Vitamins That Are Good for Psoriasis
Psoriasis, a disorder of rapid skin growth and shedding, may improve with vitamin treatments, especially topical and oral vitamins A and D.
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Function
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Vitamins A and D improve psoriasis plaques or scales by altering the abnormal skin cell growth. Vitamin D is a common topical treatment option, and it works by reducing skin growth to normal levels. Superpotent vitamin A formulations help skin grow completely before shedding. Vitamin D has the added benefit of reducing itching and swelling associated with the scales.
Types
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Mild psoriasis is treated with topical vitamin agents. Calcipotriene cream, a synthetic, activated vitamin D3 formulation, and Vectical, a naturally occurring formulation of vitamin D3, are two common treatments. Tazarotene is a mild retinoid, or vitamin A derivative, cream. More severe psoriasis may be treated with potent oral types of vitamin A, like acitretin or etretinate.
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Considerations
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Because psoriasis occurs in flares, topical vitamin D treatments may need to be tapered down so that a flare is not set off when treatment ends. Neither vitamin A nor D in over-the-counter pills improve psoriasis---vitamin A, because it is not potent enough over the counter, and vitamin D, because the body will not convert large enough over-the-counter amounts into activated form.
Warnings
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Side effects of oral vitamin A treatment may be severe and include dry mouth, hair loss and birth defects. Women of childbearing age must undergo blood tests to prevent vitamin A treatment during pregnancy. Fish oil with essential fatty acids may reduce, but not eliminate, some of the minor side effects. High levels of vitamin D may affect calcium levels, which may be monitored during prescription vitamin treatment.
Speculation
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Although not an FDA-approved treatment for psoriasis, folic acid is a B vitamin that is crucial to cell growth, so treatment with folic acid may contribute to reduced psoriasis symptoms. Treatment with a multivitamin may help balance vitamin and mineral decreases that are seen with psoriasis as well.
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