Vitamin D Deficiency and Atopic Dermatitis

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease characterized by a defective skin barrier, inflammation, and increased propensity for skin infections. Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that is primarily acquired through local production in the skin after ultraviolet light exposure but can also be obtained through natural and supplemental dietary sources. This randomized controlled trial will examine the effects of vitamin D repletion on atopic dermatitis severity in patients with diagnosed deficiency. The investigators hypothesize that pediatric patients with moderate or severe atopic dermatitis and vitamin D deficiency will have improved cutaneous disease after treatment with high dose as compared to standard dose vitamin D.

Treatment with ergocalciferol 300,000 IU (6 capsules of 50,000 IU) as a single oral dose observed in clinic.

SCORAD at the 6 week study visit. The SCORAD (SCORing Atopic Dermatitis) is a clinical tool used to assess the extent and severity of eczema. The SCORAD is scored 0-103, with a higher score indicating more severe atopic dermatitis (worse outcome).

Inclusion Criteria: Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D level <20 ng/ml (<50 nmol/L) Diagnosed with atopic dermatitis by a CHW pediatric dermatologist Age 1-18 years old Primary residence in Milwaukee County Moderate and severe atopic dermatitis (Severity Scoring of Atopic Dermatitis [SCORAD] score greater than 15) On clinic protocol treatment for their atopic dermatitis (desonide ointment twice daily for the face and groin, triamcinolone 0.1% ointment twice daily for other areas)