The Rationale Behind Topical Vitamin D Analogs In The Treatment Of Psoriasis
Topical vitamin D analogs have become an integral component of the armamentarium used for the treatment of psoriasis. Clinical experience and multiple studies with topical vitamin D analogs have demonstrated efficacy with both monotherapy and combination therapy, with the latter approach found to be more applicable in the clinical setting. The most recent of this class of agents released in the United States is calcitriol. Calcitriol is a natural topical vitamin D3 analog with both short- and long-term studies demonstrating its efficacy and safety, with minimal risk of side effects., Studies have confirmed its efficacy as monotherapy however, this agent is also applicable to combination therapy for psoriasis, providing a corticosteroid-sparing benefit with a reduction in side effects and a decrease in relapse rates. The following review provides an overview of psoriasis management, with a focus on the use of topical therapy, and examines the evolution of calcitriol ointment in psoriasis treatment. Emphasis is placed primarily on the management of chronic plaque psoriasis.
Vitamin A Treatment For Psoriasis Vulgaris In A Dialysis Patient
Am J Kidney Dis.Semin Cutan Med Surg.
Am J Clin Dermatol.
Test | Dysfunctions of the liver and kidney, hypertriglyceridemia, hypercholesterolemia, anemia, and hypercalcemia have all been reported as laboratory abnormalities of hypervitaminosis A. | Notes |
---|---|---|
Within expected range for a patient receiving statin treatment | ||
HDL cholesterol | ||
Patient receiving calcium carbonate and a vitamin D derivative | ||
Phosphorus | 3.5-5.5 |
Note:
The Dermatologists Point Of View
Patients suffering from psoriasis present a broad range of clinical phenotypes. Psoriatic lesions are classified into plaque, guttate, pustular, and erythrodermic types according to clinical features, especially regarding lesions size and distribution . Disease onset may occur at any age, including childhood, with two peak age ranges, 16 to 22 and 57 to 60 years . Psoriasis lesions are characterized by hyper-proliferation with incomplete differentiation of epidermal keratinocytes and decreased keratinocyte apoptosis, associated with inflammatory cellular infiltrate in both dermis and epidermis . Psoriasis Area and Severity Index score is currently the preferred method for the assessment of the disease severity and extent .
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Vitamin A Derivatives Use In The Treatment Of Skin
When you go searching for the best vitamins for psoriasis, one keeps showing up again and again. Yup, we’re talking about Vitamin D for psoriasis. And it’s not just for psoriasis – the origins of Vitamin D date back at least 0.5 billion years to the first phytoplankton on the planet and it would appear [ Vitamin A is made up of a derivative compound known as retinol that becomes an essential part of it. The psoriasis is the disease which can be cured by the supplement of vitamin A which is also called as Retin A drugs. These biochemicals activate receptors of skin cells
Vitamin D Regulation Of Apoptosis In Keratinocytes

Calcitriol stimulates the synthesis of ceramide by inducing the neutral Mg2+-dependent sphingomyelinase and in return, ceramide enhances the pro-differentiating effect of calcitriol on keratinocytes in a feedback loop . It has been demonstrated that physiological concentrations of calcitriol do not initiate apoptosis in cultured keratinocytes but, in contrast, pharmacological concentrations of calcitriol exert a pro-apoptotic effect on keratinocytes .
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Prescription Retinoids And Sun Sensitivity
Prescription retinoids are very strong and can be irritating to skin, causing dryness and flaking to occur. Irritation is less likely to occur if you ease into their use slowly, by gradually increasing the amount you apply to skin over time.
Because retinoids stimulate cell growth, they can make skin more sensitive to sunlight. Covering skin during the day or using sunscreen is essential to minimize the risk of burning. Talk to your doctor about the type of sunscreen you should use. Many include retinol as an ingredient. If you are already using a prescription retinoid, these may further irritate skin.
Discuss your use of both topically applied and ingested retinoids with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Too-high levels of preformed vitamin A may cause birth defects.
Vitamin D3 Derivatives/ Analogues
Vitamin D3 derivatives or analogues, such as calcipotriol, are available as creams, ointments and solutions typically for the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis.Vitamin D3 derivatives are corticosteroid-sparing they enable you to use less topical corticosteroid. They are usually applied once or twice daily for about 8 weeks. When combined with topical corticosteroids, they can often work better in people with plaque psoriasis than either medication alone.
Potential Side Effects
Potential side effects include burning, itchiness, swelling, peeling, dryness and rash. They should not be used on the face. In patients who spread larger doses over much of their body, vitamin D3 derivatives may cause a rise in blood calcium levels, which reverses when the medication is stopped. They may also cause light sensitivity and may cause a burning sensation if applied before UVB phototherapy.Calcitriol ointment, an active form of vitamin D, is also presently available.
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Vitamin D For Psoriasis Healing
Vitamin D is one of the most commonly recommended vitamin for psoriasis treatment. When we say vitamin D, it is vitamin D3. Dont get confused with any other form of vitamin D.
