Is Cannabis An Effective Treatment for Psoriasis?

October 25, 2022 135

Many of us take our skin's health for granted, but we really shouldn't. After all, this protective shield, if you will, keeps all of our important organs, veins, muscles, bones, and blood concealed within our human frames.

Unfortunately, maintaining good skin health poses a challenge for the 100 million people worldwide who have psoriasis. Widely misunderstood, psoriasis is an often debilitating yet treatable condition that causes skin cells to accumulate on the surface.

The good news is that cannabis may offer a viable treatment option for treating the scale-encrusted red patches that usually form in cases of psoriasis.

Cannabis is catching the eye of scientists and product developers worldwide, and, according to a report from Fortune Business Insights, the market could be worth $197.74 billion by the year 2028.

Facts About Psoriasis

The National Psoriasis Foundation suggests that as many as 30% of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes joint inflammation and stiffness. Although no cure for psoriasis currently exists, numerous treatment options work to provide symptomatic relief. Despite being non-contagious, psoriasis can cause chronic discomfort and negatively impact mental health. Since certain types of treatment can also cause unwanted side effects, not to mention that they can lose their effectiveness over prolonged periods, scientists are constantly seeking ways to help patients better manage the condition.

Common Side Effects of Psoriasis Medications

Treating this autoimmune disease can be tricky, with many of the prescribed medications known to cause a plethora of side effects in users. American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) uses various systemic medications for psoriasis, including apremilast, cyclosporine, and methotrexate. Of all the medications on offer, cyclosporine appears to have the highest success rate in reducing symptoms. The AAD notes that 80 to 90% of people notice swift symptomatic relief after taking cyclosporine. However, these types of medication can cause unwanted side effects, such as: Chest Infection, Diarrhea, Depression, Headaches, Nausea, Weight Loss.

Patients who experience psoriasis may choose between topical therapies and phototherapy – a form of light therapy that mimics the effects of natural sunlight. There is also the option to try systemic therapies, which utilize substances that travel through the bloodstream and target the affected cells

How Cannabis May Help with Psoriasis

Thanks to the cannabis plant's naturally occurring cannabinoids, a user will experience changes to various bodily functions, including mood, fertility, appetite, eye pressure, inflammation, and immunity. The human body also produces its chemical messengers called "endocannabinoids," which contribute to changes in the aforementioned bodily functions.Scientific evidence, albeit limited at the current time, has proven that cannabis may help to reduce keratinocyte growth. Keratinocytes are the most commonly found cell within the skin's epidermis, and in cases of psoriasis, this type of immature skin cell is abundant. Let’s take a closer look at how cannabinoids may help psoriasis patients:

Reducing Inflammation - Skin and tissue inflammation is a dreaded symptom of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. In 2009, researchers carried out a study into cannabinoids and were amazed to find that the plant-derived chemicals were capable of regulating the immune system and reducing inflammation.

Decreasing Cell Growth - People with psoriasis often experience skin cell reproduction too quickly. Fortunately, cannabinoids may inhibit skin cell growth and reduce accumulation on the skin's surface. A study in 2007 determined that the cannabinoids delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabigerol (CBG) actively slowed the growth of keratinocytes in the skin's outer layer.

Relieving Itching - Managing this chronic condition is not just about relieving pain since itchiness plays a big part in psoriasis. Approximately 70-90% of people diagnosed with psoriasis will endure itching. This side effect of psoriasis occurs when the overactive immune system prompts the body to produce skin cells rapidly. According to a study published in JAMA Dermatology, medical cannabis may be relied on as an effective treatment option for itchy skin (pruritus).

Repairing Broken Skin - Perhaps one of the most unpleasant symptoms of psoriasis is the bleeding and cracking of the skin. This is where cannabis could come in handy because a 2016 study in rodents found that cannabinoid receptors can help to speed up the process of wound repair.

Managing Pain - Someone who suffers from psoriasis plaques may find it challenging to pull on their clothes, wash their skin, and conduct day-to-day tasks. The good news is that cannabis compounds like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol) are renowned for managing pain. When these cannabinoids activate receptors in the nerve cells, the sensation of pain is reduced. This was proven in an evaluation of 18 studies that analyzed the analgesic effects of cannabinoids in chronic non-cancer pain.

Conclusion

The sooner you can discuss your psoriasis symptoms with a trained dermatologist, the better. Although cannabis could be a natural remedy for psoriasis, it is advisable to consult with a board-certified dermatologist before beginning any at-home treatment plans. Suppose you are already taking over-the-counter (OTC) medication for psoriasis.

It might be best to stick to topical cannabis-infused treatments to reduce the risk of a synergistic reaction. Topical solutions are also beneficial for targeting the specific problem site instead of treating the entire body.