Atopic dermatitis and vitamin D: facts and controversies.
Patients with atopic dermatitis have genetically determined risk factors that affect the barrier function of the skin and immune responses that interact with environmental factors. Clinically, this results in an intensely pruriginous and inflamed skin that allows the penetration of irritants and allergens and predisposes patients to colonization and infection by microorganisms. Among the various etiological factors responsible for the increased prevalence of atopic diseases over the past few decades, the role of vitamin D has been emphasized. As the pathogenesis of AD involves a complex interplay of epidermal barrier dysfunction and dysregulated immune response, and vitamin D is involved in both processes, it is reasonable to expect that vitamin D's status could be associated with atopic dermatitis' risk or severity. Such association is suggested by epidemiological and experimental data. In this review, we will discuss the evidence for and against this controversial relationship, emphasizing the possible etiopathogenic mechanisms involved.
University of Brasilia, MD, PhD (in course) in Health Sciences - University of Brasilia (UNB) - Dermatologist at the Federal District Health State Department (SES-DF) - Brasilia (DF), Brazil, BrasiliaDF, Brazil.
Kleyton de Carvalho
Kde C
Mesquita
Brasilia University Hospital, University of Brasilia, BrasíliaDF, Brazil, MD, Dermatologist - Residency in Dermatology at the Brasilia University Hospital - University of Brasilia (HUB-UNB) - Brasília (DF), Brazil.
Ana Carolina de Souza Machado
AC
Igreja
São Paulo Federal University, BrasíliaDF, Brazil, MD, PhD in Dermatology at São Paulo Federal University (UNIFESP) - Adjunct Professor of Dermatology at the University of Brasilia (UNB). Chief of the Pediatric Dermatology Clinic at Brasilia University Hospital - University of Brasilia (HUB/UNB) - Brasília (DF), Brazil.
Izelda Maria Carvalho
IM
Costa
D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors; D012867:Skin / Q000503:physiopathology; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D014807:Vitamin D / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014808:Vitamin D Deficiency / Q000150:complications; D014815:Vitamins / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D014815:Vitamins; D014807:Vitamin D