title: Retinoid treatment of skin diseases.
abstract: Retinoids (vitamin A and its metabolites) are potent natural regulators of cellular activities, including cell growth and differentiation, and they mediate many essential regulatory functions, especially in the skin. Biologically active retinoids exert their effects by binding to nuclear retinoic acid receptors and retinoid-X-receptors. The group of pharmacologically used retinoids include naturally occurring and chemically synthesised vitamin A derivatives. Due to their influence on keratinocyte proliferation, epidermal differentiation and keratinisation, retinoids are commonly used in the field of dermatopharmacology. For safe administration of retinoids, in-depth information about adverse effects and comprehensive information of the patient are important. This article gives an overview on the effects, use, and side-effects of topical and systemic retinoids in dermatology.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, SLK Hospital Heilbronn, Am Gesundbrunnen 20 -26, 74078 Heilbronn, Germany.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Beckenbach
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Jens M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Baron
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology and Allergology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Hans F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Merk
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, SLK Hospital Heilbronn, Am Gesundbrunnen 20 -26, 74078 Heilbronn, Germany.
authors.forename: Harald
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Löffler
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, SLK Hospital Heilbronn, Am Gesundbrunnen 20 -26, 74078 Heilbronn, Germany, Department of Dermatology and Allergology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Philipp M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Amann
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000287:Administration, Topical; D000077556:Alitretinoin; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D061214:Patient Safety; D012176:Retinoids / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D012176:Retinoids; D000077556:Alitretinoin; D014212:Tretinoin
keywords: dermatopharmacology; retinoid therapy; retinoids; vitamin A derivatives