Heel R C, Brogden R N, Speight T M, Avery G S
Drugs. 1977 Dec;14(6):401-19. doi: 10.2165/00003495-197714060-00001.
Vitamin A acid (retinoic acid: tretinoin) is a vitamin A derivative used in the topical treatment of acne. It acts by 'unseating' comedones, improvement developing slowly over a period of 2 to 3 or more months, and is also said to prevent the formation of new lesions. About three-quarters of patients with acne vulgaris benefit from treatment. In controlled studies, results achieved after a 3 to 4 months course of treatment were superior to those with sulphur-resorcinol-salicylic acid. When compared with benzoyl peroxide, results were variable and appear to depend on the length of treatment, the types of formulations used, and the concentrations compared. Application of vitamin A acid should be continued until the patient has been free of new lesions for several months. Further continued application at a less frequent interval or using a less active dosage form may help to prevent exacerbations of acne. A systemic antibacterial agent such as tetracycline can be given as well as in patients with moderate to severe lesions. Vitamin A acid is used in conjunction with gentle washing (to remove surface oil) but should be applied to a dry skin to avoid unnecessary irritation. Patient education and encouragement are crucial during the initial phase of treatment when microcomedones may be converted to pustules prior to desquamation.
维甲酸（视黄酸：维甲酸）是一种维生素A衍生物，用于痤疮的局部治疗。它通过“清除”粉刺起作用，改善效果在2至3个月或更长时间内缓慢显现，据说还能预防新皮疹的形成。约四分之三的寻常痤疮患者能从治疗中获益。在对照研究中，3至4个月疗程的治疗效果优于使用硫磺 - 间苯二酚 - 水杨酸的治疗效果。与过氧化苯甲酰相比，结果不一，似乎取决于治疗时长、所用制剂类型以及比较的浓度。应持续使用维甲酸，直到患者数月无新皮疹出现。以较低频率继续使用或使用活性较低的剂型可能有助于预防痤疮加重。对于中度至重度皮疹患者，可同时给予全身性抗菌剂如四环素。维甲酸需与轻柔清洗（以去除表面油脂）联合使用，但应涂抹于干燥皮肤，以避免不必要的刺激。在治疗初期，当微粉刺在脱屑前可能转变为脓疱时，患者教育和鼓励至关重要。
