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La vitamina D, buena amiga de la psoriasis

DERMATOLOGY Laura Tardón

Although little is known about the causes of this condition was found to be triggered by a defect of the immune system reacts excessively, causing inflammation, scaling plaques and papules on the skin.

A team of German scientists have discovered that DNA is involved in this process and that, through vitamin D could reduce their occurrence. As reflected in their study, published in

'Translational Science Medicine' , "there is a gene directly responsible for the inflammation characteristic of the alteration which seems to respond to the action of a substance called cathelicidin. What they found is that vitamin D is involved in the production of this substance on human skin, so that controlling exposure to vitamin D may reduce the inflammation in psoriasis or other conditions attached, such as dry skin and eczema.

Currently, there are topical medications, including vitamin A derivatives, such as calcipotriol. "creams are are being used for some years in the treatment of people with psoriasis.

Although not prevent the inflammatory reaction to 100% , they get attenuate much, "says Sergio Vañó, dermatologist at the Hospital Ramón y Cajal de Madrid.

For this reason, doctors recommend avoiding the sun completely, as they are an important source of vitamin D. "The exhibition is achieved walking down the street, at least in Spain, it is enough," advises Miquel Ribera, dermatologist Hospital de Sabadell and member of the English Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (AEDV ).

creams and ultraviolet radiation are highly recommended two-way to complete the treatment of psoriasis but also phototherapy, an alternative widely used by most of these patients (except for very severe forms or contraindications), "also increases the synthesis of vitamin D in modulating the response immune, "argues Dr. Vainer.

As this expert says, "lately, at conferences and discussions are talking a lot about oral supplements of this vitamin." This is an option is still being studied

, maybe not in countries like Spain, but in the north Europe, where opportunities are more limited sun exposure. not forget, Vainer says that "Vitamin D deficiency not only been associated with osteoporosis, but also affects the immune system processes (increased risk of autoimmune diseases, such as own psoriasis), including certain types of cancer

(eg breast cancer). " Source