Vitamin D and the Skin: A Review for Dermatologists
May 2019
in “Actas Dermo-Sifiliográficas”
TLDR Vitamin D is important for skin health, but more research is needed to understand its full effects and treatment potential.
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.
View this study on sciencedirect.com →
Cited in this study
research Vitamin D and the Skin: An Update for Dermatologists
research The Role of Micronutrients in Alopecia Areata: A Review
People with alopecia areata often have lower levels of vitamin D, zinc, and folate, but more research is needed to understand if supplements can help treat it.
research Extraskeletal actions of vitamin D
Vitamin D has potential benefits for cancer prevention, heart health, diabetes, obesity, muscle function, skin health, and immune function, but clinical results are mixed and more research is needed.
research Hidradenitis suppurativa/Acne inversa: an endocrine skin disorder?
Hidradenitis suppurativa may be related to hormones and patients often have metabolic disorders; more research is needed to understand this connection.
research Reduced level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in chronic/relapsing Alopecia Areata
People with chronic Alopecia Areata often have lower vitamin D levels.
research Successful Treatment of Alopecia Areata with Topical Calcipotriol
A boy with alopecia regrew hair using a vitamin D cream after other treatments failed.
Related
research Serum Zinc Concentration in Patients With Alopecia Areata
People with severe hair loss have lower zinc levels in their blood.