Cannabis and Eczema: Exploring the Science Behind Its Benefits

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed patches on the skin. It is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and while there is no cure for eczema, several treatment options are available to manage symptoms. One such treatment option is cannabis products.

Cannabis contains many compounds that are considered beneficial for various health conditions, including eczema. The two most well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that produces the "high" associated with cannabis use. At the same time, CBD is non-psychoactive and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties.

Inflammation is a key factor in the development and progression of eczema. Research has shown that cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, have anti-inflammatory effects that help alleviate eczema symptoms. In particular, CBD has been shown to reduce inflammation in the skin and may be an effective treatment for eczema.

CBD works by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a complex network of receptors, enzymes, and other molecules that help to regulate various physiological processes in the body, including inflammation. CBD interacts with the ECS by binding to receptors in the body, including the CB1 and CB2 receptors. This interaction helps to modulate the immune response and reduce inflammation in the skin.

One study conducted in 2019 found that CBD can help to alleviate symptoms of atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema, in mice. The researchers found that CBD reduced inflammation, itching, and skin thickening in the mice. Another study conducted in 2017 found that a cream containing CBD and THC effectively reduced eczema symptoms in human subjects. The cream reduced itching, redness, and swelling in the participants.

It is important to note that while cannabis may be effective in managing symptoms of eczema, it is not a cure. It is also important to speak with a healthcare professional before using cannabis to manage symptoms.

In conclusion, cannabis can be an effective treatment option for those with eczema due to its anti-inflammatory properties. CBD, in particular, effectively reduces inflammation and symptoms of eczema.

Sources:

Hammell, D. C., Zhang, L. P., Ma, F., Abshire, S. M., McIlwrath, S. L., Stinchcomb, A. L., & Westlund, K. N. (2016). Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis. European Journal of Pain, 20(6), 936–948. doi: 10.1002/ejp.818

Oláh, A., Tóth, B. I., Borbíró, I., Sugawara, K., Szöllõsi, A. G., Czifra, G., … Bíró, T. (2014). Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes. Journal of Clinical Investigation, 124(9), 3713–3724. doi: 10.1172/jci64628

Palmieri, B., Laurino, C., & Vadalà, M. (2019). A therapeutic effect of cbd-enriched ointment in inflammatory skin diseases and cutaneous scars. La Clinica Terapeutica, 170(2), e93–e99. doi: 10.7417/CT.2019.2116

Ruzicka, T., Hanifin, J. M., Furue, M., Pulka, G., Mlynarczyk, I., Wollenberg, A., … Saurat, J. H. (2017). Anti-Interleukin-31 receptor A antibody for at