Psoriasis treatments: Vitamin D analogues

Tacalcitol is the active ingredient in Curatoderm. It is a topical vitamin D derivative used to treat psoriasis vulgaris in adults.

How does it work?

Tacalcitol helps regulate the growth and development of skin cells. It slows down the excessive production of skin cells associated with psoriasis and helps reduce inflammation. This can help reduce the thickness and scaling of psoriasis plaques.

Who can get it?

Curatoderm is available on prescription and is intended for adults. Its safety and effectiveness in children and adolescents under 18 years have not been established.

Do not use Curatoderm if you are allergic to tacalcitol or if you have high levels of calcium in your blood or another disorder of calcium metabolism. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems or take vitamin D supplements.

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning a pregnancy, speak to your doctor or pharmacist before using Curatoderm. The potential risk to an unborn baby is not known. If you are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before use. The breast area should not be treated while breastfeeding.

How is it used?

Apply Curatoderm Ointment once a day, preferably at bedtime. Spread a thin layer over the areas affected by psoriasis. Do not use more than 10 g per day. If using the ointment on the scalp, it can be shampooed out the following morning. Wash your hands after applying it and avoid transferring the ointment to unaffected areas.

What are the side effects?

Curatoderm can cause temporary irritation where it is applied, including itching, burning and redness. Mild contact dermatitis or worsening of psoriasis may occasionally occur. Raised calcium levels in the blood can occur, particularly if too much is used.

Fire safety

Curatoderm Ointment contains paraffin. Keep away from naked flames and do not smoke while using this medicine. Clothing, bedding and dressings that come into contact with the ointment can catch fire more easily. Washing these items regularly can reduce the build-up of ointment but does not completely remove the risk.

Marketed by

Tacalcitol is known commercially as Curatoderm and is marketed in the UK by Almirall Limited.

Reviewed: August 2026

Version ID: 2/TAC/PST/08/26

Calcipotriol is a synthetic vitamin D analogue used as a topical treatment for plaque psoriasis.

How does it work?

Calcipotriol helps regulate the growth and development of skin cells. It reduces the excessive growth of skin cells associated with psoriasis, helping to flatten plaques and reduce scaling.

Who can get it?

The cream is available on prescription for those over 6 years of age and the scalp solution can be used for people over 18 years of age.

How is it used?

Calcipotriol cream should be applied twice daily directly to psoriasis lesions. Calcipotriol can irritate unaffected skin. It is important to follow your doctor's directions in applying Calcipotriol. Patients should always wash their hands thoroughly after applying the medication to avoid spreading it to unaffected areas of skin.

Using Calcipotriol on the scalp
Calcipotriol scalp solution is a water- and alcohol-based formulation specifically designed for treating scalp psoriasis. 
The solution should be used twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Do not use more than 60 mL of scalp solution per week. It should be put on the parts of the scalp that are affected by psoriasis. It is recommended that children should not use the solution.
When using the solution the head should be tilted to make sure the solution does not run on to the face. It may help to part the hair before using the solution. Position the nozzle close to the scalp then squeeze the bottle gently and apply a few drops on to the affected area. Rub the solution in gently. One or two drops is enough to cover an area about the size of a postage stamp.
Avoid getting the mixture on the face or around the eyes, where it can cause irritation. Sweat can carry the medication onto the face and neck as well, so it is important to protect unaffected areas of skin.

The scalp solution contains alcohol and is flammable. Keep it away from fire, flames and sources of heat. Treatment with the scalp solution should normally not continue for more than 22 weeks, unless your doctor advises otherwise.

Using Calcipotriol for nail psoriasis
Calcipotriol is not specifically licensed for the treatment of nail psoriasis. A dermatologist may sometimes recommend it for this purpose based on individual circumstances.

What are the side effects?

 Most side effects are mild and occur where the medicine is applied.

• burning or stinging
• itching
• redness
• dry skin
• peeling
• rash
• dermatitis
• worsening of psoriasis.

Using more calcipotriol than recommended can cause the level of calcium in your blood to become too high. Always follow the recommended dose and do not use more than instructed. The safety of calcipotriol during pregnancy has not been established. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning a pregnancy, speak to your doctor before using calcipotriol. Speak to your doctor before using calcipotriol while breastfeeding. It should not be applied to the breast or nipple area. Treatment over large areas or for prolonged periods is not recommended during breastfeeding.

How do I get Calcipotriol?

Available by prescription.

Marketed by

Calcipotriol ointment is known commercially as Dovonex® and is marketed in the UK by Leo Laboratories Limited.

Calcipotriol scalp solution is marketed in the UK by Sandoz Ltd.

Reviewed: August 2026

Version ID: 2/CAL/PST/08/26

Calcitriol is the active ingredient in Silkis. Silkis is a topical treatment for mild to moderately severe plaque psoriasis affecting up to 35% of the body's surface area. It belongs to a group of medicines called vitamin D analogues.

How does it work?

Calcitriol helps regulate the growth and development of skin cells. It reduces the excessive growth of skin cells associated with psoriasis and also has an effect on inflammation. This helps reduce the thickness and scaling of psoriasis plaques. An improvement may be noticed from around 4 weeks after starting treatment.

Who can get it?

Silkis is available on prescription. It should not be used by people who are allergic to calcitriol or any of its ingredients, or by people with high blood calcium levels, abnormal calcium metabolism, kidney disease or liver disease.

The safety and effectiveness of Silkis have not been established in people under 18 years of age.

If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before using Silkis. It should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary and in restricted amounts. Silkis should not be used while breastfeeding.

How is it used?

Wash and dry the affected areas before applying the ointment. Apply a thin, even layer to the psoriasis twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Wash your hands after applying it and replace the cap.

Do not use more than 30 g per day or apply it to more than 35% of your body surface area. Do not cover treated areas with an occlusive dressing.

What are the side effects?

Silkis can cause irritation where it is applied. Common side effects include itching, skin discomfort, skin irritation and redness. Dry skin, worsening of psoriasis and allergic skin reactions can also occur.

Using more Silkis than recommended can increase calcium levels in the blood or urine. Do not use more than the prescribed amount.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take calcium supplements, high-dose vitamin D or medicines that can affect calcium levels.

Fire safety

Silkis contains paraffin-based ingredients. Keep away from naked flames and do not smoke while using this medicine. Clothing, bedding and dressings that come into contact with the ointment can catch fire more easily. Washing clothing and bedding may reduce the build-up of ointment but does not completely remove the risk.

Marketed by

Calcitriol is known commercially as Silkis and is marketed in the UK by Galderma (U.K.) Ltd

Reviewed: August 2026

Version ID: 2/CAP/PST/08/26