Using a Topical Formulation of Vitamin D for the Treatment of Vitiligo: A Systematic Review

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#humans #vitamin-d #vitiligo #ultraviolet-rays #ultraviolet-therapy

Using a Topical Formulation of Vitamin D for the Treatment of Vitiligo: A Systematic Review

Al-Smadi et al., 2023 | Cells | Systematic Review

Citation

Al-Smadi Khadeejeh, Ali Masood, ... Mohammed Yousuf. Using a Topical Formulation of Vitamin D for the Treatment of Vitiligo: A Systematic Review. Cells. 2023-Sep-30;12(19). doi:10.3390/cells12192387

Abstract

Vitamin D is one significant prohormone substance in human organ systems. It is a steroidal hormone produced in the skin upon exposure to UVB rays. This paper presents a systematic review of the utilization of topical vitamin D, specifically cholecalciferol, calcipotriol, and tacalcitol, in the treatment of vitiligo. It considers the role of vitamin D in stimulating the synthesis of melanin and melanogenesis, which can help with the process of repigmentation. The inclusion of calcipotriol or tacalcitol in Narrowband Ultraviolet Phototherapy (NB-UVB) has shown the potential to enhance therapeutic outcomes for vitiligo. However, their effectiveness in combination with Psoralens Long Wave Ultraviolet Radiation (PUVA) and Monochromatic Excimer Light (MEL) treatment for vitiligo is limited. In contrast, combining topical corticosteroids with vitamin D analogues has demonstrated superior efficacy in treating vitiligo compared to using vitamin D analogues alone, while also providing the added benefit of reducing corticosteroid-related adverse effects. In addition, treating stable vitiligo with topical cholecalciferol and microneedling has shown success. Future studies are needed to ascertain an efficient method of administering vitamin D topically as an anti-vitiligo agent.

Key Findings

Future studies are needed to ascertain an efficient method of administering vitamin D topically as an anti-vitiligo agent.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Vitamin D
  • Vitiligo
  • Ultraviolet Rays
  • Ultraviolet Therapy
  • Vitamins

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: vitamin-d

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09