Vitamin A based treatments
Vitamin A may be lower in people living with psoriasis.
Vitamin A is a useful vitamin for psoriasis relief, healing and also plays an important role in the process of the body.
Vitamin A is needed for:
- healthy skin and tissue
- the mucous membranes of the lungs, throat, nose and mouth
- a healthy immune system
- healthy moist eyes and vision
- the formation of blood, bones and teeth
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It is therefore essential to incorporate vitamin A into your diet. Foods which provide vitamin A are dark green/yellow vegetables and fruits, such as broccoli, spinach, turnip greens, carrots, squash, sweet potatoes, pumpkin, apricots, liver, milk, butter, cheese, and whole eggs. Taking cod liver oil is also a way of boosting your vitamin A intake. Certain vitamin derivatives such as etretinate and isotretinoin, are used in the treatment of psoriasis. |
Etretinate in combination with ultraviolet B and psoralen-ultraviolet A (PUVA) has shown beneficial effects. Vitamin A derivative drugs help to normalise skin development by reducing the increased growth, turnover and keratinisation of skin.
Long-term administration of vitamin A derivatives may lead to toxic effects, including headaches, inflammation of the lips, conjunctivitis, and photosensitivity. Vitamin A should not be taken during pregnancy and mothers who are breastfeeding.
It is important to consult your GP before taking vitamin A derivatives.
Information written by the talkhealth medical panel
Last Reviewed: 10 January 2011
Next Review Date: 10 January 2013
