Acitretin and Peeling: What Users Say

• And...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 21, 2018

For Psoriasis "I have been taking acitretin for about 6 weeks, 25 mg daily. My psoriasis has mostly cleared, still got white patches, but I find the side effects are terrible. I constantly itch, especially on my scalp, I never had psoriasis on my scalp. My arms and legs have peeled, and my hands and feet continue to peel, they look awful. My lips are chapped. I have a waxy layer in my mouth, which means I can’t taste food anymore, and my skin feels waxy and sticky as well and so fragile. I just have to brush against something, and it takes a layer off. At this moment, I am full of grazes from all the scratching. I know that these are the side effects stated, but will it ever get better?"

• Wil...
• October 17, 2017

For Psoriasis "I’ve been on acitretin for over a year. Overall, it has helped my psoriasis, I’m not completely clear, but the flakiness has completely gone and the redness has reduced in areas. The side effects have made me question whether or not to continue on the drug. I was initially on 25 mg, but there were 0 changes to my psoriasis, I was then put onto 50 mg, and my psoriasis started to disappear extremely fast. On 50 mg, I was constantly tired, and my skin was peeling on my lips. I also feel the effect of weakened nails, of which I’ve had an ingrown toenail on both feet! I was dropped to 35 mg (currently on), and my psoriasis is at a stalemate, it definitely isn’t improving. I’m constantly fatigued and will hopefully be getting off them in December."

• JAG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 25, 2017

For Psoriasis "Had an erythrodermic flare from usual 20-25% plaque coverage (which is gone) 7 weeks ago. Red and flaking from the top of my head to the tops of my feet. (2nd such flare in 25 years). My derm doctor prescribed 25 mg Soriatane daily; GP prescribed Lipitor (20 mg) for cholesterol/liver. Now almost clear on face, legs, and torso though lips are still peeling (apply Aquaphor several times a day), some flaking on arms; redness subsiding especially on face. Feet and hands exhibited worst swelling and still somewhat red. Fingertips peeling - use mineral oil at night with cloth gloves. Soaking bath (at least 1 hour) in oatmeal every other day with Aquaphor after light towel dry to reduce flaking. 14 oz water 6 times and a bottle of Gatorade daily; 1000 mg of D3 at night. Use cough lozenges for dry throat."

• JAG...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 25, 2017

For Psoriasis "Had an erythrodermic flare from usual 20-25% plaque coverage (which is gone) 7 weeks ago. Red and flaking from the top of my head to the tops of my feet. (2nd such flare in 25 years). My derm doctor prescribed 25 mg Soriatane daily; GP prescribed Lipitor (20 mg) for cholesterol/liver. Now almost clear on face, legs, and torso though lips are still peeling (apply Aquaphor several times a day), some flaking on arms; redness subsiding especially on face. Feet and hands exhibited worst swelling and still somewhat red. Fingertips peeling - use mineral oil at night with cloth gloves. Soaking bath (at least 1 hour) in oatmeal every other day with Aquaphor after light towel dry to reduce flaking. 14 oz water 6 times and a bottle of Gatorade daily; 1000 mg of D3 at night. Use cough lozenges for dry throat."