Retinoids

Information about the use of retinoids in the treatment of psoriasis.

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Retinoids are a class of Vitamin-A derivatives, some of which show antipsoriatic activity in topical or oral (systemic) forms. Do not confuse these drugs with “normal,” dietary Vitamin A, which can be deadly in large doses. Retinoids are not Vitamin A, and there is little evidence that taking massive quantities of Vitamin A will have any effect on psoriasis.

The NPF and many online pharmacology resources have so much good, accessible, information on these drugs (see below) that I will leave writing my own summary until a later date.

Unreviewed Treatments and Information


NPF
Mild psoriasis: prescription topical treatmentsGrade B
Moderate to severe psoriasis: systemic medications — SoriataneGrade B

Tazarotene (Topical)
Tazorac®, or Zorac outside the U.S.A.
About.com
Covered by Newfoundland & Labrador’s Drug Program when more conventional treatments failPDF File
New Psoriasis Treatment Clears Lesions, Eases Pain
Psoriasis Guru
Skin Therapy LetterPDF File
Tazarotene Is First New Generation Retinoid For Treating Plaque Psoriasis (June, 1997)

Etretinate (Oral)
Tegison®
The Free Dictionary
MedicineNet.com

Acitretin (Oral)
Soriatane™ (Neotegison in some countries)

Advances in Psoriasis Treatment
DermNet NZ
Psoriasis Help Organisation
Skin Therapy Letter
Stason.org

Isotretinoin (Oral acne medication, used “off-label” for psoriasis sometimes)
Accutane™ (Sometimes called Roaccutane outside the U.S.)

Accutane for Acne — P Trigger?
NPF Forum Thread

New Treatments on the Horizon for Psoriasis

Psoriasis Free For Life

Retinoids for Psoriasis