CBD and Psoriasis: What's the Relationship?
CBD is associated with multiple properties, some of which already have some scientific studies to back them up and others which are based solely on anecdotal evidence. The potential of CBD for treating psoriasis is one area where this cannabinoid has already had some encouraging research. Thus, promising initial research, combined with numerous successful experiences, encourages more people to try CBD to help with their psoriasis. But how does it work?
What is CBD
Before getting into the relationship between CBD and psoriasis, it is good to take the time to learn more about this topic. CBD stands for cannabidiol and is a cannabinoid, one of the main active compounds found in the cannabis plant.
CBD is associated with a number of potential benefits and is commonly used as part of medical marijuana treatments. CBD is non-psychoactive and is legal in Italy, provided it contains less than 0.5% THC.
What is psoriasis
Psoriasis is a genetic and autoimmune disease involving the endocannabinoid system. In a healthy person, skin cells are replaced every 30 days. For those with psoriasis, this process is accelerated and occurs every three to five days instead. This is a significant difference, leading to rapid and excessive growth of the epidermal layer of the skin. That growth leads to scaly, itchy, red patches. In some cases, psoriasis occurs throughout the body, while others are localized only in certain areas.
Experts believe that although psoriasis is a genetic and autoimmune disease, environmental factors can contribute to its manifestation. These include psychological and bodily stressors, infections, medications, trauma, colds, smoking, alcohol abuse and poor diet. There is no definitive cure for psoriasis, but some treatments can control symptoms.
The connection with the endocannabinoid system
The connection between CBD and psoriasis is via the endocannabinoid system. This stems from the fact that the immune system is part of the underlying mechanism of psoriasis. Research has found that our endocannabinoid system constantly binds to messenger molecules that are part of the immune system. This message regulates a number of primary physiological functions. Some of the most crucial roles of the endocannabinoid system are the control of cell balance, differentiation, proliferation, death and tolerance, which applies to skin cells.
Scientists are gaining a deeper understanding of how the natural cannabinoids in our system, as well as synthetic or botanical ones, bind to the immune system. There are four biochemical mechanisms: cell apoptosis, suppression of cytokine production, reduction of white blood cells and inhibition of cell proliferation. As a background, cytokines are the body's primary chemical signals for inflammation. Immune cells secrete them when under stress. Thanks to these connections, scientists believe that the endocannabinoid system has the potential to influence how skin diseases develop.
The relationship with the inflammatory state
Another aspect of the connection between CBD and psoriasis comes from the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids. In those with psoriasis, the dermis is inflamed, which causes skin cells to mature prematurely, causing skin tissue to break down and cause pain.
Various studies in recent years have shown that CBD probably has anti-inflammatory properties. A 2010 review, for example, suggested that by targeting the CB2 receptor in the endocannabinoid system, it could be possible to treat autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. Given that CBD binds to this receptor, there is a clear connection between CBD and the potential to cure psoriasis. This is because psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, as well as an inflammatory one.
While not related to psoriasis, a study on acne and CBD has demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effect of cannabinoids. Research has found that CBD slows the excess lipid production that occurs under the skin with acne, along with the suppression of cell proliferation.
Other relevant searches
Experts also point to a 2007 study indicating that cannabinoids could help stop the buildup of skin cells, thereby treating psoriasis. There was a more recent study from 2017 that used JWH-133, a synthetic cannabinoid, and showed it could hold promise in treating psoriasis. A 2019 review confirmed that cannabinoids may have the potential to treat psoriasis, but more research obviously needs to be done.
The various research showing that CBD can help with pain management is also relevant to psoriasis sufferers as this skin condition is often associated with pain. In fact, the connection between CBD and pain is so strong that pain relief is among the most common reasons people use medical marijuana.
How to use CBD for psoriasis
There are many methods of taking CBD, including CBD oil , by ingesting it orally and applied topically. There are also various creams and lotions on the market that contain CBD to make topical application easier. This application is supposed to work due to the fact that skin cells contain cannabinoid receptors (in this case CB2), just like other cells in the body.
Using topical hemp and CBD products is one of the most popular methods of treating psoriasis as it allows you to focus on the affected area. It is also possible to take CBD in another way, as the body will still be able to use it.
The results
Early research , along with anecdotal evidence, suggests CBD may help reduce symptoms of psoriasis. This is probably due to the fact that psoriasis is an inflammatory disease influenced by the immune and endocannabinoid systems, with which CBD interacts via the CB2 receptor, combined with the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD. The research is still in its early stages, and research into CBD and psoriasis in particular is minimal.
Even so, promising initial research and personal reports combined with the incredibly low risk of side effects associated with CBD make it an attractive option for psoriasis sufferers to try . Obviously it is always good and important to consult your doctor before using CBD, to make sure there are no interactions with other drugs. If you are currently taking any medications for psoriasis, you should discuss them with your doctor before stopping them.
Sources
A therapeutic effect of cbd-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars