Calcipotriol for Psoriasis: How the Vitamin D Treatment Works and How to Use It
What calcipotriol is, how it fits into psoriasis treatment, how to apply it and the side effects to know about.
Part of our psoriasis guide.
Get urgent help first. Call 999 or go to A&E if your skin suddenly becomes red and inflamed over most of your body, or you have widespread pus-filled spots, especially with a fever, chills or feeling very unwell. These can be signs of erythrodermic or generalised pustular psoriasis, which are emergencies. See a GP soon if you have painful, swollen joints. Online treatment isn't suitable in these situations.
Key fact: calcipotriol is a vitamin D treatment, not a steroid. It slows the fast skin growth of plaque psoriasis, isn't limited by steroid side effects (though it has a weekly maximum) and is often combined with a steroid in products such as Enstilar and Dovobet.
Adults only online, and not in pregnancy or breastfeeding. Access Doctor's online psoriasis service is for adults aged 18 and over, and can't supply treatment if you're pregnant or breastfeeding: your GP or midwife can help. Children with psoriasis should see their GP.
What is calcipotriol?
Calcipotriol is a man-made form of vitamin D used to treat plaque psoriasis. It slows down the fast growth of skin cells and helps them mature normally, so plaques become thinner, flatter and less scaly. It comes as an ointment (50 micrograms per gram) for the body and a scalp solution for the scalp. Dovonex was the original brand name. It's a prescription-only medicine.
Is calcipotriol a steroid?
No. Calcipotriol isn't a steroid, so it doesn't cause steroid side effects such as skin thinning and isn't limited to short courses, although there is a weekly maximum. It's often combined with a steroid, either as two separate products or in one product such as Enstilar foam or Dovobet gel, because the two work better together.
Where calcipotriol fits in treatment
NICE recommends a vitamin D treatment such as calcipotriol in the first step for plaque psoriasis on the body, alongside a potent steroid, for up to 4 weeks. If the skin isn't clear, the next step is calcipotriol on its own twice a day for up to 8 weeks. It's also useful during the 4-week breaks between steroid courses. See our treatment options guide.
How to use calcipotriol ointment
1
Apply once or twice a day
Spread a thin layer on the plaques only, as your prescriber advises.
2
When to apply
If you use it with a steroid, apply one in the morning and the other in the evening. If you use it on its own once a day, choose a time you'll remember.
3
Wash your hands afterwards
So you don't spread it to your face or eyes, where it can irritate.
4
Don't exceed the weekly limit
The BNF maximum for calcipotriol ointment is 100g a week for adults. Using more can raise calcium levels in the blood.
5
Give it time
It usually takes 4 to 8 weeks to see the full effect.
Side effects
- Skin irritation: redness, itching or burning where it's applied, especially at first. This is why it isn't used on the face or in skin folds.
- Worsening psoriasis for a short time in some people.
- Raised calcium levels, but only if too much is used over large areas. Symptoms include thirst, passing more urine, constipation and tiredness.
- Sensitivity to sunlight: avoid sunburn on treated skin.
Who shouldn't use calcipotriol
- People with high blood calcium or problems with calcium metabolism
- People with severe kidney or liver disease
- Pustular or erythrodermic psoriasis
- Use on the face or in skin folds
Calcipotriol at Access Doctor: calcipotriol on its own isn't yet available through our online service. We supply it combined with a steroid, as Enstilar foam and Dovobet gel, for diagnosed plaque psoriasis.
Diagnosed with plaque psoriasis?
Our GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescribers can assess you online and, if suitable, prescribe a calcipotriol combination such as Enstilar or Dovobet. Adults 18 and over. Dispensed from our UK pharmacy. Approved before 3pm, Monday to Friday? Dispatched the same day, by Royal Mail Tracked 48, Tracked 24 or Special Delivery guaranteed by 1pm next working day: you choose.
Start Psoriasis Consultation →How our online service supplies psoriasis treatment: adults 18 and over, not for the face, genitals or skin folds. Enstilar, Dovobet and other psoriasis-only treatments need psoriasis already diagnosed by a GP or dermatologist. Enstilar and Dovobet: one pack per order, supplied as a course of up to 4 weeks, on no more than 30% of the body. Betnovate and Elocon: up to 3 × 30g or 1 × 100g, for a 4-week course followed by a 4-week break. Dermovate only if you have been prescribed it before. Widespread psoriasis, joint pain or psoriasis that hasn't responded to treatment is referred to your GP.
UK safety and reporting side effects
Prescription psoriasis treatments are only supplied after a GPhC-registered pharmacist independent prescriber reviews your consultation, including where your psoriasis is, how much skin it covers and what you have used before. Always read the patient information leaflet. Since 2024, UK steroid packs show their strength on the front (mild, moderate, strong or very strong). The MHRA advises using topical steroids for the shortest time needed, and to tell a healthcare professional if your skin flares badly after you stop a steroid you have used for a long time, which can be a topical steroid withdrawal reaction.
If you think you've had a side effect, tell your pharmacist or doctor. You can also report it to the MHRA through the Yellow Card scheme.
Calcipotriol combinations from Access Doctor
Following an online consultation, our prescribers can supply the treatments below where suitable, as part of our psoriasis treatment service.
Vitamin D + potent steroid · Rx
Enstilar Foam
Calcipotriol with betamethasone in a spray foam, once a day for up to 4 weeks. For diagnosed plaque psoriasis.
View product →Vitamin D + potent steroid · Rx
Dovobet Gel
Calcipotriol with betamethasone, for the scalp and for mild to moderate plaque psoriasis on the body.
View product →Frequently Asked Questions
What is calcipotriol used for?
Calcipotriol is used to treat plaque psoriasis on the body and, as a scalp solution, scalp psoriasis. It slows the fast growth of skin cells so plaques become thinner and less scaly.
Is calcipotriol a steroid cream?
No. Calcipotriol is a form of vitamin D, not a steroid, so it doesn't cause skin thinning. It's often combined with a steroid, for example in Enstilar and Dovobet.
Can I buy calcipotriol over the counter?
No. Calcipotriol is a prescription-only medicine in the UK, so it needs a prescription after an assessment.
When is the best time to apply calcipotriol?
If you use it with a separate steroid, apply one in the morning and the other in the evening. If you use it on its own, apply it once or twice a day as prescribed, at the same times each day.
How long does calcipotriol take to work?
It usually takes 4 to 8 weeks to see the full effect, which is slower than a steroid. NICE suggests reviewing treatment after about 8 weeks.
Can I use calcipotriol on my face?
No. It often irritates the thin skin of the face and skin folds, so it's used on the body and, as a scalp solution, the scalp.
References
- NICE. Psoriasis: assessment and management (CG153). nice.org.uk
- Joint Formulary Committee. British National Formulary: psoriasis (treatment summary). bnf.nice.org.uk
- NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries. Psoriasis. cks.nice.org.uk
- Enstilar 50 micrograms/g + 0.5 mg/g cutaneous foam: summary of product characteristics. medicines.org.uk
Medical disclaimer: This article is for information only and isn’t medical advice. Prescription psoriasis treatments need a clinical consultation before they can be supplied. If your skin is red all over, you have widespread pus spots, a fever or you feel unwell, seek medical advice the same day. In a medical emergency, call 999.