CBD and Eczema: Everything You Need To Know

Cannabidiol often referred to as CBD, is rapidly gaining traction when it comes to matters of health. It is an active ingredient of marijuana, which, unlike other components of marijuana, does not impair the senses resulting in a feeling of “high.” This, coupled with the fact that it consists of numerous helpful compounds (cannabinoids), makes it an extremely suitable treatment for various skin disorders. According to research, some of these skin disorders include:

•    Acne.
•    Psoriasis.
•    Cutaneous infections.
•    Eczema.

For this discussion, we shall be focusing on the latter, eczema. What is eczema? Is CBD capable of treating it? Read on to find out the answers to these questions and so much more.

What is Eczema?

Have you been suffering from dry, flaky skin that tends to itch and develop rashes occasionally? If so, then you might be a victim of eczema. Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a skin disorder that mostly occurs in children.

It is most prevalent in the knees, forehead, cheeks, and elbows of children. Some of the symptoms to look out for in your child include;
•    Dry, itchy skin.
•    Red, scaly skin that tends to leak fluid.
•    A rash that develops on the ankles, legs, and the crease of their knees and elbows.

That said, eczema also tends to affect adults, especially those with a family history of the condition. When it comes to adults, you may experience these symptoms:
•    Rashes that are scalier than those experienced by children.
•    Extremely dry skin.
•    The rashes are constantly itchy.

Types of Eczema

Most people refer to eczema as atopic dermatitis since this is the most common type of eczema. However, there are numerous other types of eczema such as:

• Contact dermatitis: This is the type of eczema that occurs when your skin reacts to certain substances. Once your skin comes into contact with these substances, it develops a rash and may also result in blistering.
• Dyshidrotic eczema: Usually occurs in adults under the age of forty.  The most common symptoms include small blisters and intense itching on the hands and feet.
• Discoid eczema: Like the name suggests, discoid eczema is popular for its disc-shaped patches, which are usually accompanied by dry, swollen skin. It mostly occurs on the forearms, torso, and legs.
• Varicose eczema: This type of eczema usually develops in older individuals who are suffering from varicose veins. It mostly affects the lower legs, with symptoms such as: cracked skin, dry skin, and itchy spots.

What Causes Eczema?

Some of the major causes of this skin disorder include:
•    Allergens such as pollen, mites, and mold.
•    Certain skin irritants that cause dryness such as soaps and detergents.
•    Genetic causes- if eczema runs in your family.
•    It is also prevalent in people who have allergies such as asthma.

Can CBD Treat Eczema?

Homeostasis is a vital process in the human body since it helps create a steady balance between the body and the various chemical conditions inside it. When it comes to the skin, this is controlled by the endocannabinoid system (ECS). With the help of multiple compounds known as endocannabinoids (cannabinoid compounds), it can regulate skin homeostasis and protect the skin from disorders.

However, there are instances where this balance is offset, resulting in various skin disorders such as eczema. When this happens, studies suggest that CBD is a suitable treatment since it contains cannabinoids- receptors that help in skin homeostasis. It is thus capable of regulating the skin and restoring it to its healthy form.

Additionally, eczema, just like other skin disorders, is caused by inflammation. Luckily, CBD contains anti-inflammatory compounds that can easily counter the effects of the disease and leave your skin clear and healthy. This was discussed in a particular study, where they discovered that CBD does have a therapeutic effect on inflammatory skin ailments. CBD oil is therefore effective since it soothes the skin and reduces the itchiness and irritation caused by eczema.

The fact that it also contains anti-fungal properties is another huge upside since it makes it a suitable treatment for the skin infections that result from eczema.

Bottom Line

CBD comes in numerous forms, such as; edibles, oils, and capsules. However, it may be best to go for CBD oil when it comes to skin disorders such as eczema since the topical application will certainly help calm the skin irritation caused by the ailment.

Do not hesitate to contact us for more information on CBD as a treatment for eczema and other disorders.