Psoriasis is a condition in which the immune system mistakes skin cells for foreign cells and attacks them. The resulting inflammation causes the skin cells to divide very rapidly, resulting in the formation of raised red patches of skin that can be cosmetically disfiguring and cause intense itching and pain. One way of treating psoriasis is through the use of analogues of vitamin D. Vitamin D3 is typically used because it has fewer side effects than other forms of this vitamin.
Step 1
Apply a cream with vitamin D3 in it to the affected parts of the skin. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology notes that Dovonex, which is the brand name for a vitamin D3-containing cream or ointment, should be applied to the affected parts of the skin twice daily. Avoid using more than 100 g of this product in a week to prevent a vitamin D overdose.
Step 2
Minimize exposing healthy skin to this product. Vitamin D3 can irritate healthy skin.
Step 3
Wash your hands after applying the cream. This will help keep you from inadvertently spreading the product to other regions of your body, especially your face, which is very sensitive to vitamin D3.
Step 4
Limit your exposure to sunlight and other ultraviolet-containing forms of light. The use of vitamin D3 creams and ointments can make your skin more sensitive to ultraviolet light, so avoid excessive sun exposure or other light sources that generate ultraviolet light unless your doctor tells you otherwise.
Things You'll Need
- Vitamin D3 cream, such as calcipotriol
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