engleski

Systemic Vitamin D Therapy in Patients with Skin Diseases

Background: During the last few years, investigations of the role of vitamin D in certain skin conditions have significantly increased. Numerous laboratory studies have demonstrated the dose-dependent molecular effects of vitamin D and its analogs on cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Vitamin D administration was also associated with immunomodulatory, antioxidative, and cytoprotective effects. These findings led to the extended introduction of vitamin D and its analogs in many skin diseases. Objective: Although vitamin D has been used successfully for many years as a topical treatment in many skin conditions, we provide an overview of the pivotal information about the effect of systemic therapy with vitamin D in patients with skin diseases. Methods: The electronic research of the literature included three databases: MEDLINE, Cochrane, and Google Scholar, along with other available literature data. Results: Decreased vitamin D level in serum was found in patients with psoriasis, vitiligo, scleroderma, alopecia areata, and congenital ichthyosis. A clinical amelioration, after systemic administration of vitamin D, was observed in patients with psoriasis, vitiligo, and congenital ichthyosis. Currently, there is insufficient evidence of treatment outcome in patients with scleroderma and alopecia areata. Vitamin D may reduce clinical features in atopic dermatitis, but data about the long-term effects are still missing. Vitamin D deficiency is correlated with the severity of acne vulgaris, as well as hidradenitis suppurativa – in these conditions, some studies support the use of peroral D3 vitamin as a therapy. Contrary, in lupus erythematosus, administration of vitamin D is shown to be ineffective in cutaneous manifestations of the disease. Finally, oral administration of vitamin D may improve the clinical presentation of skin tumors, but does not affect the survival rate. Conclusion: The effects of systemic vitamin D analogs in the clinical treatment of many skin diseases are promising, but further clinical studies are needed.

vitamin D ; skin diseases ; systemic therapy

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