Topical retinoids are drugs specifically employed in determined disorders of
the skin. For instance, tretinoin, isotretinoin and adapalene are employed mainly in
acne. Moreover, tazarotene is also indicated for the treatment of stable plaque psoriasis.
On the other hand, alitretinoin is indicated for the treatment of AIDs-related Kaposi
sarcoma and bexarotene for mycosis fungoides. New indications for topical retinoids
might be emerging, such as the use of bexarotene gel for chronic hand eczema or for
alopecia areata. In contrast to systemic retinoids, topical retinoids have a safe toxicity
profile. Local effects are the main adverse events, such as erythema, dryness, stinging
and itching are frequent at the beginning of the treatment.
Keywords: Retinoids, acitretin, etretinate, isotretinoin, retinaldehide, vitamin A,
tretinoin, administration, topical, administration, cutaneous, drug therapy, skin.
