The study gave 20 subjects a burn using a lamp, and they were then given either a placebo or Vitamin D in varying doses. Those who got the strongest doses saw their skin irritation decrease within 48 hours, and also saw less skin redness. It is believed an anti-inflammatory enzyme in the skin is increased with the Vitamin D, which also triggers anti-inflammatory proteins and promotes tissue repair.
The researchers are now looking into whether Vitamin D’s effects could result in more protection from ultraviolent radiation and even skin cancer, but so far there’s no definitive answer. Lead author Kurt Lu, a Case Western assistant professor of dermatology, notes, “We are currently investigating that topic and hopefully may learn new ways to prevent skin cancer other than just sunscreens.”
Source: USA Today
Comments