Vitamin D is a fat soluble vitamin which helps in the maintenance of the immune system. It is anti-inflammatory in nature and helps in absorption of various minerals by your body, particularly calcium.
Vitamin D is also known as cholecalciferol. When you take vitamin d through sunlight or foods or dietary supplements, it travels through the bloodstream to the liver. In the liver, it is converted into calcidiol with the help of enzymes. Part of this calcidiol is transformed into calcitriol by the kidney. This calcitriol is the biologically active form of vitamin D which is responsible for all the health benefits of vitamin D. Calcitriol circulates throughout the bloodstream, regulating the concentration of calcium and phosphate. Along with that, it balances the neuro-muscular and immune function.
Vitamin D For Psoriasis
Overview
Plenty of people with psoriasis use different combinations of medications to treat the condition. For some, the psoriasis symptoms may improve significantly just by increasing their vitamin D.
Vitamin D, which your body can make when exposed to sunlight, has many health benefits that may help treat psoriasis. Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to psoriasis. While a deficiency doesnt seem to cause psoriasis outright, it may impair the bodys ability to keep the skin healthy. This may increase flares. When taken in healthy doses, vitamin D can help treat psoriasis. Heres how.
Vitamin D possesses different health benefits that can help treat several types of psoriasis, including scalp psoriasis.
A study from 2011 found that vitamin D can strengthen the immune system. Because psoriasis is an autoimmune response, this effect could help treat the condition internally.
Topical oils and ointments for psoriasis containing vitamin D can also help treat flares. Vitamin D can slow the growth of new cells, so vitamin D oil applied directly to the flare can help thin the plaque.
There are different forms of vitamin D that you can use to help treat your psoriasis.
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Risks And Shortcomings Of Vitamin D
Vitamin D can help many people with psoriasis. Still, its often not an effective long-term treatment on its own. Some people will need topical medications with other active ingredients, including corticosteroids. Vitamin D also wont work for everyone, regardless of what form its taken in.
The biggest risk of taking vitamin D is taking too much. Vitamin D in moderation is good for you, but taking too much can hurt you. It causes a condition called hypervitaminosis D, or vitamin D toxicity. This condition can cause a buildup of too much calcium in the blood, which can cause frequent urination, weakness, and eventually kidney problems. Its typically only caused by excessive doses of vitamin D supplements. It almost never occurs from diet or sunlight exposure.
As long as you take vitamin D in moderation, you should be able to avoid vitamin D toxicity. Your risk increases, though, if you have liver or kidney conditions already.
Vitamins For Psoriasis: Remedies That Work Naturally
Other forms of the vitamin A molecule found in skin products include tretinoin and isotretinoin. These retinoids are found in popular skin creams and acne medications. These products containing different forms of Vitamin A derivatives address oily skin, acne, psoriasis and other skin conditions Treatment of psoriasis mainly involves reducing the inflammatory overactivity using medications such as methotrexate, vitamin A derivatives and cyclosporine. Other therapies include biologics that.. Vitamin D Derivatives Psoriasis Allergische Bronchitis Rhinitis central retinal artery occlusion causes painless and sudden visual loss in the ally performed in the stroke patients. A high myopia prevalence was demonstrated among medical students in the inner Mongolia area of China Psoriasis, en inflammatorisk sjukdomsprocess i huden som drabbar ungefär 2-3 procent antas dels vara en autoimmun sjukdom medan viss forskning menar att den uppstår som en reaktion på störningar i hudens bakterieflora. Nu har det visat sig att höga doser D-vitamin kunnat leda till förbättringar hos patienter med de båda sjukdomarna Psoriasis Worse After Light Treatment Overcoming a Psoriasis Flare – A couple decades of experience with light treatments told. and. The efficacy of high-dose vitamin A, -carotene, and vitamin A derivatives in treating mild-to-moderate psoriasis has been shown , and attributed to their antioxidant action
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How Should Topical Vitamin D Treatments Be Used
Vitamin D treatments are easy to use and, when used properly, are unlikely to cause any side effects. As with all treatments, however, they should not be overused too much topical vitamin D could interfere with the bodys absorption of calcium. It is thought that topical vitamin D can make the body more sensitive to UV light, and so people using these treatments might be advised to limit time out in the sun check with your doctor or refer to the enclosed patient information leaflet for further advice.
It is thought that active topical treatments, including topical vitamin D treatments, work better when the skin is well moisturised. Therefore, it is recommended that an emollient should be applied and allowed to sink in about half an hour before using a topical vitamin D treatment.
What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture . Do not freeze calcipotriene cream or solution.
Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.
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What Are Vitamin D Treatments
Vitamin D treatments are a type of topical treatment for psoriasis. Vitamin D treatments can come in ointment, lotion, gel and foam formations. They are not the same as vitamin D supplements that you might take. Topical vitamin D treatments act by slowing down the production of skin cells and having an anti-inflammatory effect. This leads to an improvements in psoriasis symptoms for some people. Vitamin D treatments are only available on prescription.
