CBD Oil For Psoriasis: Does It Work?

person Larry Ostrovsky
calendar_today Jul 09, 2018

Psoriasis is a disease which many people find difficult to talk about. Covering up, and avoiding social interaction are two of the most common coping mechanisms for patients. Genuinely challenging symptoms severely affect people’s everyday lives during a flare-up, and roughly 60 percent report the disease is a large problem. Women and young people, as well as those with psoriatic arthritis, experience a more significant impact. [1]

But due to research, as well as compelling anecdotal evidence, we now have some fascinating facts about CBD oil for psoriasis.

For those unfamiliar with the compound - CBD or cannabidiol is a substance derived from cannabis plants. Unlike THC, the psychoactive part of cannabis, CBD has absolutely no associated ‘high’. Its gentle action and potential as a novel psoriasis treatment, are gaining a lot of attention.

The research exploring CBD oil for psoriasis is in the very early stages.

The Evidence Supporting CBD Oil for Psoriasis

The research exploring CBD oil for psoriasis is only in the very early stages. In fact, there are still relatively few studies about the roll cannabinoids may play in the treatment of any dermatological condition. However, despite the sparsity, the initial findings are proving exceedingly interesting.[2]

The most direct research done thus far was a laboratory study, which means it was performed in a petri dish of human cells, and not on a real person. The investigation determined that many cannabinoids, including THC, CBD, CBN, and CBG, all inhibit keratinocyte proliferation. Keratinocyte proliferation is responsible for the flaky, irritated patches on skin common among all patients with psoriasis. Excess skin cells make their way to the surface too fast, compared to a normal proliferation timeframe.

What would this mean in practice? The research theorizes that CBD, among many other cannabinoids, could reduce this challenging plaque buildup caused by psoriasis. These rough patches are often one of the more troubling symptoms of the disease, not only because they trigger discomfort but because they are so visible. Further research into CBD oil for psoriasis, should hopefully continue to demonstrate positive associations between the cannabinoid and the disease.[3]

The research theorizes that CBD could reduce the challenging plaque buildup caused by psoriasis.

There is also some evidence that CBD may help with various types of arthritis. To date, there are no studies about CBD and psoriatic arthritis specifically, but researchers are exploring CBD for many other types of arthritis, including rheumatoid and osteoarthritis.

Cannabidiol is already a proven and effective anti-inflammatory agent, but it also might help with arthritis-related pain, at least according to a recent animal study on the subject. The authors concluded: “Prophylactic CBD treatment prevented the later development of pain and nerve damage in these OA joints. These findings suggest that CBD may be a safe, useful therapeutic for treating OA joint neuropathic pain.[4]

Another, earlier study, cited to be the first ever controlled trial of a cannabis-based medicine for the treatment of pain due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), conclude that “a significant analgesic effect was observed, and disease activity was significantly suppressed following...treatment. Whilst the differences are small and variable across the population, they represent benefits of clinical relevance and show the need for more detailed investigation in this indication”.[5]

We can only make assumptions about CBD oils’ effectiveness for other types of arthritis, including psoriatic arthritis. However, it seems logical to assume CBD would continue to suppress an overactive inflammatory response. More research should uncover the extent to which CBD oil is beneficial for psoriatic arthritis.

CBD Oil for Psoriasis Already At Work

It's worth mentioning that a recent industry survey, which examined who was using CBD oil, and for what purpose, uncovered the most common uses for CBD oil in the market today. Among the top medicinal applications of CBD oil, consumers reported using it for joint pain and inflammation, and, more explicitly, for arthritis.[6]

It may be early days for research on CBD, but psoriasis sufferers aren’t waiting, and one such person, Lori-Ann Holbrook, recently told her story to the National Psoriasis Foundation. Due to the severity and variety of her symptoms, she has decided to take a holistic approach to treatment. Alongside other natural therapies, Holbrook has found relief through CBD oil.

Initially, Lori-Ann’s physicians prescribed her a slew of medications, including naproxen, auranofin, and sulfasalazine. While she got her symptoms under control with infliximab and methotrexate, she found that she had to change her approach to a multifaceted treatment plan. “None of the medications before that were effective at all, and some of the side effects were really off-putting.”

She was able to reduce or eliminate many of these conventional pharmaceuticals thanks to her dedication to holistic health. In combination with meditation techniques, exercise and a healthy lifestyle, Holbrook relies on CBD supplements to complete her holistic approach to CBD treatment. Using CBD oil as a complimentary addition to her more conventional prescriptions has given her a new lease on life.

In combination with meditation, exercise and a healthy lifestyle, Holbrook relies on CBD supplements to complete her holistic approach to psoriasis treatment.

Topical Applications of CBD Oil for Psoriasis

The endocannabinoid system plays a critical role in skin health, including immune system support, the production of hormones and proteins, and the regulation of cell proliferation and cell death. It’s through the endocannabinoid system that cannabinoids like as CBD are proving so useful. [8]

Topical applications, like our CBD herbal balm, could help reduce inflammation, discomfort, and the excess cell proliferation. As more research opens up the study of CBD oil for psoriasis, patients and dermatologists alike are hopeful for a novel therapeutic agent in the fight against the challenging symptoms of psoriasis. Considering the troubling side effects of many conventional psoriasis medications, CBD’s excellent safety profile, together with its efficacy, is appealing to many people.