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Compare Virasal vs. Tretinoin

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Salicylic acid (Salex) and tretinoin (Retin-A) are both topical medications used to treat acne, but they belong to different medication classes. Salicylic acid is a keratolytic agent that helps exfoliate the skin and unclog pores, while tretinoin is a retinoid, a form of vitamin A that replaces old skin cells with new ones and also unclogs pores. Salicylic acid is available over-the-counter and by prescription in various forms like creams, gels, and shampoos, whereas tretinoin is only available by prescription as a cream or gel. Salicylic acid can treat a wide range of skin conditions, including warts, psoriasis, and dandruff, while tretinoin is specifically FDA-approved for acne. You can use salicylic acid multiple times a day, but tretinoin is typically applied once daily, usually at bedtime. Common side effects of salicylic acid include dry and irritated skin, while tretinoin can cause skin redness, peeling, and increased sensitivity to sunlight. It's important to avoid using both medications together without consulting a healthcare professional as they can increase skin irritation.

  • Salicylic acid
    Retin-a (tretinoin)
  • Salicylic acid
    Retin-a (tretinoin)

  • Summary of Virasal vs. Tretinoin

    Summary for Keratolytic agent

    Salicylic acid is a topical medication that comes in different strengths to treat a variety of skin conditions, including acne, warts, psoriasis, and dandruff. It's available in different formulations, such as cleanser, shampoo, body and face wash, and cream. Some salicylic acid products are available by prescription only. OTC topical salicylic acid can typically be used for a limited time during pregnancy, but you should check in with your provider before you start. Side effects of salicylic acid include skin irritation, dry skin, and itching.

    Summary for Retinoid
    Prescription only

    Retin-A (tretinoin) is a retinoid medication that's used to treat acne in adults and children 12 years and older. It's available as a cream or a gel that's applied onto the skin once a day. Side effects include skin irritation, redness, and peeling. Your acne might get worse at the beginning of treatment, but it should get better as you continue using the medication. You must have a prescription for Retin-A (tretinoin) from your primary care provider or dermatologist; this medication isn't available over the counter.

  • Indications of Virasal vs. Tretinoin

    Indications for
    •Acne
    •Burns
    •Calluses
    •Corns
    •Dandruff
    •Fungal infections
    •Insect bites
    •Warts
    •Other conditions that cause thickened skin (such as ichthyosis vulgaris and pityriasis rubra pilaris)
    •Psoriasis
    •Seborrheic dermatitis
    Indications for
    •Acne

  • Pros and Cons of Virasal vs. Tretinoin

    Pros and Const for Keratolytic agent
    Pros
    •Convenient to use because it’s available in many different forms
    •Generally well-tolerated and works well at treating a variety of skin conditions
    •Available over the counter
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Can cause side effects, such as dryness, peeling, and irritation of the skin
    •Might need to use for a long time for certain conditions (e.g., warts)
    •Might not work as well as other acne medications (e.g., benzoyl peroxide, retinoids)
    •Higher strengths are only available by prescription
    Pros and Const for Retinoid
    Pros
    •Easy to apply onto your skin
    •Only need to apply once nightly
    •Available in a lower-cost generic form
    Cons
    •Makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight, which can lead to sunburns
    •Can cause your skin color to temporarily become lighter or darker
    •Might worsen your acne during the first few weeks of treatment

  • Common Side Effects of Virasal vs. Tretinoin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Dry skin
    •Peeling skin
    •Skin irritation
    •Skin stinging
    •Burning
    •Itching
    Common Side Effects for
    •Skin peeling or discomfort
    •Warm feeling or stinging after applying
    •Skin redness
    •Sensitivity to sunlight (sunburns)
    •Worsening of acne in the first few weeks of treatment

  • Warnings of Virasal vs. Tretinoin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Infection in people with diabetes or poor blood flow
    •Brain and liver damage in children or teenagers (Reye's syndrome)
    •Higher levels of salicylate (salicylate toxicity)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Sunburns
    •Skin irritation in extreme weather
    •Skin reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Virasal vs. Tretinoin

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