Calcipotriol (also known as calcipotriene) is a synthetic form of vitamin D3. It is used as a topical medication primarily for the treatment of psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin. Calcipotriol is particularly effective in treating psoriasis by helping to regulate the growth and development of skin cells.
The hair growth connection
Vitamin D is a hormone that can bind with receptors in hair follicles. A lack of vitamin D receptors has been associated with reduced hair growth.
From the study
An 8 year old boy with sudden rapid hair loss was treated with topical Calcipotriol. Here are the results:
Source: NCBI.
Seems like mind blowing results, but this may have been due to a vitamin D deficiency. That said it demonstrates the power that just one single treatment can have on hair growth, if the correct treatment is found for the the problem. This is a lesson for anyone trying to regrow their hair: try to determine the precise cause of your hair loss.
To do that you need to systematically work your way through all of the possible causes of hair loss, making sure each of them is fixed one by one.
What is Calcipotriol and what is it usually used for?
Calcipotriol is a synthetic derivative of vitamin D3 (calcitriol) that is used in the treatment of psoriasis, a chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly patches on the skin. Calcipotriol is also known by its trade names, such as Dovonex or Daivonex.
The exact mechanism of how calcipotriol works in treating psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is believed to have anti-inflammatory effects and helps regulate the growth and development of skin cells. Psoriasis involves an abnormal acceleration of the skin cell life cycle, leading to the formation of thick, scaly patches. Calcipotriol is thought to slow down this process, reducing inflammation and the formation of these patches.
Calcipotriol is typically available as a topical ointment or cream and is applied directly to the affected areas of the skin. It is often used as a part of a comprehensive treatment plan for psoriasis, which may include other topical treatments, phototherapy, or systemic medications, depending on the severity of the condition.
This blog post has left us feeling grateful and inspired
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