Systemic retinoids are drugs specifically employed in dermatology, with only
isolated indications in other specialties. Nevertheless, they have effects on different organs
different from skin, and dermatologists should be aware of these effects. In this chapter
four drugs are reviewed: isotretinoin, acitretin, alitretinoin and bexarotene. There is a wide
spectrum of conditions responsive to systemic retinoids: acne, psoriasis, eczema, cutaneous
lymphoma… etc. and they are important instruments in their therapy, once adverse effects
have been controlled. An individualized assessment has been performed, mainly on the
indications and adverse events, due to the differences among them.
Keywords: Retinoids, acitretin, etretinate, isotretinoin, retinaldehide, vitamin A,
tretinoin, administration, oral, skin and connective tissue diseases, dermatologic
agents, skin diseases skin.
