Retinoids
Retinoids are a group of compounds derived from Vitamin A. They can be synthetic or natural and are among the most common active ingredients in several dermatological and cosmeceutical medications. They could either be categorized as retinal, retinol, or retinyl esters. People who need to use retinoids can buy weaker forms of the medication as an over-the-counter product. However, if they need a stronger formulation to treat severe conditions of skin infections such as folliculitis, they need to consult with a doctor to get the right prescription.
Retinoids are available in oral or topical forms. Isotretinoin, an oral retinoid, can be the most effective treatment for gram-negative folliculitis and folliculitis decalvans, a resistant and severe type of scalp folliculitis. As retinoids are a synthesized version of Vitamin A, they are also antioxidants. Antioxidants work against infections and inflammations as they fight bacteria, fungi, and viruses that cause swelling, redness, and itchiness. They also help repair the damaged follicles, speeding up the healing process.
Doctors warn against overusing retinoids because they can also cause sensitivity to sunlight and skin color changes.
