CBD and psoriasis - how cannabidiol can help
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of dozens of cannabinoids found in hemp. During the last decades, researches were carried out on the potential properties of this compound, which indicated its possible use in the treatment of skin diseases, such as psoriasis, or psoriasis in Czech.
What exactly is psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a chronic disease affecting the skin. People with psoriasis have red, scaly, or scaly patches on their skin caused by the increased production of skin cells in these areas. Normally, skin cells are replaced every 3 to 4 weeks, but in patients with psoriasis, new cells are formed to replace the old ones between 3 and 7 days. As a result of the accumulation of skin cells, red scaly patches appear in people with this disease.
Although it is an incurable disease, most people with it can lead a normal life. Certain triggering events can cause the number of spots to increase or make them sore or itchy. These triggering events include, for example, a skin injury, the use of certain medications, or a throat infection. In most cases, topical treatment can improve the symptoms and severity of flare-ups. However, in more severe cases, oral or injectable medication may be necessary to manage the intensity of the skin disease. For some people, this condition does not affect their normal life, but for others it can reduce self-esteem due to appearance. In some cases, it is also possible to develop joint problems known as psoriatic arthritis.
Scientific studies on CBD and psoriasis
The possible effects of hemp products, such as those made from CBD extract , on psoriasis are still poorly researched. Although there has already been some research on this topic, we still have a long way to go before we truly understand how CBD might be helpful for sufferers of this condition. However, in recent decades, some publications have mentioned that the properties of CBD could improve the quality of life of people with psoriasis.
A 2007 study concluded that CBD could reduce the build-up of skin cells that appear as red, scaly patches on the skin. The same study also states that animal and human studies are needed to prove this conclusion. In addition, several studies have been published that explain the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, which may be beneficial for those experiencing severe flare-ups of their psoriasis patches.
Many other studies have also shown that CBD can reduce pain , which can help people with severe cases of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis better manage the associated pain. Although these studies shed some light on the potential benefits of CBD as a psoriasis treatment option, more research is still needed, as suggested by the researchers themselves.
How can CBD work on psoriasis? Scientific evidence
As explained above, it is important to note that official research into CBD and its benefits for treating psoriasis is still in its early stages. However, the results of already published studies are very promising for those who are interested in trying CBD products to treat the symptoms of their disease. In a 2007 study, researchers sought to understand whether the cannabinoids found in cannabis (particularly THC, CBD, CBN, and CBG) could inhibit the formation of hyperproliferating human skin cells. According to the publication, all cannabinoids examined were able to inhibit the formation of new cells.
A study published in 2017 also reported that cannabinoids have strong anti-angiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties, potentially making these compounds effective in the treatment of psoriasis. A more recent study from 2020 also suggests that there is increasing interest in the use of cannabinoids as potential therapeutics for the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions. All of these studies suggest that further controlled human studies are necessary to truly understand the potential of cannabinoids in dermatology in general, and psoriasis in particular.
Is there a contraindication to the use of CBD in psoriasis?
CBD in 2017 , stating that the compound "does not appear to have the potential for addiction or harm to humans". Along with this statement, the WHO also stated that CBD has a low toxicity profile and that it usually does not cause negative side effects. The WHO explained that CBD can have negative interactions with some medications and in these situations side effects are more common.
With this in mind, it is always recommended that you consult your doctor before using any CBD product. The doctor knows your medical history and knows about any prescription drugs you may be taking. For this reason, he is the ideal person to advise you on whether CBD could be a suitable choice for treating psoriasis. It is also possible to come across reports from CBD users who have experienced negative side effects when taking this compound. Common side effects include, for example:
- nausea
- drowsiness
- fatigue
- dry mouth
- changes in appetite
- gastrointestinal problems
In case you experience any unexpected side effects while using CBD products , immediately inform your doctor who will advise you.
How to choose the right CBD product for psoriasis?
One of the first steps to take before purchasing any type of CBD product is to consult a doctor. If you are interested in the possibility of using CBD for treatment, consult your doctor or dermatologist about this matter. Once you are sure that you can take CBD and that it does not interfere with any of the medications you are taking, you can start looking for the best CBD product . Another important aspect to consider is the fact that not everyone reacts to the same product in the same way. This is because we all have different natural resistance to this compound, different age, health status, weight and other characteristics that can change the effects. An important thing to consider when buying CBD products is the type of CBD :
CBD isolate: contains only CBD and no other cannabinoids from hemp.
Broad-spectrum CBD: contains all cannabinoids naturally found in hemp, including CBD, terpenes and fatty acids, except THC .
Full-spectrum CBD: contains all the same compounds as broad-spectrum CBD, including a trace amount of THC (from January 1, 2022, the limit of 1% content is legally allowed in the Czech Republic).
Products made with broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD tend to be more effective due to the so-called entourage effect – this occurs when all the cannabinoids work together to reinforce each other's properties and effects.
Tips for Using CBD for Psoriasis
Although each person has their own needs when it comes to CBD products , there are some aspects that everyone should keep in mind when searching for, purchasing and using CBD: Choose brands that grow hemp organically, as this ensures that the resulting product contains fewer toxins , pesticides, heavy metals and fungi. Verify that the brand you choose uses third-party laboratories to test its products and that the test results are available on the website.
Consult the test results to confirm the information provided on the product page. Products made from CBD extract that is extracted using the supercritical CO2 method are often of higher quality and contain fewer chemicals. Make sure that the products you buy meet the legal conditions. Always read reviews from previous customers to verify that the quality of the products matches what is shown in the online store.
It is also important to consider the very method of using the product :
External use: CBD creams, lotions, ointments, and sprays may be more suitable for treating skin conditions because they can be applied directly to the skin.
Oral Use: CBD oils, tinctures, capsules and edibles can be taken orally.
Inhalation: CBD can be used by inhalation in the form of CBD flowers and vaporization products.
Conclusion: Can CBD Help Psoriasis?
The benefit of CBD for psoriasis has yet to be proven. However, existing scientific studies shed a positive light on this issue. Some studies suggest that CBD may be beneficial for people suffering from psoriasis due to its ability to stop the overgrowth of skin cells, as well as its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Although we still have a long way to go before we truly understand how CBD can be used in psoriasis, the evidence so far shows that there is a high chance that this compound will be beneficial. With this in mind, we recommend that you consult your doctor if you are interested in using these types of products to treat your condition. Your doctor is the right person to advise you on this matter because he knows your medical history and the medications you are taking.
Photo: Shutterstock
Short and simple:
1. Hemnia does not want or cannot replace the professional care of your doctor.
2. Hemnia products are not medicines (or medical preparations), so please do not approach them as such.
3. Hemnia offers cannabis products, but don't look for any narcotic or psychotropic substances here. We do not offer or recommend them.
Read the full text of the disclaimer here .