Vitamin D for psoriasis

Vitamin D based agents in topical preparations are best for treating psoriasis. 

In Australia, calcipotriol (cal-see-pot-tree-ol) is the most widely used cream. Calcipotriol is a vitamin D3-derived drug specifically developed for mild to moderate psoriasis.

Commonly known as ‘Daivonex’ or ‘Daivobet’ in Australia, calcipotriol is available in an ointment, a cream, gel & lotion. In these different formulations, calcipotriol can be used on the skin, the scalp & the nails. In the ointment and gel forms, calcipotriol can be combined with a topical anti-inflammatory for even greater effect on psoriasis.

Vitamin D creams can be safely used in all areas of the body, including

• Psoriasis of the body
• Scalp psoriasis
• Nail psoriasis 

Calcipotriol works by binding to special receptors in cells of the skin. It controls genes involved in the formation of skin cells. These products slow down the rapid formation of skin & the immune changes in skin that occur with psoriasis.

By slowing down the turnover of skin cells, vitamin D reduces scale formation.

Applied once or twice daily, calcipotriol is effective and well tolerated in most patients. It can be applied long term and the benefits can be long standing. 

It usually takes one to two months to see the maximum benefits from these products. Dermatologists may recommend these products be used in conjunction with other treatments including phototherapy. This can accelerate clearance. 

Learn more (link to phototherapy) 

Most prescribed topical vitamin D agents for psoriasis are made more affordable under the government’s Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). It works out to be around 1-2 dollars a day.

These treatments are safe. The thinning of the skin sometimes seen with long-term topical steroid use is not seen with these products. 

Our specialists at Cutis Dermatology Brisbane will determine how much of these products you should use at any one time, keeping total application to less than 100 grams /week.

Rare side effects include burning, itching and irritation of the skin, particularly on the face & the body’s skin folds. These symptoms usually lessen over time as your skin adjusts to the product. Often using these products in conjunction with topical steroids can also lessen the chance of skin irritation

Vitamin D supplements can be useful for the prevention of many diseases including osteoporosis, and some forms of skin cancer. 

Increasing vitamin D intake does not clear psoriasis, however they can be taken safely.  Vitamin D is best delivered by either gels, creams or lotions.