title: [Retinoids in dermatopharmacology].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Retinoids are important in regulating cell proliferation and differentiation and play an important role in the body, including the skin.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Our objective is to review the current medical literature regarding use, effects and side-effects of topical and systemic retinoids used for therapy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Pubmed/Medline electronic database was searched for relevant German and English literature.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The group of retinoids used for therapeutic purposes includes both naturally occurring and chemically synthesized vitamin A derivates. Because of their influence on keratinization and epithelial differentiation, as well on the proliferation of benign and malignant keratinocytes, retinoids have found a wide application in the field of dermatopharmacology.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Retinoids are among the most efficacious drugs used in the treatment of dermatological disorders and have a wide range of biological effects. Thorough knowledge about side-effects and comprehensive information for the patient are essential for safe treatment with retinoids.
authors.affiliation: Klinik für Dermatologie und Allergologie, Universitätsklinikum der RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Deutschland, philipp-amann@web.de.
authors.forename: P M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Amann
authors.forename: H F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Merk
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Baron
mesh_terms: D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D012176:Retinoids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D012176:Retinoids