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Vitamin D for Skin Lesions

Jul 20, 2011 | By Suzanne S. Wiley

Your body manufactures most of its vitamin D by converting sunlight as it hits your skin. The University of California-San Francisco notes that vitamin D is actually a hormone that takes different forms once it's created. These forms handle different processes, including activating genes. Vitamin D is used to alleviate at least one skin condition and possibly a few others.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis causes scaly skin lesions called plaques. Three different forms of vitamin D -- calcipotriene, tacalcitol and becocalcidiol, all topical ointments available through prescriptions -- are part of the therapy used to control the plaques although Drugs.com does not list tacalcitol as available in the United States as of 2011. Dosages vary depending on which analog you use, and MayoClinic.com says there is "strong scientific evidence" to support using vitamin D in psoriasis treatment.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Vitamin D supplementation might help alleviate the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, in which flaky, greasy scales of skin detach from areas such as your scalp and eyebrows -- think of it as an intense form of dandruff, and in fact, dandruff shampoos are one option for treating the condition. Vitamin D ointments may help with this condition as well, according to MayoClinic.com, but research is lacking as of 2011.

Atopic Dermatitis and Erythema

Atopic dermatitis is better known as eczema, and the itchy patches of skin can become infected. A 2008 study from the University of California-San Diego, found vitamin D pills might provide some sort of protection against these infections by increasing the level of cathelicidin, which is normally deficient in those with eczema. Another condition, erythema, which is a blanket term covering three types of rash, including photosensitivity, might be another candidate for vitamin D therapy although as of 2011 there has been no research done on humans.

Cautions: Interactions

Vitamin D can interact with many drugs and health conditions so double-check with your doctor about whether you can take vitamin D supplements. Being pregnant can be cause for concern: MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, notes dosages in excess of 4,000 IU per day can be harmful to the developing baby. Vitamin D can affect magnesium levels, too, and at least one over-the-counter antacid, cimetidine, can affect how the body processes vitamin D.

References

Article reviewed by JamesS Last updated on: Jul 20, 2011

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