Psoriasis is one of the most difficult diseases to live with. Symptoms range in severity from mild discomfort to very painful, but the visible signs of the disease are sometimes the most difficult to manage. Unlike many other illnesses that are entirely internal, psoriasis makes itself known, loud and clear, through unsightly and prominent skin irritations.
The frustration of managing the uncomfortable nature of the skin disease is palpable among those that suffer from it. In some cases, this has lead people to explore cannabidiol (CBD) oil for psoriasis.
Alternative solutions such as CBD oil could offer relief where conventional medicines have failed. Here we present what the research says about CBD hemp oil and psoriasis.
What is Psoriasis?
Before we jump into CBD oil and a potential remedy for psoriasis, let’s explore exactly what psoriasis is. Technically, there are five kinds, each with slightly different signs and symptoms. [1]
The most common is plaque psoriasis (psoriasis vulgaris), which affects almost 80 percent of people with psoriasis. It develops on the hands, scalp, nails, and extremities such as the elbows and knees, and is usually triggered by factors such as drinking alcohol, stress, some infections, and even the weather. [2]
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Once triggered, the immune system goes on autopilot, stimulating skin cell production much more quickly than under normal conditions. The usual life cycle of a skin cell is roughly a month, by which point it flakes off naturally.
With psoriasis, skin cells don’t have enough time to mature before they reach the surface of the skin, which is after about four days. These additional skin cells then form rough, scaly patches that become irritated, cracked and, in severe cases, bleeding.
The other four types of psoriasis are:
- Guttate
- Pustular
- Inverse
- Erythrodermic psoriasis
What’s It Like To Live With Psoriasis?
According to those who live with this autoimmune disease, it can have long-lasting effects on self-confidence. Extroverts suddenly become introverts as they grapple with feelings of shame and self-consciousness. In attempting to hide the signs, many people dress differently, showing less skin, and may even avoid some social interactions. [3]
So it’s clear that psoriasis takes a toll mentally and physically. It affects roughly 7.5 million people in America, typically showing up between the ages of 15 and 35. The standard treatment options for psoriasis include topicals, phototherapy, and medicines to target the overactive immune system - which is precisely why CBD oil for psoriasis is making waves.
CBD Oil for Psoriasis
Cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid obtained from cannabis. It’s already commonly used for treating the likes of mood disorders, pain and inflammation, and gastrointestinal problems. Now, patients are discovering the unique benefits of using CBD hemp oil for psoriasis.
The research on CBD oil for psoriasis, like much of the cannabinoid field of study, is in the preliminary stages. In this, researchers and scientists are pursuing a few theories, including CBD’s support of a healthy and functional immune system. There also are a few notable small-scale pilot studies that demonstrate results for using cannabinoids for treating skin conditions such as psoriasis.
How Does CBD Work for Treating Psoriasis?
There seem to be three popular explanations as to why CBD and other cannabinoids are effective, all-natural psoriasis treatments. Firstly, it supports a healthy endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system, discovered in the late 80s when the first cannabinoid receptor was identified in the brain of a rat, is still being studied for its complex and vital role in overall body homeostasis.
Secondly, CBD has shown potential as an anti-itch or antipruritic substance, and thirdly, it modulates the immune system, suppressing overactive responses.
1. CBD Hemp Oil and Psoriasis: Endocannabinoid System Support
The main theory behind CBD hemp oil and psoriasis (as well as other skin conditions) is the newly found link between skin health and the endocannabinoid system. It’s well-documented that plant-based cannabinoids, such as CBD, help to re-balance the endocannabinoid system when it is out of whack. Now, new evidence suggests that cannabinoid therapy could play an important role in treating immune-triggered skin conditions.
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Researchers believe the endocannabinoid system “controls the proper and well-balanced proliferation, differentiation and survival, as well as immune competence and/or tolerance, of skin cells.” They theorize that by using CBD oil for psoriasis, patients could see significant relief in this and multiple other skin diseases. [4]
2. CBD Hemp Oil and Psoriasis: Antipruritic Effect
Antipruritics are a type of medication that reduces itch and irritation. Pruritus, or itching, is a common symptom of psoriasis. In a study conducted on topical applications of cannabinoids for treating pruritus, researchers studied 22 patients with skin irritations. By the end of the study, 14 of the 22 demonstrated a reduction in itchiness by roughly 86 percent.
The study concluded that “topical cannabinoid agonists represent a new effective and well-tolerated therapy for refractory itching of various origins. Creams with a higher concentration may be even more effective with broader indications.”
With more study, researchers will develop a better understanding of why therapies like CBD oil work for psoriasis. [5]
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3. CBD Hemp Oil and Psoriasis: Immune Suppression
Psoriasis (almost accidentally) was connected to the immune system in 1979 when researchers discovered that an immunosuppressant drug reduced the signs and symptoms of the disease. Cannabidiol has also shown significant potential as a natural alternative to conventional immunosuppressive drugs. [6]
Considering that inflammation is a tool the immune system uses to fight disease and infection, chronic inflammation goes hand in hand with autoimmune diseases. By applying CBD’s strong anti-inflammatory properties and its immune-suppressing qualities, researchers are hopeful that it could eventually prove itself to be a potent therapeutic option against psoriasis. Researchers and patients are correct to have hope for the future of CBD hemp oil and psoriasis therapy. [7]
RELATED: The Balancing Act of CBD & Your Immune System
What Now for CBD Oil for Psoriasis?
Cannabidiol is safe to use, either internally or externally, according to the current body of research. Patients now have an alternative if they are struggling with the conventional medical treatment options for psoriasis.
There are many ways to incorporate CBD into your health regime: a daily CBD oil supplement, CBD oil balms, or a CBD oil tincture, and all are safe and easy to use.
With a little more research, CBD oil for psoriasis could just become a novel therapy prescribed by dermatologists around the world. Until then, patients suffering from psoriasis must rely on word of mouth, a little research, and self-experimentation to determine if CBD oil works for them.
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Sources:
[1] https://www.psoriasisconnect.com/learn/types-of-psoriasis/
[2] https://www.psoriasisconnect.com/learn/what-is-psoriasis/
[3] https://www.psoriasisconnect.com/live/psoriasis-patient-stories/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2757311/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16874533
[6] https://www.psoriasis.org/research/science-of-psoriasis/immune-system
