Vitamin D is being used as an anecdotal solution for its potential role in managing Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), but more evidence is required to validate its efficacy. Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that helps keep our bones and muscles healthy. It can be found in fortified foods such as milk and orange juice, as well as in supplements. Vitamin D is also produced by our bodies when our skin is exposed to sunlight. TSW is a complex illness and more research is required around the efficacy of Vitamin D.
Topical steroid withdrawal is a complex health phenomena that can be described as a series of symptoms associated with the gradual or abrupt cessation of topical corticosteroid use. Symptoms of TSW can include red, itchy, and inflamed skin, as well as fatigue, anxiety, and depression. There is no known cure for TSW, but throughout Facebook groups and online communities, some people are suggesting that Vitamin D can help to relieve the symptoms. Please keep reading before you attempt to use Vitamin D to assist with Topical Steroid Withdrawal.
Vitamin D for Eczema and Psoriasis
Eczema and Psoriasis are the most common underlying skin conditions of people with Topical Steroid Withdrawal. Although it is difficult to separate the symptoms of TSW from Eczema and Psoriasis, communities online are suggesting the use of Vitamin D to potentially improve their symptoms.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a nutrient that helps the body absorb calcium. It is found in food and made by the skin when it is exposed to sunlight. The body needs vitamin D for bones, muscles, and nerves to work properly. A lack of vitamin D can lead to softening of the bones (osteomalacia) or thinning of the bones (osteoporosis). Vitamin D can be found in food such as fatty fish, egg yolks, and fortified milk. It is also produced endogenously when ultraviolet rays from sunlight strike the skin and trigger vitamin D synthesis. Vitamin D obtained from sun exposure.
What are the benefits of Vitamin D for Eczema?
Vitamin D may be a helpful supplement for atopic dermatitis. A study showed the efficacy of these supplements and it might help in treating this kind of skin condition. Vitamin D works by reducing inflammation in the body. It does this by inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and by increasing the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Cytokines are a type of protein that is involved in inflammation.
Can Vitamin D help with psoriasis?
Vitamin D cream can help to relieve the symptoms of both psoriasis and eczema. It can help to moisturize the skin and reduce the inflammation. Vitamin D is actually a hormone that helps to regulate the immune system. Vitamin D is a well-known anti-inflammatory. In fact, it’s one of the most potent anti-inflammatories in the human body. Vitamin D is also thought to help reduce the proliferation of skin cells, which is a key feature of psoriasis.
How is Vitamin D used for eczema and psoriasis?
Vitamin D is found in two forms: D2 and D3. D3 is the form that is made in the body when the skin is exposed to sunlight. D2 is the form that is found in food and supplements. Exposure to sunlight is the primary way that most people obtain vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol).
Most people get enough vitamin D from exposure to sunlight and from their diet. However, people with dark skin or who don’t get much sun exposure may need to take a supplement. People with eczema or psoriasis may also be at risk for vitamin D deficiency because they are more likely to have problems absorbing the nutrient.
Vitamin D can also be applied to the skin. This is a good option for people who have psoriasis or eczema that is difficult to treat. Vitamin D creams and ointments are available without a prescription.
Vitamin D supplements are available in both pill and liquid form. The recommended dose is 400 IU per day for adults and 600 IU per day for children. Higher doses may be needed if you are deficient in vitamin D. If you decide to take a vitamin D supplement, be sure to talk to your doctor first. This is especially important if you have a health condition that could be made worse by taking vitamin D.
Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, and it also plays a role in immune function and cell growth. A lack of vitamin D can lead to Rickets, a condition that results in softening of the bones.
Too much vitamin D can be toxic, causing problems with calcium metabolism and leading to high blood levels of calcium. This can cause nausea, vomiting, weakness, and weight loss. If you think you may be vitamin D toxic, stop taking supplements and see your doctor.
A balanced diet is the best way to get the vitamins and minerals your body needs, but sometimes supplements are necessary. If you have eczema or psoriasis, talk to your doctor about whether vitamin D supplements might be right for you.
Does Vitamin D help with Topical Steroid Withdrawal?
Vitamin D has not been specifically studied or proven to assist in people with topical steroid withdrawal (TSW). Although anecdotally, Vitamin D is trending as effective as managing the symptoms of TSW. We are collecting information to understand if there is an ongoing trend of success with Vitamin D.
Topical Steroid Withdrawal is a highly complex health condition caused by an adverse reaction to the cessation of prescribed steroid creams. Because TSW is an iatrogenic illness, currently there is no known cure, standardized medical treatment, or support for sufferers. Many people suffering with Topical Steroid Withdrawal are turning to online groups and Facebook forums to try an array of products, therapies and solutions to manage their inflammation of their skin during this withdrawal period from topical steroids. The challenge we are seeing is that there is no tracking of the efficacy of Vitamin D and other anecdotal solutions.
At TSW Assist, we are aiming to discover the collective efficacy of anecdotal recommendations from the TSW community. We hope to identify trending solutions that may be helpful in assisting with the symptoms experienced during topical steroid withdrawal.
Learn more about the crowd-sourced insights for topical steroid withdrawal that are trending as helpful.
More research is required to understand the benefits of Vitamin D for TSW
If you are considering using Vitamin D for Topical Steroid Withdrawal, it is important to understand that more research is needed to understand its efficacy. Although some people may have success with Vitamin D in treating their eczema or psoriasis, further clinical studies are required for TSW.
Through the TSW Assist website, we hope to share crowd-sourced information on the efficacy or inefficacy of Vitamin D in helping TSW, as well as other solutions that may help.
If you are unsure, please speak to a healthcare professional before using Vitamin D for topical steroid withdrawal.
