Psoriasis is a skin condition that creates thick, silvery scales and red patches on your skin that are itchy and painful. Psoriasis is a chronic disease characterized by periods of remission followed by uncomfortable breakouts. It is an autoimmune disease that strikes people with a genetic disposition to the condition. Outbreaks often correlate with environmental triggers, often linked to nutritional deficiencies and poor eating habits.
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An active ingredient of vitamin D, also known as calcitrol, is a common treatment used to control the side effects of psoriasis, which does not have a cure. Calcitrol works by inhibiting skin cell growth and triggers your immune system to reduce the inflammation and itching associated with the condition. According to the Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation, low concentrations of vitamin D do not affect calcium absorption and can be an appropriate treatment if you have mild to moderate psoriasis.
Warning
Massive amounts of calcitrol needed to treat severe cases of psoriasis however can be toxic. The vitamin D supplements cause calcium to leak from your bones and increases intestinal absorption of calcium in your diet. Elevated calcium levels, also called hypercalcemia, can occur from the high doses of vitamin D-3 needed to fight psoriasis outbreaks. Side effects of hypercalcemia include muscle weakness, mental imbalances and calcification of organs and soft tissues, particularly in the kidneys and heart.
Risks
A rare form of psoriasis called pustular psoriasis occurs suddenly in pustules widespread over your body. They often present on a fiery red background on your skin and are extremely painful. The acute outbreak also may be localized on just your hands and feet. While people with chronic psoriasis can develop the rare form of the disease, other causes can include infections and a reaction to certain drugs such as lithium, coal tar or topical corticosteroids. A common factor among people with pustular psoriasis is very low calcium levels, also called hypocalcemia. Hospitalization often is required to treat the condition. Fluid loss must be stabilized and proper body temperature and electrolyte balance restored.
Sources
Always consult your doctor before taking calcium supplements because of possible negative interactions with ongoing treatments. When choosing a healthy diet, you should consider other side effects of your calcium dietary sources. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, obesity is a major contributor to the development of psoriasis and you're more likely to develop the skin disease if you're obese. Stick to low and non-fat sources of dairy to get your healthy allowance of calcium. Skim milk for example has the same amount of calcium and protein as whole milk without the added fat that can lead to obesity.
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