Authors of a new report on cannabinoids and atopic dermatitis—also called eczema—say their study demonstrated that an ointment including cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabigerol (CBG) was “effective in reducing itching and improving the quality of life of patients…leading to symptom remission in some cases.”
This original research, which was published in Clinical Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology in 2010, examined nine adult patients with atopic skin disease (AD) to determine their skin’s health metrics. These included hydration level, pH and sebum.
According to their report, transdermal ointment could be used in place of “conventional auxiliary therapy during both flare ups and remission”. This was from May until July 2022. Our results included an improved sebum and TEWL level as well as skin hydration. [water loss] As well as reducing erythema [redness] In the study areas (forearms).
AD or eczema is “the most common chronic and non-contagious skin condition that causes inflammation,” according to authors.
The ointment contained 30 percent CBD and 5 percent CBG. It also included hemp seed oil, cholesterol, and hemp seed oil. The report states that patients were told to apply a generous amount of the ointment on the forearms once daily, before sleeping. They should also cover it with a moist dressing in order to increase its efficacy and protect the bedsheets.
In photos, and by using other metrics and measurements, a noticeable improvement was observed in terms of skin health and appearance over the course of a 3-month period. They wrote, “Our preliminary analysis revealed that topical administration of the ointment containing Cannabis Sativa L. vari. The authors wrote that their preliminary analysis of the results “showed that the topical delivery of the ointment compounded with Cannabis Sativa L. var.
The researchers added that the patients who were more adherent to treatment showed better results.
The study states that “patients adhering the cannabinoid topical regimen obtained satisfactory skin parameters including normal hydration, sebum, and improved TEWL, and erythema,” as opposed to those who failed to adhere to the regimen due to its fatty texture, despite receiving instructions.
Authors—a five-researcher team from the Medical University of Silesia in Poland and De Montfort University of Leicester in the U.K.—noted that one complication of the findings may be that the study was “performed from May to July 2022, [a season] “AD frequently goes into remission.”
New research follows a recent study that found CBD to have anti-aging, antioxidant properties and may even speed wound healing.
Authors of that study—from Prince of Songkla University and the National Science and Technology Development Agency, in Thailand—wrote that CBD appeared to influence a range of skin processes, making it “an appealing natural ingredient for the development of cosmeceuticals.”
According to the study, CBD can be used in a variety of topical cosmeceutical applications, including sun protection products and hair care products.
In a separate study, published in 2013, on cannabinoids and wound healing, cannabis oil was found to have “promising” benefits, but that product formulations need improvement.
Another paper, published last July in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, found that applying CBD-infused lotion to the skin appeared to be tied to a lower risk of damage from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays. Researchers at George Washington University, Northwestern University, the University of Miami and the Center for Clinical and Cosmetic Research wrote that 21 percent of those who used the CBD cream had less damage than the control group that received a placebo. The damage was similar in another 47 percent, while 11 percent of those who took the CBD lotion showed improved results.
Benefits aren’t restricted to humans.
A separate study, published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science last year, concluded that cannabis appears to be a “viable alternative” treatment option for dogs suffering from a common skin disease—especially if they experience adverse side effects from conventional steroid therapies
The study reported on the effects of CBD oil with full spectrum in a canine suffering from the autoimmune disorder discoid Lupus Erythematosus. This condition causes redness and hair loss that may progress into lesions. It is usually treated by corticosteroids or other drugs that put strain on the liver.
A veterinarian prescribed a full-spectrum oil with a 2:1 THC:CBD ratio, which was administered orally—at first, one drop per day for three days and gradually increasing it “until the optimal dose for symptom control was identified.”
The study stated that “within a couple of weeks the dog showed significant improvements in skin signs and liver function.” It is interesting to note that the owner noticed a change in her dog’s behaviour shortly after stopping prednisolone, and on the day she received the cannabis oil.
A study finds that CBD mouthwash helps reduce oral inflammation and prevent plaque biofilms.
Kimzy Nanney provided the photo.