormone fluctuations during puberty. There are many theories about the role of diet, stress and genetics, but no definitive evidence yet to fully explain acne. Fortunately, today’s wide array of lasers can help adults treat some of the scars this kind of acne often leaves behind.
Finally, there is adult acne which most people don’t think of when they think about acne. Adult acne mostly affects women over the age of 25 and can still cause problems many years past menopause.2
WHAT TO DO
There are two important rules of thumb when it comes to treating acne in adolescents and adults. Consult with a dermatologist and stick to the treatment regimen you are prescribed. A very effective prescription drug called tretinoin is often an extremely useful tool in helping to combat adult acne. Traditionally, tretinoins can be irritating to the skin, making compliance an issue. However, there is a tretinoin available in a lotion formulation that many patients are finding to be both effective and tolerable.
Altreno® (tretinoin) Lotion, 0.05% from Ortho Dermatologics is a treatment for acne, including for adults for whom acne can be a persistent condition; one they thought they left behind in their teenage years.2 This can be especially problematic for women, because nearly four times as many women suffer from adult acne than men.3 Altreno® Lotion is the first and only tretinoin lotion, designed with women in mind, providing efficacy and tolerability with a once-daily dosing. Its elegant lotion formulation helps women achieve beautiful skin by working to treat their acne. Altreno® Lotion is a smart choice tretinoin because of its hydrating formulation (0.05% tretinoin) that fits seamlessly into a woman’s existing skincare regimen.
Altreno® (tretinoin) Lotion, 0.05%
- Delivered in an elegant lotion vehicle that spreads smoothly and absorbs quickly into the skin
- 4% or fewer patients reported adverse effects in clinical trials; for patients who have adverse events, it’s important to discuss with their doctor.
- Formulated with ingredients such as soluble collagen, glycerin and sodium hyaluronate that are known to hydrate the skin
- Has the established efficacy of a tretinoin
- Suitable across skin types
- Can be used day or night, once daily application
- A cash pay product
- From the makers of Retin-A – Ortho Dermatologics
NAVIGATING ACNE’S GEOGRAPHY
An interesting fact about acne is that at different stages in one’s life acne may appear in different areas of the face and the body. Infantile acne is apt to be seen on the cheeks, nose and forehead. The same is true for teenage acne, striking mostly in the “T-Zone.” Teenagers and young adults may also experience acne on the chest and back. But, acne that occurs after the age of 25 sometimes appears in the “U-Zone.” This is characterized by breakouts on the jaw line, the chin and the neck.
Regardless of one’s age, there are a variety of acne treatment options. People who suffer with acne should turn to their dermatologist who can help determine which treatment may be right for them,
COST: About $115.00 USD cash payment for up to a 3 month supply
AVAILABILITY: By prescription only
INDICATION
Altreno® (tretinoin) lotion, 0.05% is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients 9 years of age and older.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
It is not known if ALTRENO is safe and effective in children under 9 years of age. ALTRENO is for use on the skin only. Do not use it in your eyes, mouth, or vagina.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using ALTRENO?
Before you use ALTRENO, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- are allergic to fish. ALTRENO contains fish proteins. Tell your healthcare provider if you get hives or itching during treatment with ALTRENO.
- have eczema or any other skin problems.
- have a sunburn.
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if ALTRENO will harm your unborn baby.
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if ALTRENO passes into your breast milk.
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Certain medicines, vitamins, or supplements may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Tell your healthcare provider about any cosmetics you use, including moisturizers, creams, lotions, or products that can dry out your skin.
What should I avoid while using ALTRENO?
- You should avoid sunlamps, tanning beds, and ultraviolet light during treatment with ALTRENO.
- Minimize exposure to sunlight. If you have to be in the sunlight or are sensitive to sunlight, use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more and wear protective clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to cover the treated areas.
What are the possible side effects of ALTRENO? ALTRENO may cause serious side effects, including:
Skin Irritation: ALTRENO may cause irritation, including skin dryness, pain, redness, excessive flaking or peeling. If you develop these symptoms, your healthcare provider may tell you to stop using ALTRENO for a while, decrease how often you use it, or stop it altogether. Avoid applying ALTRENO to skin that is affected by eczema or sunburned.
- These are not all the possible side effects of ALTRENO.
- Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs. Visit https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch/default.htm or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please click here for full prescribing information.
About Ortho Dermatologics:
Ortho Dermatologics is one of the largest prescription dermatology businesses dedicated to helping patients in the treatment of a range of therapeutic areas including actinic keratosis, acne, atopic dermatitis, cold sores, athlete’s foot, nail fungus and other dermatoses. The Ortho Dermatologics portfolio includes several leading acne, antifungal and corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses products. More information can be found at www.ortho-dermatologics.com.
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