The use of topical calcipotriene/calcipotriol in conditions other than plaque-type psoriasis.
BACKGROUND
Topical calcipotriene ointment has been approved for the treatment of plaque-type psoriasis.


OBJECTIVE
This article explores the possible use of topical calcipotriene ointment in the treatment of nail and intertriginous psoriasis, palmoplantar and pustular psoriasis, Reiter's syndrome, pityriasis rubra pilaris, and disorders of keratinization.


METHODS
The recent literature is reviewed.


RESULTS
Recent reports suggest that certain ichthyoses (particularly the hyperproliferative variants) and keratodermas may respond to topical calcipotriene ointment. The activity of calcipotriene relates to a dose-dependent decrease in proliferation and an increase in terminal differentiation of keratinocytes.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with other disorders characterized by epidermal hyperproliferation may also be candidates for treatment. The use of calcipotriene in treating congenital hyperproliferative disorders is limited by the theoretical risk of hypercalcemia from absorption of the drug after application to extensive areas of skin.
Thiers
B H
BH
Department of Dermatology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, USA.
D000287:Administration, Topical; D016918:Arthritis, Reactive / Q000188:drug therapy; D002117:Calcitriol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000187:drug effects; D002455:Cell Division / Q000187:drug effects; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005533:Foot Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy; D006229:Hand Dermatoses / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006934:Hypercalcemia / Q000139:chemically induced; D007057:Ichthyosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D015603:Keratinocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D007642:Keratosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D009260:Nail Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy; D009824:Ointments; D010916:Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris / Q000188:drug therapy; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012869:Skin Absorption; D012871:Skin Diseases / Q000151:congenital / Q000188:drug therapy*
D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D009824:Ointments; C055085:calcipotriene; D002117:Calcitriol