Benefits

Tretinoin

Tretinoin, also known as all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), is a naturally occurring vitamin A derivative. As vitamin A (retinol) derivatives, retinoids are important regulators of cell reproduction and cell proliferation and differentiation; however, unlike vitamin A, retinoids are not converted into rhodopsin, which is needed for night vision. Topical tretinoin is indicated in treating mild to moderate acne (e.g., grades I-III) and photodamaged skin. Topical tretinoin has also been used in the symptomatic management of keratinization disorders such as ichthyosis and keratosis follicularis. Tretinoin represents a new class of anticancer drugs, differentiating agents. Oral tretinoin is used in treating acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) and is undergoing phase III investigation in treating Kaposi's sarcoma. In treating APL, tretinoin offers a less toxic means to induce complete remission than conventional chemotherapy; however, approximately 25% of patients who receive tretinoin for treating APL have experienced acute promyelocytic leukemia differentiation syndrome.1

Benefits

Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone is a naturally occurring steroid hormone secreted by the adrenal cortex that has glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity. Synthetic hydrocortisone is available pharmaceutically in a variety of rectal, parenteral, oral, and topical dosage forms. As a naturally occurring glucocorticoid with salt-retaining properties, systemic hydrocortisone is used primarily as replacement therapy in adrenocortical deficiency states and when emergency anti-inflammatory treatment is needed.2 Rectal hydrocortisone products are beneficial in inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions limited to the rectum and anus. Systemic hydrocortisone may be used in many other allergic, immune, and inflammatory conditions in adult and pediatric patients; however, systemic corticosteroids that have more potent glucocorticoid activity and minimal mineralocorticoid activity, such as prednisone, are preferred for such uses, as they induce better response and reduce the risks of excess mineralocorticoid side effects. Systemic corticosteroids may be added to other long-term maintenance medications to manage uncontrolled severe persistent asthma, and short courses may be used for asthma exacerbations; however, systemic hydrocortisone is rarely used for these purposes. Topical hydrocortisone is considered low potency and is used in mild to moderate corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses, and many topical dosage forms are available without a prescription. Low-potency topical corticosteroids are the safest for chronic use and may be used on the face or intertriginous areas, with occlusion, and in infants and young children.