Can CBD oil help psoriasis?

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a condition where your skin becomes itchy and painful. It is a disorder in the immune system that leads to an increase in the number of skin cells, which concentrate on the surface before they are mature. These skin cells develop red patches with a covering of silvery scales. The skin patches can often crack and bleed. People living with psoriasis may also experience inflammation and swelling in different body parts.

A report from the National Psoriasis Foundation states that up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, leading to stiff and inflamed joints. Psoriasis currently has no cure, but taking the right treatment can help with the symptoms. Some treatments will lead to side effects, while others tend to be less effective after some time. Therefore, scientists are still searching for an accurate way to manage this condition.

How can CBD help psoriasis?

by applying CBD creams, balms, and other topical products to the site of psoriasis, CBD is able to reduce inflammation, prevent skin cell overgeneration, and manage pain:

Reducing inflammation

Inflammation occurs in both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. According to a 2009 study, some cannabis compounds, including some forms of THC and CBD, could help regulate the immune system and reduce inflammation. Another 2016 study suggested that some cannabis compounds might help reduce psoriasis by affecting the interaction between the body’s immune and nervous systems.

Reducing cell growth

Individuals with psoriasis often experience a higher than normal generation of skin cells. Cannabinoids can reduce the creation of skin cells and slow their accumulation on the skin’s surface.

A 2007 study found that cannabis compounds like THC, CBD, and CBN appeared to slow the growth of cells called keratinocytes in the outer layer of the skin. The scientists suggested that these compounds could be influential in treating psoriasis. Other studies have also acknowledged the idea that cannabinoids may be useful in the treatment of psoriasis.

CBD Therapeutic Balm from Honest Botanicals

Regulating pain

Cannabis can lessen pain caused by psoriasis. According to this 2015 article in JAMA, there is notable scientific evidence to indicate that CBD can relieve pain. This could potentially mean that either a CBD oil or a topically applied cream could reduce the pain and discomfort in people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.

To play devil’s advocate though, a 2018 paper written in Australia found no link between cannabis use and pain reduction or lower use of opioids to control pain. However, the participants of this research study were not taking the required cannabinoids for medical purposes. They were mostly using opioid prescriptions and were choosing to use cannabis to relieve different symptoms, including pain and anxiety.

Cannabis compounds like CBD may reduce the itching that occurs with certain skin conditions such as psoriasis. Scientists are currently exploring how to use cannabis compounds to reduce itching in people with psoriasis.

Treating wounds

Psoriasis often results in cracks and constant bleeding of the affected skin patches. According to 2016 study based on mice, cannabinoid receptors are essential in wound repair. Scientists have also been exploring some anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids, which may be useful for the treatment of psoriasis. Hopefully, procedures involving cannabis compounds could help treat the heal cracks and bleeds that result from this painful disorder.

In conclusion, if you are looking to treat your psoriasis with cannabis products, any of our CBD topicals would be a good place to start, with our therapeutic CBD balm being one of the most popular.