Current use of vitamin D in dermatology

Abstract

Vitamin D is a liposoluble provitamin of the steroid hormone 1,25-hydroxyvitamin D3 synthesized in keratinocytes, produced by the endogenous route when exposed to UV rays or exogenously by means of supplementation. The production of vitamin D is determined by Fitzpatrick's phototype, gender, body mass index and polymorphisms in the vitamin D receptor. Previously, it was considered a hormone with function exclusively related to the calcium metabolism and homeostasis. Currently, the role of the hormone has been linked to an increasing number of neoplastic, autoimmune, cardiovascular and dermatological diseases. In Dermatology, altered vitamin D plays an essential role in pathogenesis of different inflammatory and neoplastic dermatoses, it is related to severity, short and long-term prognosis, as well as recurrence of the disease. Therefore, knowing the main dermatological diseases related to altered immune regulation of vitamin D is of utmost importance for the management and possible supplementation as an adjuvant treatment. We consider that Vitamin D supplementation is useful maintaining cell homeostasis of the skin.