A vitamin D-based psoriasis treatment
Calcipotriol
A vitamin D-based cream, gel or ointment used to treat plaque psoriasis on the body and scalp.
What is Calcipotriol?
Calcipotriol is a vitamin D-based treatment applied to the skin for plaque psoriasis. It works by slowing the rapid skin-cell growth that causes thick, scaly patches. You should not use more than the recommended maximum amount, as too much can raise calcium levels in the body, and you should wash your hands after applying it.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Calcipotriol — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Calcipotriol is a man-made form of vitamin D applied to the skin to treat plaque psoriasis. It comes as an ointment, cream, gel or scalp solution, and is sometimes combined in one product with a steroid. In the UK it is a common first-choice treatment for the raised, scaly patches of plaque psoriasis. It is used regularly on affected areas, usually once or twice a day.
How it works
In psoriasis, skin cells are made far too quickly, building up into thick, scaly plaques. Calcipotriol acts like vitamin D on the skin to slow this overproduction of skin cells, helping the plaques flatten and the scaling settle. Over several weeks this reduces the thickness, redness and flaking of the patches.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: A topical psoriasis treatment.
A vitamin D analogue used in the UK as a topical treatment for plaque psoriasis.
Practical use
How to take Calcipotriol
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- Apply a thin layer to the psoriasis plaques only, usually once or twice a day as directed, avoiding healthy surrounding skin.
- Do not use more than the recommended maximum amount, as too much can raise calcium levels in the body.
- Wash your hands thoroughly after applying it so it is not transferred to your face or eyes.
- Avoid using it on your face unless specifically advised, and take care when using it in skin folds or on sensitive areas.
- If you forget an application, apply it when you remember unless it is nearly time for the next one, then skip the missed one.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Calcipotriol
Advantages
- An effective, steroid-free option for the long-term control of plaque psoriasis.
- Does not thin the skin in the way long-term strong steroids can.
- Available as ointment, cream, gel and scalp preparations to suit different areas.
Disadvantages
- Can irritate the skin, particularly on the face and in skin folds.
- Using more than the maximum amount risks raising calcium levels in the body.
- Takes several weeks of regular use before a clear improvement is seen.
Practical use
Good to know
It is important not to use more than the recommended maximum amount, because absorbing too much can raise the level of calcium in your body. Avoid using it on your face unless your doctor has specifically told you to, as facial skin is more easily irritated. Wash your hands carefully after applying it so you do not accidentally transfer it to your face or eyes. It can cause some skin irritation, especially in skin folds and on sensitive areas. It usually takes a few weeks of regular use before psoriasis improves, so keep using it as directed.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People with disorders of calcium metabolism should not use it without specialist advice.
- It should not be used on the face unless a doctor has specifically recommended it.
- Anyone who has reacted badly to calcipotriol should avoid it.
Monitoring
- No routine blood tests are usually needed if you stay within the recommended amount.
- If large amounts are used over wide areas, your doctor may check your calcium level.
- Your prescriber reviews how the plaques respond over several weeks and adjusts treatment.
Side effects
- Irritation, burning, redness or itching of the treated skin, especially on sensitive areas.
- Worsening of psoriasis or a rash in some people.
- Rarely, raised calcium levels if much more than the recommended amount is used.
Key interactions
- Avoid combining it with other irritant skin products on the same area unless advised.
- Tell your doctor about calcium or vitamin D supplements, as these add to the effect on calcium.
- Mention all your medicines to your prescriber before starting it.
Available as: Ointments, creams, gels and scalp solutions applied to the skin.
Answers
Calcipotriol: frequently asked questions
Why can't I use as much as I like?
Using more than the recommended maximum can let too much be absorbed and raise calcium levels in your body, so stick to the amount your prescriber advises.
Can I put it on my face?
Avoid the face unless your doctor specifically tells you to, because facial skin is more easily irritated by this treatment.
Why wash my hands after applying it?
Washing your hands stops you accidentally transferring the treatment to your face, eyes or other areas where it could cause irritation.
How long until my psoriasis improves?
It usually takes a few weeks of regular use before the plaques flatten and the scaling settles, so keep using it as directed.
Is it a steroid?
No, calcipotriol is a vitamin D-based treatment, though it is sometimes combined with a steroid in a single product for stronger plaques.
The wider class
About Topical psoriasis treatments
Calcipotriol belongs to the topical psoriasis treatments class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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