Vitamin D in atopic dermatitis, chronic urticaria and allergic contact dermatitis

ABSTRACT

Vitamin D influences allergen-induced pathways in the innate and adaptive immune system, and its potential immunomodulatory role in allergic skin disorders has been explored. This comprehensive review article provides an overview of the role of vitamin D in three common dermatologic conditions: atopic dermatitis (AD), chronic urticaria, and allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Whereas the literature regarding vitamin D and AD has resulted in mixed findings, several studies have described an inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and AD severity, and improvement in AD with vitamin D supplementation. Similarly, several studies report an inverse relationship between vitamin D levels and severity of chronic urticaria. Although current research in humans remains limited, an increased likelihood of ACD has been demonstrated in vitamin D-deficient mice. Additional well-designed clinical trials will be necessary to determine whether vitamin D supplementation should be recommended for prevention or adjuvant treatment of these common dermatologic conditions.

KEYWORDS:

• Allergy
• atopic dermatitis
• allergic contact dermatitis
• chronic urticaria
• immunomodulation
• vitamin D

Declaration of interest

This work was supported by research grants R01 HL116042, R01 HL112597, and R01 HL120659 to DK Agrawal from the Office of the Dietary Supplement, NIH Director’s Office and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, NIH, USA. The content of this review article is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with financial interest or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.