Home Remedies To Treat Scalp Psoriasis
There are numerous home remedies for treating mild scalp psoriasis but further research is needed to prove the efficacy of these ingredients. However, there is no harm in testing out these remedies as they do not show any side effects.
1. Apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can be used bi-weekly either full strength or mixed with water. It can help with scratching impulses and you can rinse it off after it dries out. Avoid applying apple cider vinegar on areas where your scalp is bleeding or cracked.
2. Turmeric: Turmeric has antiseptic and antibacterial properties that may cut down your psoriasis flare-ups. Turmeric is also mixed with olive oil for scalp massages. It can help you achieve a healthy scalp and keep your scalp free from infections.
3. Tea tree oil: Tea tree oil has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal properties, and soothing properties that may help psoriasis on your scalp. You can also opt for shampoos that contain tea tree oil.
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What Are The Types Of Vitamin A Derivatives Used To Treat
- A derivatives that treat psoriasis: Acitretin Isotretinoin (Absorica, Amnesteem, Claravis, Myorisan, Zenatane, formerly called Accutane
- A derivative. Psoriasis, an immune-mediated chronic skin condition, may require systemic therapy if severe and, even in the era of biologic products, ad
- A derivatives for the treatment of moderate to severe psoriasis? ANSWER A man-made form of vita
- A derivative. Psoriasis, an immune-mediated chronic skin condition, may require systemic therapy if severe and, even in the era of biologic products, ad
- A1), dehydroretinol (vita
- D derivative and corticosteroid, vita
- A derivatives Tazarotene With this cream you should apply Vasline onto the areas about 1hr before you appy the Tazarotene . Also you shouldn’t use it for more than 6 weeks as it may actually allow the Psoraisis to get worse
Topical And Prescription Retinoids
Vitamin A is added to many cosmetic products, such as moisturizers, sunscreen, vitamin-infused oils, and anti-aging creams. It can also be found as a serum and as an oil. Some vitamin A supplements come in the form of capsules that can be broken open and applied directly to skin.
Applied topically, vitamin A can be beneficial for certain skin conditions:
Acne. Topical retinoids are available via prescription and as over-the-counter formulations. Retinoids are considered effective for treating and controlling acne. Retinoids have anti-inflammatory properties . They also help to regulate the sloughing off of skin cells, reducing the occurrence of clogged pores.
Fine lines. Topical retinoids stimulate collagen production, making them effective at reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. They can also help to even out skin tone by fading age spots.
Prescription retinoids are much stronger than over-the-counter versions and may be more effective for certain skin conditions. Product names include Retin-A .
Talk to your doctor about the goals you have for your skin. In some instances, over-the-counter retinol may be enough to do the trick. In other instances, a prescription cream may be more beneficial.
Topical retinoids are not a permanent remedy for any type of skin condition. Their positive effects stop when you discontinue their use.
Eating or applying too much vitamin A can have side effects and may even be harmful.
- headaches
- coma
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Psoriasis And Vitamin A
Other Ways To Get And Maintain Healthy Skin
Getting enough rest, eating a healthy diet, and drinking lots of water is important for maintaining optimal skin health across all age groups. Its also very important to protect skin from the sun and to check skin regularly for abnormalities, such as changes in moles. Keeping skin free of environmental toxins, such as cigarette smoke, also helps to maintain its vitality.
The type of skin you have should determine the kinds of products you use on it. All skin types, however, benefit from twice-daily cleansing, moisturizing, and exfoliating.
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What Are Your Options For Effective Psoriasis Treatment
Psoriasis is caused by a skin condition in which skin cells multiply up to ten times faster than they normally would. This causes abnormally blushed, itchy patches of skin around the body that are often covered with white scales. Although these patches of skin can be restricted to certain areas of the body, they can be present all over the body for some people. They can also sometimes appear to have healed, only to come back later in life. If you have psoriasis, you were most probably born with it. The good news is that there are options for effective psoriasis treatment.
Typical Treatments for Psoriasis
There is no real cure for psoriasis, but it can be managed and the symptoms can be minimized significantly with the right kind of psoriasis treatment. Moisturizing the skin with a high quality topical corticosteroid cream moisturizer is helpful for many psoriasis sufferers. The creams reduce the inflammation and itching associated with psoriasis. If you smoke, quitting smoking can help reduce the symptoms. There are chemicals and toxins found in cigarette smoke that can aggravate the condition. Taking appropriate measures to reduce the stress of everyday life can help, too. Psoriasis flare-ups can be triggered by stress.
If you need a stronger, prescription strength corticosteroid cream, we can prescribe them for you. These are more effective for flare-ups that dont respond to over-the-counter corticosteroid creams, ointments or lotions.
Light Therapies for Psoriasis