Psoriasis is a persistent skin disorder that affects approximately 7.5 million Americans. Not only does it negatively affect the self-confidence of those who have it, but is commonly accompanied by psoriatic arthritis.
Unfortunately, doctors and researchers are still trying to understand the condition. This means that there is no known cure, and treatment is often difficult. Experts are not even sure of the cause of this disease.
Thankfully, advancements in medicine are leading to new treatments every day. One of these potentials is CBD oil for psoriasis. Although this method is still new, many patients claim to gain relief this way.
If you or anyone you know suffers from this condition, read more to find out how CBD oil works for psoriasis.
What Is CBD Oil?
CBD stands for cannabidiol, and it is a cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. Unlike THC, this cannabinoid is not psychoactive. It will interact with the human body’s cannabinoid receptors without inducing a high.
These are countless positive effects of CBD use, and few negative effects. Some people do experience side effects like diarrhea or sleepiness, but not all. However, it’s always wise to consult a medical professional before starting a new supplementation program.
In many states, CBD is already an approved treatment in use by the pharmaceutical and medical communities within their medical cannabis programs. It is new, so all its mechanisms are not fully understood, but researchers have yet to prove its effectiveness for treating a variety of maladies.
What Is Psoriasis?
This condition is one of the most difficult autoimmune diseases to treat. New treatments are a blessing for patients trying to avoid strong medications with devastating side effects.
Not only many conventional treatments have serious side effects, but they can even become less effective over time. With this widespread skin condition, the treatment method should be strong, but should not cause more harm to the body.
Reduce Inflammation
Inflammation is a huge factor in the development of psoriasis. For those with psoriasis, the natural healing process of inflammation becomes chronic. Rather than immune cells clearing up wounds, they stick around and the inflammation becomes worse.
This prolonged inflammation eventually leads to the creation of psoriasis plaque on the skin. When these cells gather and stay in the joints, it leads to painful psoriatic arthritis.
With CBD oil, many patients with psoriasis can reduce their inflammation. Its anti-inflammatory response is much stronger than other medications like aspirin or hydrocortisone. Cannabinoid receptors have been found on immune cells, which shows that CBD can help regulate their behavior.
Abnormal Skin Cell Growth
The misbehaving immune cells also cause abnormal skin cell growth. Specifically, T cells are activated in the skin, releasing cytokines. These proteins tell the skin to reproduce. In healthy immune function, this is a part of the healing process. With psoriasis, however, the skin produces so many cells that dead skin piles up and creates scales, redness, and lesions.
This symptom of psoriasis is visible and can cause harm to the patient’s self-confidence. It also causes physical pain, as the scales can easily rip off, leading to bleeding and open wounds.
CBD oil helps to regulate the immune system, which in turn slows down abnormal skin cell growth. This is one of the most important symptoms to work on for those with psoriasis.
Pain
Both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis cause pain for those who have them. Psoriasis can cause pain when the skin scales are torn or otherwise harmed. This happens continuously, even when doing everyday routines like getting dressed.
Psoriatic arthritis is experienced as a deep joint pain. For some, this pain is so severe it can limit mobility. It can even affect sleeping quality. People with these conditions are always looking for the best way to help with pain.
Thankfully, there is plenty of evidence that shows CBD is effective for assisting with pain. The human body has a natural endocannabinoid system, so cannabinoids like CBD can be used by your body to root out problems in the body.
Itchiness
For those with psoriasis, itching is an annoying symptom that can disrupt daily life. It is caused by the build-up of dead skin cells on the epidermis, where red patches, skin scales, and inflammation are visible.
One new realm of cannabinoid use in medicine is in dermatology. It has been suggested that these compounds can also assist with some external symptoms, like itching.
Again, these cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system to reduce harmful symptoms in the human body. Itching may not be a particularly serious symptom, but it is not desirable either.
Excessive scratching can obviously damage the skin tissue. It can also lead to the itch-scratch cycle, which causes more inflammation and not only worsens the situation but perpetuates it.
Wounds
People with psoriasis deal with persistent and numerous skin wounds. The affected skin often cracks or becomes damaged, leading to bleeding. Again, this leads to more inflammation.
Of course, everyone with psoriasis is looking for the most effective way to treat these wounds. CBD may be able to help with the healing process.
CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties were already mentioned, but this also helps with wound care. Since the endocannabinoid system and receptors also exist in the skin, topical CBD application is an effective product for some skin trauma.
Find CBD Oil for Psoriasis
Although psoriasis negatively affects the quality of life for those who have the condition, it’s not a death sentence. New products like CBD oil for psoriasis are making it easier to live with.
After reading about all the benefits of CBD oil, you make be asking yourself, where can I find it? In some states, it’s not as readily available over the counter. The most convenient way to find CBD oil for psoriasis is to shop online.
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