The skin, being the largest organ in the body, protects you from environmental hazards. However, it is susceptible to damage both from elements within and outside the body. That said, psoriasis is a chronic skin condition resulting from a dysfunctional immune system where the balanced growth of skin cells is inhibited. Usually, the rate at which skin cells die and renew themselves is constant. But with psoriasis, skin cells grow too fast, creating a buildup of scaly and itchy patches of skin that can become inflamed and painful. Psoriasis has no known cure, and many people with this condition manage symptoms. And unsurprisingly, folks find natural alternatives like CBD oil as perfect remedies to ease symptoms of psoriasis.
Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the skin cells, creating an imbalance in growth rate, which leads to red patches of inflamed skin throughout the body, when immune cells are mistakenly attacked by unregulated immunity in psoriasis patients, red, scaly, and itchy patches of inflamed skin manifest throughout the body.
Another condition that often co-exists with psoriasis is psoriatic arthritis. That said, over 30% of psoriasis patients co-exist with this condition and are characterized by inflamed fingers and toes, painful joints, fatigue, and morning stiffness. Psoriasis puts patients at a higher risk of diabetes, obesity, anxiety, cardiovascular disease, and depression.
For most patients, psoriasis manifests itself in skin flare-ups, itchiness, and red patches around the elbows, knees, and anywhere on the body. The symptoms vary from person to person. For some, psoriasis can cause small patches in one part of the body, while for others, it can develop dramatically and degrade the quality of your life. Although psoriasis has no cure, identifying the factor that triggers this condition can go a long way in managing symptoms.
Can CBD Help with Psoriasis?
For centuries, cannabis has been thought of as a recreational drug. But the past few years have seen a shift in mentality, and now scientists are looking at its potential in benefiting people’s health. Focused research has uncovered CBD’s potential medicinal properties that can alleviate symptoms of certain health conditions by interacting with the human endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The Cannabis Sativa plant contains over 100 active phytochemicals referred to as cannabinoids. The key components studies have uncovered tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol oil (CBD). THC is known for its psychoactive properties that alter mental function. On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive and possesses numerous therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects, anti-oxidation, sleep, and mood effects.
Psoriasis patients often suffer from chronic pain and itching and some psychosocial issues and stigma because of this easily visible skin condition. And as stated earlier, every person with psoriasis experiences the symptoms differently. And while matters CBD is still under early stages regarding research, its potential for relieving pain and its anti-inflammatory properties are well documented. And while we can state that CBD can cure skin conditions such as psoriasis, it does help manage symptoms such as chronic pain and inflammation.
How CBD Works for Psoriasis
CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) to help regulate several biological functions. The endocannabinoid system consists of CB1 and CB2 receptors spread through the body, including the skin cells. And filled with chemical messengers, the ECS boosts the brain’s power to communicate with the body. CBD can impact receptor activity through this interaction, hence helping the body manage aspects such as the immune system, pain relief, inflammation, and other symptoms.
CB2 receptors (among other places) are found in the skin. That means CBD can impact receptor activity in the skin and help manage skin conditions such as psoriasis. Besides, separate studies have revealed that CBD use slows down excess skin growth, itchiness, and flare-ups associated with psoriasis. Also, the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD can help reduce itchiness, skin irritation, and swelling, which makes it an effective alternative in the treatment and easing of psoriasis symptoms.
How Effective is CBD for Psoriasis?
Studies on the effects of CBD oil on psoriasis are still at the initial stages, but preliminary reports are promising. Most people with this condition are already using CBD oil and have reported positive results. CBD relieves symptoms of psoriasis to help improve the patients’ quality of life. Globally, over 130 million people have psoriasis, accounting for 3.2% of the world population.
What Researchers Are Saying
The past few years have seen increased interest in the potential therapeutic properties of CBD to human health. That has subsequently driven vigor and financial incentive into the potential benefits of using CBD for such conditions as psoriasis. And the National Psoriasis Foundation even published a journal about how CBD could be used to effectively treat skin conditions like psoriasis and even symptoms of psoriatic arthritis.
Are CBD Products Safe for Use in Psoriasis Treatment?
Are there any risks associated with CBD products for psoriasis? Well, there are no documented risks regarding the use of CBD products. That’s large because controlled studies are few and far between, and that CBD is non-psychoactive and lacks the mind-altering effects that are often attached to marijuana use.
Benefits of Using CBD Oil for Psoriasis
- CBD possesses anti-inflammatory properties that can be beneficial to patients with psoriasis. That said, CBD reduces inflammation in the skin’s epidermal layers and joints.
- CBD regulates the pain receptors, hence offering the patient much-needed pain relief.
- Separate studies have shown that CBD can manage symptoms of psoriasis by slowing down the overproduction of skin cells, which creates a balance between death and replacement of skin cells.
CBD Dosage for Psoriasis How you take in CBD oil determines how fast it takes into effect and ultimately how effective it alleviates your symptoms. Topical application is the best option for symptoms that manifest on the skin, like itchy and inflamed patches. However, it is important to do your due diligence and consult your doctor for a heads-up into your health condition.
MS, Lund University, Sweden
Nutrition plays an important role in human life. Eating habits are one of the factors that affect our health. There is often a misconception among people that nutritionists force a very restrictive diet, but that is not true. In fact, I don't ban any products, but I point out dietary mistakes and help change them by giving tips and new recipes that I've tried myself. I advise my patients not to resist change and to be purposeful. Only with willpower and determination can a good result be achieved in any area of life, including changing eating habits. When I don't work, I love to go climbing. On a Friday evening, you are most likely to find me on my couch, cuddling with my dog and watching some Netflix.
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