Retinoid (tretinoin) cream for warts
Content provided by Healthwise
Examples
| Brand Name | Chemical Name |
| Retin-A | tretinoin |
How It Works
Tretinoin is derived from vitamin A, one of a class of substances called retinoids. Retinoid cream disrupts the wart's skin cell growth. Follow your health professional's instructions for applying it at home.
Why It Is Used
Retinoids are commonly used to treat acne and aging skin.
How Well It Works
In one small study (two groups of 25 subjects), 85% of the children treated with tretinoin cream were successfully cleared of warts, compared with only 32% of those treated with a placebo.1
Side Effects
Oral use of retinoid medication is linked with serious birth defects. Tretinoin cream is therefore not recommended for pregnant women.
When applied to the skin, tretinoin cream can cause:
- Dry, irritated skin.
- Changes in skin color.
- Sunlight sensitivity (requiring sunscreen use or covering of treated skin).
- Red, swollen, crusted, or blistered skin.
Overuse of tretinoin cream can increase skin irritation without improving treatment results.
See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)
What To Think About
Tretinoin safety data for children and breast-feeding women is not well established.
Tretinoin treatment of women who are or could be pregnant is not recommended.
Do not use tretinoin cream in combination with another topical treatment, such as salicylic acid, as significant skin irritation can result.
Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.
References
Citations
Sterling JC, et al. (2001). Guidelines for the management of cutaneous warts. British Journal of Dermatology, 144(1): 4–11.
Credits
| Author | Sabra L. Katz-Wise |
| Author | Ralph Poore |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology |
| Last Updated | October 20, 2006 |
Print This
| Last updated: | October 20, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Ralph Poore |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine, Randall D. Burr, MD - Dermatology |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman |
© 1995-2007, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. By using AOL Body, you indicate that you have read, understood, and agreed to our Terms of Service, and AOL Body Advertising Policy. Read more about our content partners.
Search
Related Articles
Where Does it Hurt?
If you're experiencing aches and pains we can help you find answers. Find out what your symptoms mean for your health.
