Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up

Skin Problems & Treatments Health Center

Font Size

Retinoid (Tretinoin) Cream for Warts

Examples

Generic NameBrand Name
tretinoinAvita, Renova, Retin-A

How It Works

Tretinoin is derived from vitamin A, one of a class of substances called retinoids. Retinoid cream disrupts the wart's skin cell growth. Follow your health professional's instructions for applying it at home.

Why It Is Used

Retinoids are commonly used to treat acne and aging skin.

How Well It Works

Experts don't know whether tretinoin cream is an effective treatment for common warts.

Side Effects

Oral use of retinoid medicine is linked with serious birth defects. So tretinoin cream is not recommended for pregnant women.

When applied to the skin, tretinoin cream can cause:

  • Dry, irritated skin.
  • Changes in skin color.
  • Sunlight sensitivity (requiring sunscreen use or covering of treated skin).
  • Red, swollen, crusted, or blistered skin.

Overuse of tretinoin cream can increase skin irritation without improving treatment results.

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

Tretinoin safety data for children and breast-feeding women is not well established.

Tretinoin treatment of women who are or could be pregnant is not recommended.

Do not use tretinoin cream in combination with another topical treatment, such as salicylic acid, because significant skin irritation can result.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF)pdf(What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: September 02, 2010
This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.

Today on WebMD

Cleansing skin
Article
Contact Dermatitis
Evaluator
 
teen girl cleansing face
Slideshow
mosquito bite
Q&A
 
boy with pimple
Q&A
shingles rash on skin
Article
 
woman with skin tag
Quiz
Harvest mite
Slideshow
 
woman washing her hair in sink
Video
close up of womans bare neck
Tools
 
Feet
Slideshow
woman touching forehead
Video