How long does the Tretinoin purge last?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been using Tretinoin for the past five months and for about three months I began to experience purging. However, at the time I did not know that it was purging, I just assumed that my skin was breaking out again because of the Tretinoin. So I decided to stop using it. I have been off of it for a little over a month and my skin has no improvement. After reading up on the whole purging series and realizing that I should not have stopped using it. I want to start back. Does this mean that I will be starting all over again and will experience another Tretinoin purge?

Please advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As you mentioned in the history also, yes, Tretinoin users experience skin purging. But it occurs for the initial few weeks only and it improves on its own with treatment continuation. Flare of acne, dryness, and irritation occurs for a few weeks. It should have subsided by now as you have stopped it for over a month. Please share a photo so I can assess how severe it is and can advise treatment accordingly. Also, if you start again you may face flare again but not necessarily. I would like to start you on one short-term systemic steroid also along with Isotretinoin to prevent this purging. But do not start steroids on your own without a dermatologist consultation as it has their own side effects. Until then, apply moisturizer on the face.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.