Alitretinoin is a first-generation retinoid obtained after isomerization of tretinoin. It has shown to be of value in treating recalcitrant hand eczema and is licensed for the same in many European countries. Besides, topical alitretinoin (0.1%) gel is approved by the FDA for localized cutaneous Kaposi sarcoma. Because of its very short t1/2, alitretinoin proves advantageous in women belonging to the child-bearing age group. Also, alitretinoin has a better safety profile when compared to tretinoin and isotretinoin and may prove to be a better first-line drug for many retinoid responsive dermatoses in the future.