Big problems with RetinA - PLEASE HELP!!!

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Originally posted by Kirajo

I've had KP for about a year now, and I've had big problems in the past with picking the bumps and causing scars. My doctor prescribed RetinA (the really strong one) and I've been using it for about a month. In that time, I have hardly picked at all and the bumps have almost disappeared. The problem is, I am now getting these horrible red infected looking sores that seem to appear out of nowhere. They are all over my arms and don't seem to be getting any better. My arms look a million times worse than before I started the treatment but I'm afraid that if i stop the retinA, the bumps will come back and I will have those on top of the sores. Has anyone had this experience with RetinA? And does anyone know what these sores are or how I can get rid of them. PLEASE HELP!! I'M GETTING DESPERATE!

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Originally posted by vegas girl

Are you using a high SPF sunscreen? It sounds like it could be sun poisoning. Retin A is just too much for some people, and if it is increasing your sun sensitivity you need to be really careful and cover up or use very good sunscreen. My advice is to check with your Dr., but in the meantime, use an antibacterial soap and Neosporin (actually Polysporin is better according to my Dr.) on the sores and stay away from sun exposure until you find out what's up. I can not use Retin A for that reason. I use Retinol capsules by Jafra (www.Jafra.com) $40 for 30 capsules which lasts me 60 days. It is milder and does not make me sunburn. Do see the Dr. though for sure!

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Originally posted by John

Hi,
I had the same problem with retin A.
So I can only give you the advice to stop the treatment.
You should use a urea lotion (>10%) in the morning - and in the evenings you should use alpaha hydroxy gel on the cleaned skin.
In the first week use the alpha hydroxy only every 2nd evening.
And drink a lot of water (3l)everyday(without gas but with lemon in it).Take also pills with zinc
This should help you.
Best wishes,
John

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Originally posted by Curious George :0)

I was prescribed Retin-A a long time ago and all it did was burn & sting and it made my skin sort of feel velvety (sp?). I remember calling Ask-A-Nurse & telling them what it was doing & they recommended that I discontinue use. I took it in the winter though so I am not sure about a sun-burn issue with it but I did work in the Resturaunt Business at the time & the Glow Rays that kept the food warm really made it feel like my skin was on fire. I didnt like the Retin-A at all!