The first signs of psoriasis usually emerge between the ages of 15 and 25, although each case is different, and it can strike at any point. One of the key things to know about psoriasis is that there is currently no cure. Once you develop the condition, you are likely to suffer from it on and off for the rest of your life. As such, looking for ways and means to manage psoriasis is increasingly important, with various creams and treatments available to reduce the impact of flare-ups and inflammation. These can help to improve the quality of life for those people struggling with psoriasis, and its related symptoms.
However, as well as approved clinical treatments for psoriasis, many sufferers also choose to supplement their treatment plan with other therapeutic options. One such option that has become extremely popular in recent years is medical cannabis. CBD, or cannabidiol, comes from the cannabis sativa L plant, and is one of the most prevalent of its 110 or so cannabinoids.
CBD has been shown to have the potential to offer a real and long-lasting impact on some of the symptoms of psoriasis. There have also been some encouraging clinical trials which indicate that CBD may be a potential medicinal treatment in the coming years. Today, the key to successfully using CBD in treating psoriasis is all about finding the right dose for you.
As people respond differently to CBD, or have different tolerance levels, finding the right dosage is extremely important. By consulting with a doctor that is experienced in prescribing medicinal cannabis, and for psoriasis in particular, you will give yourself the best chance at finding the correct treatment option and dosage size.
Some people who have tried CBD at too low a dose report finding no benefits, whereas some people who take high doses or use inferior CBD products can report some side effects. However, it’s essential to know that CBD is a relatively very safe and effective product when used correctly.
CBD can be used to alleviate some of the main symptoms of psoriasis, including:
- Itching
- Pain
- Redness and inflammation
- Poor sleep
- Stress
- Anxiety
Keep reading below to find a dosage guide and to discover more about the use of CBD oil for psoriasis.
Dosage considerations for CBD oil
CBD is regarded as being relatively very safe and with generally very mild side effects. However, you should always consult your doctor before taking CBD for psoriasis as it can impact on some other medications. You should also always read the label of any CBD products you are taking, and only take CBD products that come with a certificate of analysis (COA).
Edibles and capsules typically have a predetermined dosage or serving suggestion, which gives you greater control over how much CBD you are ingesting. With oils and tinctures, it can be a little trickier to take exact doses of CBD when you first start the treatment, but they do give you more flexibility over dosage size.
Once you have the approval from your doctor or clinician to take CBD, then ideally start with a low dose. Somewhere between 5 and 10 mg per day is a good starting point. You can then increase the dose each week from there until you start to feel the beneficial effects of CBD. Your doctor will be able to guide you towards a more tailored and specific dosage size.
Factors affecting CBD dosage for psoriasis
There are a number of factors that may affect the dosage level of CBD oil for sufferers of psoriasis. These can include your age, weight, physical condition, and severity of psoriasis. People who suffer from a milder form of the condition will in general need to take less CBD to see an improvement in their symptoms. There are also naturally differing levels of tolerance to CBD, so whether you need a smaller or larger dose does depend on this. That’s why it is always a good idea to start with a small dose and work upward.
You also need to be aware that some other health conditions or medications may influence the effect the CBD has, which is why it is essential you consult your doctor before starting your dosage.
There are also a number of different variants of the condition, including:
- Plaque psoriasis - The most common form, occurring in around 80-90% of cases
- Guttate psoriasis - Affecting the chest, arms, legs and scalp, usually more common in children
- Scalp psoriasis - Usually in the form of silvery scales on parts of the scalp
- Pustular psoriasis - Resulting in blistering on the skin
- Inverse psoriasis - Occurring in skin creases such as the armpits, groin or under the breasts
- Erythrodermic psoriasis - Affects the whole body with intense itching, but a rare form
There is also psoriatic arthritis, as mentioned above, which can impact sufferers of the condition and results in stiff and swollen joints. This can get progressively worse over time and may end in long-term damage.
The exact type of psoriasis can influence when flare-ups occur, how severe they are, and what kind of treatment should be applied. It can also impact how to administer CBD oil for psoriasis and individual dosage sizes.
Safety and potential side effects
Research into CBD oil and its potential benefits for psoriasis is ongoing, but currently, more information is needed to conclusively prove its effects on a range of psoriasis symptoms.
However, the initial results of the currently available studies look very positive.
A 2007 study seems to indicate that cannabinoids could treat psoriasis by preventing the build up of skin cells. Another 2017 study found that a synthetic cannabinoid had some success in treating psoriasis, as did another recent study titled “The potential role of cannabinoids in dermatology” published in the National Library of Medicine.
Another paper, which looked at the benefits CBD treatment may hold for a wide range of skin conditions, psoriasis including, found that “The topical administration of CBD ointment, without any THC, is a safe and effective non-invasive alternative for improving the quality of life in patients with some skin disorders, especially on the inflammatory background.”
Even though more conclusive research is needed to prove CBD’s clinical credentials, it is also true that, to date, no major safety concerns have been reported. That being the case, it is still always essential to be selective when choosing your CBD products.
While the ‘over the counter’ CBD sector does come with some forms of regulation, not all CBD products are made to the same standards of accuracy of production. The medical cannabis sector is held to a much higher standard of regulatory oversight, so patients that have been prescribed medicinal cannabis options can be sure of the quality.
In Conclusion
The early evidence seems to indicate that CBD may be an effective tool to help treat psoriasis. In addition, there is a wealth of anecdotal and personal evidence out there from sufferers who say it has helped to alleviate some of the more extreme symptoms of the condition. While we wait for the results of ongoing clinical trials for more comprehensive evidence, it’s still relatively safe to take CBD (with the approval and advice from your doctor).
Releaf understands the importance of medical cannabis in treating various medical conditions. With our tailored monthly packages, specialist consultations for medical cannabis, and a unique medical cannabis card for protection, you can access the treatment you need without worrying about the stigma.
