ABSTRACT
The most common side effect of retinoids is dryness of the skin and mucous membranes which most commonly create xerosis, cheilitis, xerophthalmia, and epistaxis. Topical retinoids bind to specific receptors that result in different efficacy and tolerability. Epistaxis is the other common side effect of retinoids and is related to dry nasal mucosa, occurring in 25%–40% of patients. One of the most common side effects of retinoids is skin irritation, which may occur during topical or systemic retinoid therapies. Clinically, retinoid-induced dermatitis is characterized by erythema, scaling, pruritus, burning, stinging, and dryness. There are sporadic case reports of scrotal ulceration, associated with daily oral all-trans-retinoic acid administration in patients with leukemia. Retinoid associated photochemical reactions are an issue of concern in several research fields including photochemistry, spectroscopy, and photobiology. Retinoids also play a role in the regulation of skin pigmentation, which may lead to dyschromia during isotretinoin therapy.
