For a disorder that has no known cure, psoriasis sufferers are considerably on the lookout for ways to manage and ease their symptoms. People are turning to more natural options, particularly cannabinoids like CBD, to help alleviate painful conditions and inflammation.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is frequently being recognised for its potential health benefits, but how beneficial is it for psoriasis? Stay tuned as we’re about to find out – this article covers everything you need to know! First off, let’s get to grips with psoriasis.
What Are the Types of Psoriasis?
Psoriasis is known as a lifelong autoimmune disorder that causes the rapid multiplication of skin cells, resulting in flaky, scale-like patches on the surface of the skin. Most of the time, it’s not pretty as these patches, sometimes called plaques, can be itchy, sore, red and inflamed.
Have a read about some of the most common forms of psoriasis below.
- Psoriasis flare-ups
For most individuals with psoriasis, symptoms come and go; people often have periods of remission where symptoms are mild. A range of issues can cause psoriasis flare-ups, however, including stress, illness, and external factors like certain weather conditions and allergies. During triggering times, it may feel even more necessary to find relief, yet this can sometimes be hard to do. When symptoms become more severe, perhaps consider using a stronger CBD oil.
- Facial psoriasis
Although more likely to affect your elbows, knees, lower back and scalp, psoriasis can also appear on your face. It often develops from scalp psoriasis and typically occurs on the eyebrows, the skin between the nose and upper lip, the upper forehead and the hairline. Several forms of facial psoriasis need to be treated carefully due to the facial skin being more sensitive and acne-prone than the rest of the body.
- Scalp psoriasis
This form of psoriasis can be incredibly uncomfortable and itchy. It’s especially important to use gentle hair care products that will soothe the scalp while effectively cleansing and nourishing your hair. It’s worth speaking to your doctor about attaining prescription shampoos if your scalp psoriasis is severe.
How Can CBD Potentially Manage Psoriasis Symptoms?
Psoriasis symptoms can be persistent, making them difficult to treat, but there’s potential for CBD to calm them. CBD has been linked to soothing stress and anxiety, so its relaxation element could be key to managing the condition. CBD is believed to work by affecting the endocannabinoid system that helps to keep your body healthy, including your digestive system, brain and skin.
What Do Studies Suggest?
It’s important to note that CBD is unlikely to vanish all of your psoriasis symptoms. Yet, there have been some successful reports that suggest CBD might be able to treat psoriasis.
Back in 2007, a study suggested that cannabinoids could stop the buildup of skin cells. Normally, skin cells are made and replaced every three to four weeks, but the process in psoriasis only takes around three to seven days! It would be amazing if CBD positively affects skin cell growth, but more research is needed before we know it for sure.
More recently, in 2019, researchers from a study concluded that the effect of a CBD-enriched ointment containing no THC led to an improvement in skin conditions such as psoriasis. CBD may also possess therapeutic potential, according to a 2019 review.
Some experts believe that CBD acts as an anti-inflammatory. Recent research supports this and the connection between cannabinoids potentially being able to treat inflammatory skin conditions. In addition, using CBD could effectively manage pain for some patients with psoriasis who suffer from psoriatic arthritis, a condition involving joint inflammation.
Choosing the Right Products for Psoriasis
People with psoriasis try CBD to soothe their condition with varying levels of success, but success often stems from choosing the right products. Many manufacturers include CBD in their products, for example, CBD-infused creams, lotions, ointments and even CBD patches alongside other hydrating ingredients. Applying topical treatments directly onto the affected areas may help to calm the skin condition down. Some people also prefer to take CBD orally by purchasing edibles like CBD gummies https://alphagreen.io/collections/cbd-gummies.html, oral sprays, capsules or tinctures.
It’s essential to choose CBD products that are third-party tested and provide a certificate of authenticity (COA). This will ensure you’re purchasing CBD from a safe and reliable source. As with any supplement, if you notice unusual symptoms with no links to your psoriasis after using CBD, please discontinue using the product and seek medical help from a doctor or healthcare professional.
How to Avoid Triggers
Psoriasis is different for everybody who has it, so what triggers the symptoms for one individual might have little or no impact for another. It’s helpful to get clued up on the scope of triggers and learn how to handle them. Common psoriasis triggers include alcohol, diet, hormonal changes, infection, medication, skin injury (including cuts, scrapes and sunburn), smoking, stress, supplements, tattoos and piercings, and the weather.
Although not always identifiable, avoiding triggers may help prevent a flare-up and ease discomfort. Where possible, you may find it helpful to:
- Keep a log of your symptoms to try to identify specific triggers;
- Avoid situations that may make symptoms worse, i.e. extreme weather conditions, smoky environments or exposure to specific foods;
- Take measures to lower the risk of a flare, such as bathing in warm rather than hot water, using medicated shampoos and skincare products, or applying sunscreen when outdoors.
Natural Home Remedies
Along with CBD, there are several alternatives to help with psoriasis. Some CBD-infused products contain an array of natural ingredients, for example, aloe vera, lavender oil and arnica flower may effectively relieve psoriasis symptoms via antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Consuming turmeric is another option that might help with psoriasis as it contains curcumin, holding antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
Final Thoughts
While the research is limited, there’s hope for psoriasis sufferers out there; CBD could help calm, soothe and hydrate inflamed skin. As those with the condition will know, any potential for relief is a step in the right direction. So, for now, we’ll remain optimistic about the healing powers of Cannabidiol.
