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Progress in self treatment for psoriasis vulgaris
J Berth-Jones1, P E Hutchinson
1Department of Dermatology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, U.K.
Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics
|August 1, 1992
Summary
Topical vitamin D analogues, like calcipotriol, offer a safe and effective new option for self-treating chronic plaque psoriasis. While skin irritation can occur, it rarely stops treatment, and the medication has minimal impact on calcium metabolism when used correctly.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic plaque psoriasis is the most common form, often managed with home treatments.
- Traditional therapies (emollients, tar, dithranol, topical corticosteroids) have limitations in efficacy, side effects, or cosmetic acceptability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate topical vitamin D analogues as a new therapeutic option for psoriasis self-treatment.
- To compare the efficacy and safety of calcipotriol with existing treatments.
Main Methods:
- Review of research on calcipotriol, a leading topical vitamin D analogue.
- Comparison of calcipotriol in controlled studies against betamethasone valerate and short-contact dithranol.
Main Results:
- Calcipotriol demonstrated comparable efficacy to betamethasone valerate and short-contact dithranol.
- Skin irritation was the most common side effect, but usually did not necessitate treatment discontinuation.
- The primary mechanism involves regulating keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation.
Conclusions:
- Topical vitamin D analogues, particularly calcipotriol, provide an effective, convenient, and safe self-treatment option for psoriasis.
- Calcipotriol has a favorable safety profile with minimal calcium metabolism effects when used as directed, though excessive use can lead to hypercalcemia.