Treatment of post-menopausal acne with tretinoin lotion 0.05% delivers rapid results and concomitant benefits

Abstract

We describe a case of comedonal acne in a post-menopausal female treated with a novel tretinoin lotion 0.05%. The patient also had some actinic keratoses, which are hyperkeratotic, scaly lesions caused by prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation. These lesions have the ability to progress into squamous cell carcinoma. Actinic keratoses can occur in patients as young as 20 years, but are more common in patients aged 50 years and older. Topical retinoids are recommended as monotherapy in comedonal acne but despite their documented clinical efficacy are underutilized due to concerns about cutaneous tolerability. Topical tretinoin is currently not recommended as first-line therapy in the treatment of actinic keratosis as its efficacy is not comparable to that of other modalities. In this patient, a novel tretinoin lotion 0.05% resulted in rapid in and sustained improvement of acne. The investigator also observed improvement in actinic keratoses and photodamage. If these results can be confirmed in a larger patient population this may be an attractive area of investigation for the treatment of patients with adult acne and photodamaged skin.

Unveiling the Nuances of Adult Female Acne: A Comprehensive Exploration of Epidemiology, Treatment Modalities, Dermocosmetics, and the Menopausal Influence

“…Topical therapies are recommended as first-line approach in mild AFA, as well as for maintenance treatment. 74 In mild-disease cases, topical retinoid or benzoyl peroxide, either as mono-therapy or in combination with topical antibiotics and azelaic acid, is primarily recommended. Of note is that topical agents are active only where and when they are applied.…”