ABSTRACT
Psoriasis is a common, chronic or relapsing, systemic inflammatory disorder affecting 2%–4% of the World population. Retinoids have been introduced into systemic psoriasis therapy in the 1970ies with etretinate as the primary followed by acitretin later. Retinoids are a substantial part of topical and systemic treatment of psoriasis. Due to their delayed response, they can be considered as basic treatments for the disease. In contrast to other systemic anti-psoriatic drugs, retinoids are not immunosuppressive. The retinoids are especially effective in pustular, erythrodermic and palmoplantar variants of psoriasis. They may be combined with phototherapy such as Re-PUVA, or re-NBUVB, and topical modalities. For oral retinoids, laboratory monitoring is essential. Topical retinoids significantly reduce the risk of systemic adverse events. New formulations are nanostructured lipid carriers. Absolute contraindications for all retinoids are pregnancy, nursing, women of child-bearing age without safe contraception, and severe renal or hepatic impairment. Adverse events are common but mostly tolerable.
