CBD Oil For Psoriasis
26 November 2021Your skin is the first thing people see when you present yourself. If you happen to have healthy skin, you probably never stop to wonder about that. People affected by psoriasis, however, are confronted with red, inflamed, flaky skin on a daily basis. Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that involves inflammation of the skin, which covers it in thick, scaly patches. Treatment usually consists of corticosteroids, light therapy, or internal medication. Living with psoriasis can be difficult, and existing medication can only relieve the symptoms somewhat. Psoriasis never goes away, but can CBD Oil help keep it under control?
The Symptoms Of Psoriasis
Your skin is the organ that protects you from outside influences. In order to remain healthy, the skin is involved in a process of constant renewal. Old skin cells die off and are replaced by new ones. Normally speaking, we never notice this ongoing process. In case of psoriasis, however, excessive cell replacement occurs too fast. Instead of every 30 ays, cells are replaced every 3 to 5 days.
This causes excessive build-up of skin cells that cannot grow as they should. The skin becomes flaky and inflammation occurs. These inflammations are in fact the suspected cause of sustained skin deformities in psoriasis. Patients tend to have spots that clearly stand out from unaffected areas of the skin. Patches of skin appear swollen, with white flakes that may cause a scaly look. These patches may itch or even be painful.
Sadly, we don’t yet know what causes the condition, but hereditary factors are certainly involved. Psoriasis affects both men and women, with symptoms that may arise at any age.
Regular Treatment
There is no cure for psoriasis; treatment relies solely on countering symptoms. This can be done using internal or external methods+. Highly potent corticosteroids are an option, in the form of salves or creams. Vitamin D-derived substances may also prove effective, since these can slow down cellular growth.
Another option is the use of tar. This has the advantage of not causing many side-effects, but tar spreads a strong scent, and it can stain clothing and bed linen. These interventions are often applied in combination with laser or light therapy. Doctors may prescribe internal medication for severe cases of psoriasis. These are usually drugs that impair cell division or affect the immune system. Most of these interventions, both internal and external, have negative side-effects; and they usually take time to become effective. CBD supplements could be a natural alternative, however. The properties of CBD Oil appear highly suited to address the symptoms of psoriasis.
How Can CBD Oil Help Control Psoriasis?
The human body generates its own endocannabinoids. These compounds interact with our endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps regulate a large number of physiological processes. It does so by means of cannabinoid receptors located on cells spread throughout the body, including the (peripheral) nervous system, the brain, and the skin. The ECS affects the immune system (including inflammatory processes) and the way we handle pain, among many other processes.
CBD (cannabidiol) is capable of influencing the CB1 and CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. This allows it to counter inflammation as well as promote production of certain compounds, activate waste-removing cells, and support restoration and growth of skin tissue; all of which are involved in the symptoms of psoriasis. CBD is in fact able to address the underlying cause of inflammation, rather than merely fighting the symptomatic consequences. This is due to its ability to restore balance in the immune system.
CBD can also produce anti-inflammatory effects by increasing availability of the neurotransmitter adenosine. CBD can restrict the reuptake of adenosine by the body, which leads to increased presence of these molecules in the brain because they last longer. Adenosine in turn affects adenosine receptors, which produce anti-inflammatory effects in all parts of the body.
Research Into The Effects Of CBD Oil On Psoriasis
A 2019 study explored the effectiveness of a CBD cutaneous salve applied to skin lesions twice a day over a two-month consecutive period. All 20 participants suffered from skin conditions such as psoriasis and dermatitis. It turned out that the salve improved dermal hydration as well as skin elasticity. Overall skin condition improved as well, without any signs of allergies or skin irritation after use of the salve.
A 2020 study investigated the effectiveness of a CBD shampoo for patients with psoriasis on the scalp and seborrheic eczema. The CBD shampoo proved effective at reducing scalp skin inflammation, itching, and burning sensations.
The cannabinoids in CBD Oil also appear to affect production of keratinocytes, as research shows, which can reduce plaque build-up and influence their shape. Further research is needed, but it seems likely that CBD Oil can help prevent formation of scaly, flaky, and swollen skin.
CBD Oil may help control psoriasis in other regards, too. Its soothing effects make CBD a good candidate for relieving the psychological impact often associated with the condition. It could help reduce sleeping problems, anxiety, and depressive symptoms, for instance.
The Gentle Relief Of CBD
As it turns out, CBD Oil, CBD Salve, and CBD Cream could help control dermal conditions such as psoriasis. These products are freely available, with little chance of side-effects or excessive reactions by the skin. If you are suffering from psoriasis and you would like to try a natural supplement such as our Full Spectrum CBD Oil for your symptoms, we advise you to consult your doctor or dermatologist first. This is particularly advisable of you are already using medication, because CBD can influence the way that certain (prescription) drugs work.
