1-alpha-24-dihydroxyvitamin-d3 and Nail-Diseases

Tacalcitol is a vitamin D analog with proven efficacy for the topical treatment of psoriasis, but to date it has not been tested in psoriasis of the nail. However, successful treatment has been reported with other vitamin D derivatives such as topical calcipotriol, and topical calcitriol in one study. The present study aimed to assess the efficacy and tolerability of topical tacalcitol in the treatment of nail psoriasis in a sample of 15 patients over a 6-month period. Treatment with tacalcitol ointment may be useful to treat nail psoriasis as it achieves a significant improvement in all nail parameters, both of the matrix and of the bed.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Dermatologic Agents; Dihydroxycholecalciferols; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Nail Diseases; Ointments; Psoriasis; Treatment Outcome

Nail involvement is a common and distressing feature in the course of psoriasis. Although much progress has been made in the treatment of the disease, the presence of psoriasis in the nail continues to pose a challenge. In recent years, vitamin D3 analogs and a new formulation containing 8% clobetasol-17-propionate in a colourless nail lacquer vehicle have produced good results for the control of nail psoriasis.. To determine the efficacy and safety of the combined treatment of 8% clobetasol-17-propionate in a lacquer vehicle and tacalcitol ointment in nail psoriasis.. Fifteen patients with both nail bed and nail matrix psoriasis were included in the study. They were treated with a colourless nail lacquer containing 8% clobetasol-17-propionate applied at bedtime at the weekend, and with tacalcitol ointment under occlusion on the remaining days, for 6 months.. All 15 patients responded well to treatment. The therapeutic effect was very fast and directly related to the length of therapy. All nail alterations, including nail pain, were reduced, and the modified target Nail Psoriasis Severity Index fell by an average of 78% compared to baseline levels (+/-59.6, P < 0.0001).. Combined treatment with tacalcitol ointment and 8% clobetasol-17-propionate in a nail lacquer is a safe, effective treatment for nail bed and nail matrix psoriasis.

Topics: Administration, Topical; Adult; Aged; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Clobetasol; Dihydroxycholecalciferols; Drug Therapy, Combination; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Nail Diseases; Ointments; Psoriasis; Treatment Outcome