Efficacy of Topical Therapy with Vitamin D₃ Lotion for Psoriasis Nail Lesions

Abstract

In this study, we examined the efficacy of a vitamin D₃ lotion as a topical treatment for nail psoriasis. Thirty cases with psoriasis vulgaris were monitored for adherence to the therapy, and improvements in nail plate psoriasis, nail bed psoriasis, and nail psoriasis severity index (NAPSI) score were assessed. Subsequently, we investigated whether the quality of the topical lotion or the region of topical application were responsible for poor adherence. The percentage change from baseline NAPSI score with maxacalcitol lotion was significantly higher as compared to controls. In addition, the maxacalcitol lotion applied to the nail plate showed significant improvements as compared to controls. The vitamin D₃ lotion showed fair improvements in nail psoriasis. Patients who had few lesions in the nail bed or who mainly applied lotion to the nail matrix showed particularly good results. Some patients did not apply the lotion every day. We also discuss herein several points related to adherence to topical treatments for nail psoriasis.