Acitretin: What It Is, How It Works, and Alternatives You Should Know

When you hear acitretin, a synthetic retinoid used primarily to treat severe psoriasis and other skin disorders. Also known as Soriatane, it works by slowing down the overgrowth of skin cells that cause thick, scaly patches. Unlike topical creams, acitretin is taken orally and affects your whole body—making it powerful, but also requiring careful use.

Acitretin is part of a family of drugs called retinoids, which include isotretinoin, the well-known acne treatment often sold as Accutane. While both are vitamin A derivatives, acitretin is mostly for psoriasis, and isotretinoin targets severe acne. They share similar risks: dry skin, raised cholesterol, and serious birth defects. That’s why women of childbearing age must use two forms of birth control and avoid pregnancy for at least three years after stopping acitretin. Men should also avoid donating sperm during and after treatment. If you’re on this drug, you’re not just treating skin—you’re managing a system-wide change.

Many people switch from acitretin to other options because of side effects or the long waiting period after stopping. topical retinoids, like tretinoin cream or adapalene gel are milder and don’t require blood tests or pregnancy prevention. For moderate psoriasis, alternatives like methotrexate, cyclosporine, or biologics might offer better safety profiles. Even natural options like phototherapy or fish oil supplements help some people reduce reliance on strong oral drugs. The key isn’t just finding what works—it’s finding what works without risking your long-term health.

What you’ll find in the posts below are real comparisons—like how acitretin stacks up against other retinoid treatments, what doctors watch for during treatment, and how patients manage side effects like dry lips or joint pain. You’ll see how people balance effectiveness with safety, and why some choose to stop acitretin even when it clears their skin. No fluff. Just facts, experiences, and practical choices people actually made.