Psoriasis is a very common condition that millions of people across the globe, and in America estimates over 7 million people are currently living with some form of it. What exactly causes the autoimmune disorder remains unclear, but it is a skin condition that causes redness and discomfort.
While there is no known cure to the disease currently, there is growing insight that the use of CBD oil and CBD-based products can help reduce the symptoms.
What is Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is a very common condition, and estimates suggest that 3% of the world’s population is currently affected by some form of the disorder. It is a chronic disease that can be in remission for a long time before flaring up again.
The autoimmune condition causes the cells in the skin to multiply rapidly, which results in scale-like patches on the skin that can be red and itchy. Typically, these patches will appear on the elbows, knees, and scalp. However, many sufferers have also found that their breakouts will appear on the back, hands, groin, buttocks, and breasts. There are many different types of psoriasis, with the most common including:
- Plaque Psoriasis:
This accounts for up to 90% of cases and causes skin lesions and scales.
- Inverse Psoriasis:
This causes red inflammation in the patches of the skin, where there is friction and sweating.
- Nail Psoriasis:
This affects the finger and toenails, discoloring them and causing abnormal growth.
- Guttate Psoriasis:
This form typically affects younger adults and children and occurs during a viral infection.
- Psoriatic Arthritis:
This is the condition that causes the joints in the body to become inflamed.
There is no known cause for developing psoriasis, but it can be triggered by stress, damaged skin, weather changes, medication, smoking, alcohol, and viral infections.
Can CBD Oil help?
As psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, CBD oil and cannabinoid products have been known to help reduce the symptoms. CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, so using CBD oil can help to reduce the redness and itchiness symptoms of psoriasis.
However, CBD has also been known to target some of the most prominent underlying causes of psoriasis. A recent study by the Journal of Current Clinical Pharmacology found that CBD oil and cannabis compounds were able to positively impact the endocannabinoid system and create cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathways to reduce the symptoms.
This research has been further built on, with a trial in 2019 by the La Clinica Terapeutica in Italy finding that psoriasis sufferers placed on CBD were able to improve symptoms, boost skin hydration, and reduce irritation.
There is a wide range of CBD products available on the market, and some are better for treating psoriasis than others. Full-spectrum CBD products are often the best and can begin to get to work much quicker than some of the oral solutions, which will need to pass through the digestive tract before they start to work. However, oral solutions are still just as effective in reducing the symptoms and conditions of psoriasis.
Using CBD oil to reduce psoriasis
There can be no denying that CBD oil has helped many people to reduce their symptoms of psoriasis. However, as with all CBD oil, it is important that users do not exceed the recommended daily dosage.
For some sufferers, just a few drops will help to reduce symptoms, while others will need more regular dosing. It is also important to remember that CBD oil will not completely cure the user, and if you have any concerns about your psoriasis, you should contact your dermatologist first.
