Without a doubt, we all have our fair share of skin irritation. Especially if we’re approaching the winter times. From all of the agents that are advertised, it can be difficult to find something that can truly help with the annoying skin irritation.
For people with psoriasis, this is not as simple. The National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF) defines it as a n immune-mediated disease, which causes a raides, red scaly patch anywhere on the skin. The severity can change quite a bit with different episodes. In some rare cases, psoriasis can reach in many more places than the common ones (elbows, knees, scalp). On top of that, itchiness and skin irritation can change depending on stress and physical stressors.
The cause for psoriasis is still unknown, but researchers believe that genetics are a primary concern. The NPF states that more than 8 million American suffer from psoriasis, as well as 125 million people worldwide.
Common Treatment
Psoriasis treatment is actually complex depending on the situation. It’s complicated in the fact that many of the prescribed ointments are not supposed to be used for long-term relief. Most prescription medications for psoriasis like amcinonide (Cylocort), betamethasone valerate (Luxiq), are for short-term relief. These are prescribed for the very sensitive areas with higher concentrations of irritation. Using these too often can cause thinning of the skin, and also stop working over time.
These ointments are very helpful in reducing the irritation, but aren’t designed as a long term treatment, so many people with psoriasis turn to mental health practices to reduce stress. Stress can trigger episodes of psoriasis, as well as worse existing patches.
Why CBD?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, and is a main component found in the cannabis plant (marijuana/hemp), and has many of the studied benefits.
CBD is actually just one of the many components found in cannabis, and has one underlying quality that many people turn to. It is non-psychoactive, which means it won’t make the user “high” like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) will.
CBD has been shown to harbor many of the anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties. The fact that it won’t make the user high is a big plus for many users, as they don’t want to fail a drug test, or for any other reason!
CBD works by latching into our central nervous system through CB1 and CB2 receptors. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system (ENS) and process the many different cannabinoids. CB1 is found in the brain, while CB2 is found in our liver, pancreas, digestive tract, as well as immune cells.
Research found that patients with psoriasis administered a CBD topical ointment found a significant decrease in the parameters of affected areas, as well as a lower PASI index score (symptom control).
There are many more studies on the effects of CBD on skin conditions, many of which are on psoriasis.
Final Thoughts
Psoriasis is seeing a massive increase in cases, and has an extensive cost on our health care. People with psoriasis have a 20% chance of developing psoriatic arthritis. Inflammatory problems have been shown to improve under the effects of CBD, and is a promising agent in fighting against these types of skin conditions.
If you’re interested in trying CBD for a skin condition, consider talking to your doctor first if you’re taking other topical medications.