Double-blind, Right/Left Comparison of Calcipotriol Ointment and Betamethasone Ointment in the Treatment of Prurigo Nodularis

Tacalcitol, an Active Vitamin D₃, Induces Nerve Growth Factor Production in Human Epidermal Keratinocytes

“…In addition, Katayama et al [28] reported that prurigo, a chronic skin disorder characterized by intensely pruritic inflammation, was successfully treated with tacalcitol ointment. Another report also showed an efficacy of topical calcipotriol, a vitamin D 3 analog, on prurigo nodularis [29]. These results indicate that a sensory nervous disorder in prurigo might be improved by active vitamin D 3 .…”

Nonpsoriatic Uses of Calcipotriol

“…Ten patients participated in a double-blind left±right comparison of calcipotriol ointment and betamethasone ointment for the treatment of prurigo nodularis. 27 The mean duration of the disease was 3.4 years. All patients had been previously treated with topical corticosteroid creams and some had received intralesional corticosteroid injections.…”

Topical Therapies for Pruritus

“…41 A double-blind, right/left comparison of calcipotriol 50 mg/gm ointment and betamethasone valerate 0.1% ointment in the treatment of prurigo nodularis demonstrated that calcipotriol was more effective in reducing the size and number of prurigo nodules. 42 Vitamin D3 has been shown to reduce the number of epidermal FcR1+ dendritic cells in prurigo lesions, however the significance of this finding to understanding its anti-pruritic effects remain unclear. Finally, a randomized, double-blind right/left comparison study of calcipotriol and placebo creams in patients with polymorphous light eruption showed that twice daily application of calcipotriol for 7 days prior to UV irradiation significantly decreased pruritus compared to placebo.…”