[The use of retinoids in dermatology]

Retinoids--new agents derived from vitamin A have initiated a new era in therapy of many skin diseases. They are highly effective medicines used in the treatment of severe forms of psoriasis. Also they are administered in many forms of acne, as alternative drugs do not exist. Moreover, retinoids show antineoplastic activity. They are also effective in the symptomatic treatment of the congenital keratinization disorder syndromes. The recent development of retinoids combined with the growth of expertise with regard to the biological function and mechanisms of retinoid receptors, are likely to improve the present therapeutic methods and to reveal new potentials regarding the use of retinoids in the therapy of many skin disorders.