The principal role of vitamin D is to regulate calcium and phosphate metabolism and to preserve bone tissue mineralization. Nonetheless, its extra-skeletal functions are also appreciated, including those regarding its immunomodulatory, antiproliferative and anti-infective effects. Vitamin D is of further interest in dermatology, as it is synthesized in the skin following exposure to UV rays, and its deficiency has been repeatedly demonstrated in certain diseases, such as psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and vitiligo. In addition, some derivatives of vitamin D synthesis, such as calcipotriol and tacalcitol, are commonly used as medications for the topical treatment of psoriasis and other immune-mediated skin diseases, given their anti-inflammatory properties. This article will deal with the role of vitamin D in psoriasis.
