title: [Vitamin D and the skin].
abstract: Along with other organs like prostate, bones and kidney, skin is capable of vitamin D synthesis. Primarily keratinocytes but also macrophages and fibroblasts synthesize active vitamin D from cholesterol precursors by photochemical activation. The synthesized vitamin D functions by binding to nuclear vitamin D receptors. Vitamin D deficiency usually manifests as rickets in childhood although it is today only relevant in diseases characterized by malabsorption due to today's recommended vitamin D prophylaxis. Excessive doses of vitamin D are the usual cause of increased levels. The most common therapeutic target of Vitamin D is psoriasis. Here, topical preparations are usually employed; their anti-proliferative and cell differentiation-promoting action is mediated via binding to cutaneous vitamin D receptors.
authors.affiliation: Universitäts-Hautklinik, Eberhard Karls Universität, Liebermeisterstrasse 25, 72076, Tübingen, Deutschland.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hösl
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Berneburg
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000378:metabolism*; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol / Q000378:metabolism*; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D018167:Receptors, Calcitriol; D014807:Vitamin D