Although emollients, topical steroids and biologics such as dupilumab remain the first-line treatments, medical cannabis for eczema is a plant-based therapy that can be prescribed after two or more medications have been tried. The core symptoms of atopic eczema include persistent itching, dry skin and inflamed patches.
8 out of 21
patients who applied cannabinoid cream eliminated severe itching.
100%
In a survey of 76 eczema patients, 100% said they supported medical cannabis.
50%
Application of a CBD gel reduced eczema symptoms by 50%.
1 in 10
Eczema affects 1 in 10 adults in the UK.
Symptoms
Bumps
Dry, cracked skin
Inflammation
Itching
Lesions
Rash
Raw, sensitive skin
Redness
Thickened skin
If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, please speak with your GP to find out more.
Treatment options:
Conventional approaches to treating eczema can vary depending on the type of eczema, and, its severity. However, most treatment plans start by trying topical emollients or steroid creams. If symptoms persist or a person’s eczema becomes infected, they are usually prescribed antibiotics and may be referred to a dermatologist for specialist advice or treatment.
Antihistamines
Azathioprine
Barictinib
Corticosteroid tablets
Dupilumab
Emollients
Moisturisers
Topical steroids
Whether you’re new to cannabis-based medicines, switching from another medical cannabis clinic, or self-medicating, we’ll put you back in control of your health.
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“Many conditions that lead to chronic pain often respond poorly to conventional pharmaceutical medications. More and more is being understood about how the endocannabinoid system interacts with the more well known pain pathways to work synergistically with these conventional medications. Chronic pain comes with a variety of associated symptoms such as poor sleep, fatigue, brain fog and reduced appetite – all of which treatment with medical cannabis can improve.“
Dr Sue Clenton
Medical Director
15. 10. 2025
Eczema and psoriasis can both cause painful, itchy and inflamed skin. This Releaf guide explores how hemp, CBD and medical cannabis creams or oils may help restore balance, ease inflammation and support long-term skin health safely and effectively in the UK.
15. 10. 2025
12. 07. 2023
Eczema can affect many areas of your life – you might cancel plans to go out because you feel self-conscious about the rash, or you could be up half the night because the constant itch is driving you mad. It is a common skin condition, impacting one in five children and one in 10 adults, but sometimes eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis (AD), really can become unbearable.
12. 07. 2023
05. 08. 2023
For thousands of years, people around the world have used cannabis sativa to treat a plethora of different health conditions. The chemical complexity and versatility of this hardy plant, which originated from Central Asia but is now cultivated globally, has huge potential medical benefits for those suffering the misery of itchy skin.
05. 08. 2023
Studies show the best results for reducing itchiness, pain, dryness and swelling come from using cannabinoids topically, by applying a cannabis cream or gel. However, a cannabis prescription in the form of cannabis oil, dried cannabis flower, THC vapes or pastilles, may also help with co-occurring symptoms such as sleep disturbances, anxiety and potentially systemic inflammation.
The endocannabinoid system is an integral component of skin homeostasis. As such, many studies have found that cannabinoids can have a profound effect on various symptoms of skin conditions, including eczema. Medical cannabis can be prescribed to treat co-occurring symptoms of eczema, such as anxiety, stress and sleep issues.
Medical cannabis might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you’re thinking of ways to treat eczema, but evidence suggests that cannabis may have therapeutic potential for treating several skin conditions. The skin has its own endocannabinoid system, which cannabinoids interact with externally, just as cannabinoids interact with the internal ECS too. Medical cannabis taken internally, as with vaporised flower, a cannabis oil or cannabis pastilles, may help with other conditions and symptoms that often coincide with eczema, such as anxiety and sleep issues from ongoing irritation.
In 2023, a summary of studies covering cannabinoid use in dermatologic therapy detailed how cannabinoids, including CBD and THC, have been found to improve eczema, among other conditions such as pruritus, psoriasis and acne. Clinical studies have revealed that the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD can reduce eczema symptoms (one study reported that application of CBD gel halved patient-reported eczema scores), while THC has also been found to reduce skin inflammation.
CBD has also been shown to exhibit anti-inflammatory properties inside the body, which may help ease systemic inflammation. There is also some evidence to suggest taking cannabis may help to alleviate anxiety. Studies suggest that 30 to 50% of people with atopic dermatitis show clinical signs of anxiety or depression. In 2025 a systematic review found that among the 13 highest-quality studies included, 70% reported a positive improvement for disorders including generalised anxiety disorder (GAD).
