CBD CREAMS AND LOTIONS; ARE THEY AN OPTION FOR PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM ATOPIC DERMATITIS (ECZEMA)

CBD CREAMS AND LOTIONS; ARE THEY AN OPTION FOR PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM ATOPIC DERMATITIS (ECZEMA)

Topical dermatitis is a skin condition affecting a group of people and most adults. Few studies reveal topical CBD use for people with skin conditions. Learn more about CBD creams, their functions, and their risks.

Applying creams and lotions with CBD can help reduce these diseases. However, Meng (2018) concluded that CBD topicals and creams are safe and effective. It can also be used as an alternative for improving inflammatory skin conditions like eczema. Remember that research about eczema is limited before jumping to conclusions.

CBD And Eczema

According to Hoare et al. (2021), eczema is a skin condition affecting 15 – 20 % of children and adults. It has various symptoms like the skin becoming dry, flaky, itchy, and painful. However, CBD is a chemical compound with natural ingredients that can help people deal with chronic diseases. It contains no THC; it cannot trigger the high feeling people often associate with consuming cannabis products. The body contains cannabinoid receptors throughout the skin and body. According to Ruso & Guy (2006), CBD binds to some of the cannabinoid receptors, which can help provide some health benefits. However, it has led to the belief that topical use of CBD can help relieve certain skin conditions, as Baswan et al. (2022) revealed. The study above suggested that CBD can also reduce itchiness on the skin, making it comfortable to carry out your daily activities.

Some of these CBD topicals and creams contain butter, waxes, and oils, which are healthy ingredients to be applied to the skin. According to Oleinik (2021), CBD cream or topical is effective for a person suffering from eczema, and it may help them keep out of certain medication, which may be inconvenient. Ensure to consult a doctor before stopping or changing a CBD product medication.

Does Cbd Cream Work for Eczema Work

According to Gugala et al. (2017), CBD is anti-microbial, making it possible to kill staphylococcus. It is a bacterium that leads to people contracting infections with eczema and may also cause flare-ups. CBD can help show anti-inflammatory properties, including allergic skin reactions, by activating cannabinoid receptors, as Lowino et al. (2019) revealed. The study above also noted that  CBD helps reduce itching by reducing its severity. According to Joy & Mack (2000), cannabinoids can also help in reducing pain and ease discomfort. However, topicals are a safe and effective way of treating inflammatory skin infections, as Schäcke et al. (2009) stated. According to the study above, topicals can also help reduce severe skin conditions that may distract people from daily activities. According to Ayaki et al. (2016), topicals can make sleeping easier for people with sleep conditions.

Risk Of Using CBD Cream for Eczema

According to Gęgotek et al. (2021), CBD can damage the liver but applying it to the skin cannot cause this. Some CBD creams contain terpenes which cause itching on the skin once applied, as Baswan et al. (2020) revealed. Ensure to check the ingredients of the cream before purchasing to avoid any side effects. However, people with allergies should be cautious and carefully read the labels on their purchased products. It may help avoid any allergic reaction that may be dangerous to the body.

How To Choose a Cbd Cream for Eczema?

Before you purchase any cream for eczema, you might need to consider the following things.

Potency

All CBD dosages are measured in milligrams, and they should be properly packaged to avoid any bacterial infection. However, there are no official recommendations regarding CBD dosages. A person can start from low and gradually increase until they find the appropriate dosage.

Irritants

A person should check for any composition like terpenes, fragrances, and other commonly used ingredients like nuts, whenever buying any CBD product. According to Chongo- Faruk (2017), some ingredients like nut oil may cause allergic reactions or worsen eczema. Do a patch on a small body area to see if the product will work. The patch test should approximately take 24 hours to know its full reaction.

Health claims

The FDA has only prescribed one CBD prescription drug product. It also cautions people from using CBD products to treat or cure serious conditions like cancer, diabetes, or mental health conditions.

Quality Control

It’s important to verify if the product has the amount of CBD advertised by the manufacturer. A person can also check if the product has received a certificate from a third-party lab. It helps to know if it’s genuine about what it indicates on its product.

Legality

CBD products should contain no thc or have less than 0.3%. This percentage of THC cannot make a person high. However, a person can review state law before purchasing. It helps to know the type of CBD products to avoid getting in trouble with the law.

Hemp Source

A person should consider purchasing a product from a good source. It helps to prevent purchasing products that can damage the skin.

How to use

CBD topicals are simple to use, making the most preferred. Apply an ointment of CBD topical to the skin and wait for a few minutes for the results. According to Julia (2022), CBD topicals should not be applied to broken skin to avoid further damage. However, a person can reapply when needed, but it should be according to the prescribed amount. First-time CBD users should start with a low dosage and gradually increase until they find the amount suitable. Patch testing a small amount may help determine whether a person may experience any bad reactions from it.

Conclusion

CBD topicals can temporally help patients with eczema. Ensure to use CBD creams and topicals containing soothing ingredients and are healthy for the skin. Many topicals and creams can help with eczema, giving them the advantage. However, suppose a person with eczema worsens quickly after applying CBD topical, they should consult a doctor. Avoid using CBD cream if they trigger adverse effects. Do not stop using prescription medication unless a doctor has advised it’s safe. People should also buy CBD topicals from a reputable vendor to avoid effects.

References

Ayaki, M., Toda, I., Tachi, N., Negishi, K., & Tsubota, K. (2016). Preliminary Report Of Improved Sleep Quality In Patients With Dry Eye

Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic Potential Of Cannabidiol (CBD) For Skin Health And Disorders. Clinical, Cosmetic And Investigational Dermatology, 13, 927.

Chongo-Faruk, V. (2017). Skin Exposure, Symptoms, And Asthma In Occupational Settings–Is There A Link?. Current Allergy & Clinical Immunology, 30(4), 251-257.

Gęgotek, A., Atalay, S., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2021). Dermally Applied Cannabidiol reverses UV-Induced Changes In The Proteome Of Rats’ Plasma. Scientific Reports, 11(1), 1-13.

Hoare, C., Li Wan Po, A., & Williams, H. (2001). A Systematic Review Of Treatments For Atopic Eczema. Health Technology Assessment, 4(37), 1-191.

Joy, J., & Mack, A. (2000). Marijuana As Medicine?: The Science Beyond The Controversy.

Julia, N. Best CBD Foot Cream: Top 10 Hemp Topical Reviews (2022).

Lowin, T., Schneider, M., & Pongratz, G. (2019). Joints For Joints: Cannabinoids In The Treatment Of Rheumatoid Arthritis. Current Opinion In Rheumatology, 31(3), 271-278.

Oleinik, G. Best CBD Creams & Topicals For Eczema: Reviews & Guide (2021).

Russo, E., & Guy, G. W. (2006). A Tale Of Two Cannabinoids: The Therapeutic Rationale For Combining Tetrahydrocannabinol And Cannabidiol. Medical Hypotheses, 66(2), 234-24

Schäcke, H., Zollner, T. M., Döcke, W. D., Rehwinkel, H., Jaroch, S., Skuballa, W., … & Asadullah, K. (2009). Characterization Of ZK 245186, A Novel, Selective Glucocorticoid Receptor Agonist For The Topical Treatment Of Inflammatory Skin Diseases. British Journal Of Pharmacology, 158(4), 1088-1103.

Anastasia Filipenko

Anastasia Filipenko is a health and wellness psychologist, dermatolist and a freelance writer. She frequently covers beauty and skincare, food trends and nutrition, health and fitness and relationships. When she's not trying out new skincare products, you'll find her taking a cycling class, doing yoga, reading in the park, or trying a new recipe.

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