CBD and Psoriasis: How Effective Is It?

Nothing is more common—and at the same time more distressing—than skin problems. Beyond simply causing self-consciousness, skin problems can become truly debilitating in daily life, especially when they’re accompanied by severe, painful inflammation. This is the case with psoriasis.

In this article, we’ll explore what psoriasis is, its symptoms, and conventional treatments—but above all, the benefits CBD can offer in alleviating it.

Psoriasis is a medical term we hear a lot about, but it is sometimes confused with other conditions. It refers primarily to a skin condition caused by a dysfunction of the immune system. This condition is mainly characterized by the severe inflammation of the skin it causes, which can occur anywhere on the body. The arms, legs, back, torso, and even the face can be affected, without distinction.

When you have psoriasis, parts of your body are covered with red, painful patches that are sometimes scaly. This is accompanied by itching that is difficult to control, as well as joint pain, which in some cases can lead to psoriatic arthritis.

Contrary to popular belief, even though psoriasis is characterized by skin problems, it is not contagious. It is neither a virus nor a bacterium. It is transmitted solely through heredity.

This disease has been known for a long time and is therefore treated in various ways. The most widely used treatments for this condition are as follows:

• phototherapy or light therapy: exposing the lesions to ultraviolet light for a certain period of time, under medical supervision.
• emollient cream: helps soften and moisturize the skin, as well as reduce inflammation.
• salicylic acid: removes what are known as scales and reduces the thickness of the plaques.
• Vitamin D cream: slows the proliferation of inflammatory cells.
• spa treatments: the ultimate solution for enhancing well-being and relieving discomfort and stress.

It should be noted that while these treatments help reduce the symptoms of the disease, they do not cure it. Furthermore, some of them—such as phototherapy—significantly increase the long-term risk of skin cancer. 
Another factor: while they certainly treat the itching associated with the plaques, they do nothing to address the anxiety or depression that often accompany psoriasis. Let’s take a closer look at the benefits of CBD in this regard.

Thanks to its reputation as a natural product with various therapeutic effects, CBD is being studied for its ability to provide relief from all kinds of conditions. When it comes to psoriasis, it is primarily the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and relaxing effects of cannabidiol that are of interest.

The anti-inflammatory effect. The cannabinoids in the hemp plant, including CBD, are believed to have a naturalanti-inflammatory effect that can drastically reduce any inflammatory reaction, regardless of where it occurs in the body. CBD is also thought to indirectly regulate the immune system.

Stress reduction. By binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, cannabidiol is thought to regulate blood levels of cortisol, which is the stress hormone. It is thus believed to provide a significant reduction in stress , one of the consequences of psoriasis.

Changes in skin cell growth. One of the factors contributing to the spread of psoriasis is the buildup of affected skin cells on top of one another, leading to both plaques and intense, painful itching. Various studies have shown that CBD can halt the excessive growth of skin cells, which in turn prevents the formation of plaques.

The antidepressant effect. We often forget that mental health must be protected just as much as physical health. However,it is estimated that nearly 62% of patients with psoriasis also suffer from depression, to varying degrees. By helping to regulate serotonin levels in the blood (the “happiness hormone”), CBD may be able to counteract the symptoms of depression and help users experience a sense of general well-being, far removed from the anxiety associated with psoriasis.

With so many CBD-based products available on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right one. This is especially true when trying to address a specific condition, such as psoriasis.

High Society wants to guide you through this, which is why CBD-based oils and cosmetics are undoubtedly the most effective products for relieving psoriasis. Let’s start by looking at CBD oils. These have the advantage of being usable in various ways, making them a versatile product. When taken sublingually, CBD oil provides almost instant relief from itch-related discomfort and anxiety. When applied topically—for example, through a gentle massage—the cannabidiol targets the areas most affected by psoriasis directly.

Since psoriasis is primarily characterized by severe skin reactions, it’s worth considering the option of CBD cosmetics. These products are often overlooked, yet their benefits are truly impressive. CBD-based cosmetics allow you to apply the therapeutic properties of cannabidiol directly to skin that has been compromised by psoriasis. This helps soothe itching and redness without drying out the skin.