Most studies exploring the use of cannabis and cannabis oil for eczema and other skin conditions are looking specifically at topical application, and how cannabinoids might help treat the skin barrier directly. But some have studied the effect of inhaled cannabis too, both on systemic inflammation and secondary symptoms such as sleep disruption and stress. In one 2022 study, 39% of participants taking cannabis were able to reduce or completely discontinue a prescription medication indicated for sleep. 71% reported a subjective improvement in their sleep or related condition.
There are studies that provide evidence suggesting that cannabinoids taken via oral oil may reduce itch and pain associated with skin conditions. In one, assessing a synthetic form of THC 3 times a day by refractory cholestatic pruritus patients (a disease which causes severe, unrelenting itchiness), rapid but transient relief of itching was seen. A further three case studies, also treated with orally administered synthetic THC, experienced lasting results (controlled itch) for several years.
Dr Robert Dellavalle, MD, associate professor of dermatology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, who co-authored the study The role of cannabinoids in dermatology, has said that "Perhaps the most promising role for cannabinoids is in the treatment of itch," after seeing the results of his research. In an interview with Science Daily, Dr Dellavalle highlighted a study he had reviewed, in which eight of 21 patients had their severe itching eliminated after applying a cannabinoid cream twice daily for three weeks. Further studies showed that THC reduced skin swelling and inflammation in mice.
CBD oil for eczema is thought to have great therapeutic potential. A prospective clinical study published in January 2026, including 20 adults and 22 children, found that the application of a CBD cream (also containing Annona cherimola fruit extract) applied daily for 56 days resulted in a 65% decrease in discomfort and significantly improved dryness. Biometric assessments demonstrated improvements in erythema, skin barrier function, topography, and desquamation.
Numerous studies have concluded that dysregulation of the skin’s ECS is implicated in various skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis. There is an abundance of cannabinoid receptors on the skin’s surface, suggesting great potential for the use of topically applied CBD for eczema and itchy skin.
In a review of clinical and preclinical data (The Potential Role of Cannabidiol in Cosmetic Dermatology: A Literature Review), the evidence suggests that CBD has multiple beneficial properties in cosmetic dermatology, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-ageing effects, but further research is needed to establish the best delivery system. Even a 1% CBD-infused gel was found to significantly improve eczema, while a shampoo containing 0.075% CBD significantly reduced the severity and symptoms of scalp inflammation in psoriasis patients.
Some people with atopic dermatitis find the itch to be worse at night, which can lead to insomnia and other sleep issues. Medical cannabis can be prescribed for sleep, and studies show cannabis can decrease how long it takes to fall asleep and increase the time spent asleep too.
Over-the-counter CBD cream is not regulated as a medicine or a food supplement (like over-the-counter CBD oil) – instead, it must adhere to UK Cosmetics Regulation. This means that, although it must list all ingredients and be made in accordance with cosmetics guidelines, there is no mandatory CBD testing to verify that the amount of CBD in a product is what it says on the label. Reputable brands will often have their products third-party tested anyway and have these available for customers to view, but they don’t have to. Companies are not obligated to tell you how much CBD is in a product at all, and they won’t be breaking any laws if only a minimal amount is present.
Prescribed medical cannabis for eczema is currently available as a cannabis oil, dried cannabis flower, THC vapes and cannabis pastilles. All prescribed products are strictly regulated as medicines by the MHRA with specific cannabinoid dosage and full lab reports.
Medical cannabis for eczema is available in the form of cannabis oil, dried cannabis flower, THC vapes and cannabis pastilles. Topical products (skin creams etc) are not currently available.
A recent review of studies has noted that, while there are clearly potential therapeutic applications for cannabinoids in the treatment of dermatological issues, skin reactions have been seen in some people. Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD can cause rashes and dermatitis, and severe conditions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), especially in individuals with allergies or compromised immune systems. Long-term studies and large clinical trials are needed to further establish treatment efficacy and safety.
Medical cannabis for eczema is generally well tolerated alongside topical steroids and emollients. Taking medical cannabis for atopic dermatitis with biologics needs to be more carefully considered and should be discussed with your Releaf consultant.
Accessing medical cannabis for atopic eczema is very straightforward with Releaf, and it's all done from the comfort of your own home, with all consultations and assessments done online. Take a look at how Releaf works, then just fill in our medical cannabis eligibility checker to get started.
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