CBD for eczema and psoriasis

Inflammatory skin diseases, such as eczema and psoriasis, affect millions of people worldwide. Redness, itching, scaling… These chronic conditions can impair quality of life and often require long-term, sometimes demanding, treatments. While conventional medicine relies primarily on creams containing corticosteroids and immunosuppressants, the benefits of CBD, according to scientific studies, are generating increasing interest in a more natural approach.

 

In this article, we will explore in detail the benefits of CBD according to scientific studies for these skin diseases, understand its mechanism of action and see how it can be used to naturally relieve the symptoms of these chronic conditions.

What is eczema?

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It is not contagious. Depending on the cause, eczema can present in several forms:

Forms of eczema

• Atopic eczema : this is the most common form of eczema, affecting 20% ​​of children in industrialized countries. It is often genetic in origin (60% of cases) and is due to dry skin. Flare-ups are exacerbated by stress and reactions to allergens such as dust or dust mites;
• Contact eczema : it will be triggered by contact with an allergenic element (metal, perfume, rubber, etc.), with a latency period of a few days to a few years;
• Photosensitive eczema : it appears when exposed to the sun and therefore to UV rays, sometimes combined with taking medication;
• Impetiginized and secondary eczema : rarer, it is caused by a virus or a fungus.

 

Depending on the symptoms, various types are distinguished:

 

• Dry eczema : it is characterized by red patches with scales, and is accompanied by itching;
• Seborrheic eczema : this involves yellowish crusts and dandruff on the scalp ;
• Nummular eczema : it takes the form of circular patches, often linked to allergies ;
• Dyshidrotic eczema : this involves vesicles on the feet and hands; this eczema is due to stress or excessive sweating;
• Contact eczema : it is accompanied by red patches and fluid-filled blisters.

Eczema treatments

Traditional treatments consist of either identifying the allergen and isolating/desensitizing it, or using local antiseptics or dermocorticoids or taking antibiotics, which are not without side effects if applied for a prolonged period.

What is psoriasis?

 

Psoriasis is also an inflammatory skin disease, characterized by erythematous-scaly lesions. It affects 2 to 4% of the world's population. An autoimmune disease, it stems from an abnormal immune system reaction that mistakenly identifies a substance as an invader.

 

The reaction doesn't stop, and new skin cells are created and pushed to the surface at a rate that doesn't allow for the removal of dead cells. This buildup of skin forms psoriasis. The white scales are composed of dead skin cells, and the redness results from increased blood flow.

Forms of psoriasis

Psoriasis also takes several forms: plaques on the body, scalp, nails, or psoriasis of the pouches or mucous membranes… It is never contagious but particularly affects the quality of life of patients, especially in its most severe forms [1].

Treatments

Treatments are similar to those for eczema, often local and long-term, combining topical corticosteroids and vitamin D3.

 

The effects of CBD on eczema and psoriasis

 

CBD is a molecule derived from cannabis. The plant, also known as Indian hemp, has been used since ancient times. It also contains THC, but unlike THC, CBD does not have psychotropic or addictive properties. Studied for years by scientists worldwide, CBD has the unique ability to stimulate the body's natural endocannabinoid system (ECS).

 

Taken as an oil under the tongue or applied directly to the skin, it enters the bloodstream and impacts the receptors that make up our ECS, particularly CB1 and CB2. This system, which is also widely studied, is responsible for the proper functioning of several basic functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, pain, and in particular: inflammation and immune system function2].

 

It is important to consult your doctor before taking any CBD. CBD cannot replace your usual treatment.

Clinical studies of CBD on psoriasis

An initial study dating from 2007[3] demonstrates encouraging results. It shows that cannabinoids, including CBD, slow down the growth and division of skin cells involved in psoriatic skin eruptions.

 

In the case of psoriasis, which is an autoimmune disease, the inflammation stems from a malfunctioning immune system response. CBD, thanks to its immunomodulatory properties, reduces this inflammation. This explains cannabidiol's effectiveness in treating psoriasis, as demonstrated by a 2017 study from the University of Colorado [4]. This immunomodulatory role has been extensively studied, particularly in the context of CBD's applications in cancer treatment.

 

Furthermore, psoriasis is often accompanied by additional non-cutaneous symptoms such as arthritis. As explained in this previous article, CBD could also relieve this rheumatic condition.

An anti-itch effect

Also in the University of Colorado study, Dr. Robert Dellavalle specifies that " one of the most promising functions of cannabinoids lies in the treatment of itching ."

 

The endocannabinoid system naturally produces a neurotransmitter, anandamide (a fatty acid). CBD activates this process and increases anandamide levels, resulting in an anti-inflammatory effect. As with acne and other skin conditions, inflammation is often the cause of skin symptoms, and CBD, by regulating the immune response, reduces inflammation.

 

Furthermore, through the same process, CBD also acts on stress reduction and therefore on the development or exacerbation of these skin diseases.

The effects of CBD on scars

Psoriasis and eczema rarely leave scars, especially when treated properly. However, excessive scratching can thicken the skin and, in some cases, lead to scarring5].

 

An Italian clinical study published in 2019[6], carried out on a small sample, administered cannabidiol directly onto the skin twice a day to 20 patients who had scars related to psoriasis and atopic eczema.

 

After three months of treatment, researchers found that CBD had significantly improved the appearance of the skin , particularly its elasticity and hydration.

A role in maintaining skin balance

A recent Hungarian study (2019) [7] states that "clinical studies over the past 20 years have unambiguously confirmed that cannabinoids, including CBD, are deeply involved in maintaining skin homeostasis (stabilization), barrier formation, and regeneration. Its dysregulation is implicated in several widespread diseases such as eczema and psoriasis."

How to take CBD oil

One way to consume cannabidiol is in oil form. Simply place a few drops directly under your tongue for about a minute. While cannabidiol has no known side effects, it's advisable to start with the lowest dose and gradually increase the number of drops until you experience relief.

 
Discover our CBD oils
 

Regarding post-psoriasis and post-eczema scars, we advise you to use CBD in the form of an ointment or cream or to apply CBD oil (at a concentration of 5%) directly to the skin.

Before taking any CBD, it is necessary to seek advice from your doctor.