Calcipotriol is used to treat plaque psoriasis, a skin problem where your body produces too many skin cells, causing patches of dry, itchy, scaly skin (plaques).
Calcipotriol is a type of vitamin D. Vitamin D controls how the cells in your skin grow. Calcipotriol reduces the amount of cells your skin makes and helps to clear the psoriasis plaques.
This medicine is only available on prescription. It comes as an ointment and a scalp solution.
Sometimes calcipotriol is mixed with a steroid called betamethasone to reduce swelling (inflammation) caused by psoriasis. This combined medicine comes as an ointment, gel or a foam. It's sometimes called by the brand names Daloney, Dovobet or Enstilar.
There is also a type of vitamin D called colecalciferol, which sounds similar to calcipotriol. Colecalciferol is used to treat vitamin D deficiency.
Key facts
- You'll use calcipotriol once or twice a day.
- Never put calcipotriol on your face because it may cause irritation. If you get it on your face, wash it off straight away. Only use it on psoriasis plaques. Do not put it on healthy skin.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before and after using calcipotriol. If you use it to treat your hands, only wash the skin that is not affected.
- The most common side effects of calcipotriol are skin irritation and a burning or stinging feeling. They usually only last a short time.
- You may find that your skin is more sensitive to sunlight. Your doctor might advise you to avoid spending too much time in the sun or using sunbeds, and to use sunscreen and wear clothes that protect you from the sun.