CBD for Eczema - Everything You Need to Learn About

July 24, 2020

 

What is Eczema?

Eczema is a skin condition that currently affects an estimated 35 million Americans. It’s a category of dermatological ailment typically characterized by severe skin dryness, itchiness, and inflammation.

 

Eczema isn’t limited to just one type of skin condition; the term refers to a number of different skin symptoms that share similar traits. Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is usually associated with red patches and skin dryness. While it mostly affects the younger demographic, eczema can develop it at any age. Though patches can show up on any part of the body, symptoms often start to appear on the sufferer’s face, elbows, arms and legs.

 

Rashes caused by eczema can vary in intensity. In some cases, the skin will turn pink or red. In others, it will have a gray-brown hue. Skin can crust over and become bumpy or scaly. It can be difficult for some sufferers to not scratch their irritated skin, but doing so can make symptoms feel significantly worse.

 

Though eczema is normally treated with a steroid-based cream, many of these treatments can come with a slew of unpleasant side effects. This is one reason why CBD is becoming an increasingly popular treatment alternative for patients dealing with chronic eczema.

 

Living with eczema is difficult for many people because society often makes unkind judgement based on appearance. This can make it difficult for eczema sufferers to feel comfortable wearing skin-revealing clothing in public, even in hot weather. People may assume that their condition is contagious and distance themselves.

 

Science still doesn’t know what causes eczema, but many believe that it may be caused by both environmental influences and genetics. Outbreaks can be triggered by seemingly innocuous factors like sweating, weather changes, and heightened stress levels. It can also worsen from using certain skin irritating detergents, and for some individuals with food allergies, eating trigger foods like eggs and wheat.

 

Currently, there is no cure for eczema. Doctors typically prescribe creams to keep symptoms in check, but these treatments often have chemicals in them that can leave skin with unsightly discoloration. Certain creams can even heighten the sufferer’s risk of contracting a co-occurring infection.

 

How CBD Helps Eczema

Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a chemical compound that commonly comes from the members of the cannabis family.

 

Unlike the THC that’s commonly associated with cannabis, CBD isn’t psychoactive, and will not get you high. The hemp-based CBD that’s widely available on the market contains less than .3 THC.

 

CBD interacts with our endocannabinoid systems in many ways that can be beneficial in easing several symptoms and ailments. Science on the effects of CBD in our bodies is still in the early stages of discovery, but the results are looking overwhelmingly positive.

 

The National Eczema Association recognizes the potential benefits of CBD and how it can help those who suffer from certain skin conditions. The anti-inflammatory, anti-itching, and antimicrobial components of CBD can significantly reduce the symptoms of eczema. Some older textbooks contain references to the role of CBD in treating eczema, most notably by the scientist Dr. Henry Granger Piffard.

 

 In a 2007 study, patients suffering from chronic eczema were given a topical treatment containing Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), which is produced naturally in our bodies and interacts with the endocannabinoid system when applied. Of the 2,456 patients monitored during the study, 100 percent of them reported a decrease in eczema symptoms.

 

While CBD doesn’t contain PEA itself, it strengthens our body’s ability to product PEA and can significantly help to stave off breakouts of eczema. In addition, the skin contains some of the highest concentrations of endocannabinoid receptors in the entire body. This can promote regeneration of healthy skin cells and lead to a reduction in unpleasant eczema symptoms.

 

What CBD Products Work Best?

For eczema sufferers, topical remedies may be the best and most direct way to treat eczema with CBD.

 

Many people who turn to CBD for eczema related problems use it in the form of a topical cream, patch, or balm. The National Eczema Association notes that those who do use CBD for eczema should look for CBD topical products that are labeled for aiding with skin irritation, inflammation, and pain reduction, as other types are better suited muscular cramp reduction.

 

When selecting the best CBD products for eczema, try a full spectrum cream over a product with pure CBD. Due to a phenomenon known as the entourage effect, products containing a small amount of THC are more effective for therapeutic use than CBD isolate products.

 

What Dosage Should You Use?

There isn’t just one CBD dosage that will be effective for eczema sufferers. Everyone has their own tolerance threshold when it comes to cannabidiol, and the dose that works for one person may not work for another.

 

Start by slathering a liberal amount of lotion or cream onto the afflicted areas. Reapply every few hours, or whenever you notice your skin becoming dry and itchy.

 

Eczema For CBD

Living with eczema doesn’t have to be a struggle. Try treating your eczema symptoms with CBD for a low-risk, side effect free way to soothe your irritated skin.

Leave a comment

Comments will be approved before showing up.

Name *

Email *

Comment *

---

Also in Benefits Of CBD