Vitamin D and the Skin: A Review for Dermatologists

The review from May 2019 discussed the role of Vitamin D in various skin diseases, including alopecia areata, a condition causing hair loss. It emphasized that Vitamin D is synthesized through dietary intake and exposure to solar radiation, and its deficiency can lead to various skin conditions. Lower Vitamin D levels were associated with more severe symptoms in many skin diseases, and supplementation showed improvement in some cases. However, the efficacy of Vitamin D supplements in alopecia areata and melanoma was not confirmed. The review also suggested that assessing individual Vitamin D status and correcting deficiencies is crucial, as factors like obesity, smoking, insufficient sun exposure, and age can modify Vitamin D levels. The document concluded that Vitamin D plays a significant role in dermatology, but more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential therapeutic uses.