British Association of Dermatologists Guidelines on the Efficacy and Use of Acitretin in Dermatology
April 2010
in “
British Journal of Dermatology
”
TLDR Acitretin is effective for severe skin conditions but has significant side effects and requires careful monitoring.
The British Association of Dermatologists' 2010 guidelines on acitretin use in dermatology highlighted its efficacy in treating severe psoriasis and other conditions like lichen planus and cutaneous lupus erythematosus. Acitretin was effective in a dose-dependent manner and often used with therapies like PUVA and UVB. However, significant side effects, including teratogenicity, required strict contraceptive measures for women of childbearing age and careful monitoring of liver enzymes, lipids, and blood sugar levels. The guidelines emphasized evidence-based practice and acknowledged the need for future updates based on new research.