CBD for Psoriasis

Christine Bell • January 22, 2019 • About CBD, Conditions

“When you have psoriasis, confidence is like a moving target,” says Melissa, age 26. But this skin condition doesn’t just cause embarrassment. It can also come with a host of other painful complications. So today, we’re going to talk about the use of CBD for psoriasis.

CBD for Psoriasis at a glance

What the claims are: CBD can help relieve the symptoms of psoriasis, such as inflamed, painful, itchy, scaly patches on the skin and scalp. It can also alleviate the pain from psoriatic arthritis, a condition that can often go hand in hand with psoriasis. Lastly, CBD can help mitigate complications from psoriasis, such as heightened anxiety and depression.

What the studies show: There haven’t been many studies on the effect of CBD for psoriasis. However, the National Center for Biotechnology Information states that CBD might be helpful for those diagnosed with this condition.

What the facts say: Quality research and clinical trials are required to determine how CBD for psoriasis might help. That said, anecdotal evidence and the known biological effects of CBD on the endocannabinoid system suggest that adopting a CBD regimen can be beneficial for those suffering from psoriasis by addressing several of the symptoms and potential co-existing conditions.

What exactly is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a disease that causes cells to build up too rapidly on the surface of the skin. The surplus of skin cells forms scales and itchy, sometimes painful patches. This chronic disease can disappear or be relatively mild for long stretches of time and then reappear or flare up randomly, or due to a variety of catalysts.

The cause of psoriasis isn’t 100% clear, but it’s thought to be an immune system issue that causes our T cells and other white blood cells to attack healthy skin cells in error, the same as they would to defend against infection or a virus. This also causes the body to produce new, “healthy” skin cells much too quickly. That skin continues to build up until treated. There is no cure for psoriasis. However, symptoms can be managed through medication, skin care, diet, and managing stress.

While anyone can get psoriasis, certain risk factors increase the likelihood of contracting this disease, such as family history, viral and bacterial infections, smoking, and obesity. Other potential triggers for psoriasis include:

Infection
Injury to the skin
Stress
Vitamin D deficiency
Smoking
Heavy alcohol use
Some medications

Having psoriasis can also increase the risk of contracting other diseases and conditions such as psoriatic arthritis, eye conditions, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease (which is twice as high as it is for those without the disease), irregular heartbeat, stroke, high cholesterol, Parkinson’s, kidney disease, and emotional problems such as low self-esteem and depression.

How can CBD be used to help psoriasis?

CBD may help with the inflammation and discomfort of psoriasis without the risk of major side effects. This is especially important as some of the treatments used to address more serious cases of psoriasis can come with considerable risks, ranging from irritation and thinning of skin to higher risk of skin cancer and birth defects.

As we scoured the internet for scientific studies and anecdotal evidence, we found that CBD for psoriasis seems to be helping a lot of people with their symptoms. Others don’t find it to be effective. But we’re also seeing people with co-existing conditions and complications due to psoriasis like anxiety, depression, and even psoriatic arthritis getting amazing, life-changing results from adopting a CBD for psoriasis regimen.

Medical Studies

There is a strong connection between our bodies’ nervous systems and our immune systems. They interact via our cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway and endocannabinoid systems. Because CBD is known to work with our endocannabinoid systems, many scientists have high hopes that it can represent a valid therapeutic option for those suffering with psoriasis.

CBD has also been shown to help alleviate the pain associated with certain autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, which may suggest that it can help with psoriatic arthritis as well. Our own research shows that anecdotal evidence seems to support this suggestion.

Lastly, CBD is known to help with inflammation and a host of other conditions and issues that can present along with this disease, such as anxiety, insomnia, and depression.

More studies are needed to determine whether CBD for psoriasis is effective. But at the very least, it may be able to help with some of the symptoms associated with the disease.

What are the risks of using CBD for psoriasis?

One of the more notable facts about CBD is that it’s generally well-tolerated by people who take it, and it comes with very few potential side effects.

Of course, CBD for psoriasis might not be the answer for everyone. If you’re suffering from more serious types of psoriasis (such as pustular or erythrodermic psoriasis) or experiencing a very bad flare up of the more common plaque psoriasis, you might need to explore other or additional treatment options.

It always bears mentioning that, if you’re currently taking any prescription medications, you should check with your pharmacist to ensure that CBD won’t interact with any of them in a negative way.

Should I give CBD for psoriasis a try?

Many people suffering from psoriasis are finding that CBD can help mitigate their symptoms. Because some of the medications used to treat psoriasis come with potentially serious side effects, CBD for psoriasis might be the answer you’re looking for.

However, more research has yet to be done to find out anything conclusive. We recommend you check with your medical provider before adding anything new to your healthcare routine and find out if a CBD regimen is right for you.