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Doctors prescribe both natural and synthetic retinoids -- derivatives of vitamin A -- to treat cancer, eye diseases and skin diseases. Additionally, retinoids are popular topical anti-aging treatments for skin. Retinoid products have been classified into four generations, each increasingly potent.
Visiting First-Generation Retinoids
Three types of retinoids fall under first-generation classification: alitretinoin, isotretinoin and tretinoin. Panretin is the brand name for alitretinoin gel, which is used to treat Kaposi's sarcoma. Brand names for isotretinoin include Accutane, Roaccutane, Accure and IsotrexGel. Doctors prescribe isotretinoins as oral medications for severe acne. Tretinoin, also known as Renova, Retin-A and Vesanoid, is a topical treatment for acne, wrinkles and darkened or damaged skin. It increases cellular turnover in problem areas of skin to make it smooth and uniform.
Considering Second-Generation Retinoids
Second-generation retinoids treat psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and icthyosis. Psoriasis and ichthyosis cause rough red patches and accumulation of scales on skin. Psoriatic arthritis is a rheumatoidlike arthritis. Etretinate, known as the brand name Tegison, and acitretin, brand name Soriatane, are second-generation retinoids taken orally as treatment.
Examining Third- and Fourth-Generation Retinoids
Third-generation retinoids include tazarotene and adapalene. Tazarotene is sold as Tazorac, Fabior or Avage for use as a topical treatment for acne, psoriasis and skin discoloration. Adapalene is a topical gel known by the brand name Differin and its prescribed to treat moderate acne. Targretin is the brand name for bexarotene, a fourth-generation retinoid used to treat cancer and seletinoid G is the newest synthetic fourth-generation retinoid.
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References
- Annual Review of Pathology Mechanisms of Disease: Retinoids, Retinoic Acid, Receptors, and Cancer
- Clinical Interventions in Aging: Retinoids in the Treatment of Skin Aging: An Overview of Clinical Efficacy and Safety
- Trends in Pharmacological Science: Retinoids for Treatment of Retinal Diseases
- DailyMed, National Institutes of Health: Targretin
Writer Bio
Based in Michigan, Keri Gardner has been writing scientific journal articles since 1998. Her articles have appeared in such journals as "Disability and Rehabilitation" and "Journal of Orthopaedic Research." She holds a Master of Science in comparative medicine and integrative biology from Michigan State University.
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