Tacalcitol (1,24-dihydroxyvitamin D₃) is a synthetic vitamin D₃ analog. Tacalcitol is marketed under several names, including Curatoderm and Bonalfa. It is on the World Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.

Mechanism

Tacalcitol reduces excessive cell turnover in the epidermis by interacting with vitamin D receptors on

keratinocytes Keratinocytes are the primary type of cell found in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. In humans, they constitute 90% of epidermal skin cells. Basal cells in the basal layer (''stratum basale'') of the skin are sometimes refer ...

Uses

It is usually prescribed by a general practitioner or dermatologist for the treatment of

psoriasis Psoriasis is a long-lasting, noncontagious autoimmune disease characterized by patches of abnormal skin. These areas are red, pink, or purple, dry, itchy, and scaly. Psoriasis varies in severity from small localized patches to complete b ...

, chronic chapped lips and other severe dry skin conditions because of its ability to reduce excessive skin cell turnover. It is available as an ointment or lotion. It has also been used for

vitiligo Vitiligo (, ) is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes patches of skin to lose pigment or color. The cause of vitiligo is unknown, but it may be related to immune system changes, genetic factors, stress, or sun exposure, and susceptibili ...

and Hailey-Hailey disease.

References

Secosteroids Vitamin D {{Vitamins