CBD, as one of the most popular cannabinoids, continues to be the subject of more and more research, which confirm its unique properties and present new, previously unknown effects in supporting the treatment of diseases or other intractable ailments. Will CBD find use in treating and alleviating the symptoms of atopic dermatitis AD?
What is AD and what is the cause of this disease?
Atopic dermatitis (AD) - otherwise known as atopic eczema AE (atopic eczema) - is a chronic and non-infectious inflammatory skin disease with periods of remission, which for sufferers are the only respite from symptoms. The typical distribution as well as the morphology of the lesions is characteristic of this disease. The most troublesome thing for AD sufferers, apart from the unsightly appearance of the skin, is the constant itching that occurs, often intensifying at night. There is also dryness of the skin, which provokes scratching and, consequently, bacterial superinfections. There are no specific causes of AD, but it is thought that the conversion of LA to GLA is abnormal in this condition. This weakens the skin barrier, resulting in increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL), which then contributes to increased dryness and itching. GLA acid also quiets the formation of inflammatory mediators. And a deficiency of GLA in the skin can cause excessive inflammatory reactions in the skin. This is why it is essential to enrich the diet with oils that have GLA acids in them. They can also be successfully applied to the skin. This was confirmed in a study by Callaway et al - during their study, half of the volunteers suffering from AD were given hemp oil for eight weeks, with a four-week break, after which they swapped the hemp oil for olive oil also for eight weeks. The second group of subjects, on the other hand, had the order of administration of the oils swapped, with the same duration of administration and break. At the end of the study period, blood GLA concentrations were shown to have increased. Furthermore, the subjects reported that itching and dryness of the skin and the need for pharmacology decreased significantly while taking this hemp oil. The same could not be said during the study phase using olive oil.
CBD oil for AD
Hemp seed oil can contain up to 80% of essential non-saturated fatty acids (EFAs), and we can find about 56% of linoleic acid (LA) and 19% of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), as well as about 10% of oleic acid and about 4% of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). The omega-6 and omega-3 acids are found in hemp seeds in the best possible ratio, i.e. 3:1. This ratio is the most desirable, as it regulates the metabolic activity of cells and has anti-cancer, anti-coagulant and anti-inflammatory effects. The endocannabinoid system, together with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, have a protective and supportive effect on inflammation occurring in the course of, for example, AD. Hemp oil removes keratinised epidermal cells and restores physiological cell division. Due to the defect in the epidermal barrier, atopic skin is particularly prone to irritation. It is therefore recommended to use emollients that are free of fragrances, preservatives or dyes that may be responsible for irritation, allergic reactions, phototoxic and photoallergic reactions. This is especially true for the delicate skin of children. The ideal products here are hemp CBD oilbecause the phytosterols and flavonoids it contains have an anti-allergic and immunostimulating effect on the skin. It also contains carotenoids, which stimulate the skin's regeneration and increase its hydration, and are responsible for the good function of the skin's hydrolipid mantle. The hydrolipid mantle in turn protects the skin from irritants and harmful external agents. Vitamin E in the oil increases the hydration and elasticity of atopic skin and has a soothing effect on irritated and dry skin. Improving the condition of the skin in AD is influenced by minerals contained in the oil, such as calcium, which enhances hydration and stimulates cell regeneration, which in turn activates the synthesis of ceramides that counteract excessive water loss from the skin, while zinc and iron accelerate regeneration processes and have an antibacterial effect.
A regular supply of gammalinolenic acid, for example from hemp oil, can reduce itching, increase skin hydration, accelerate skin regeneration and thus calm the inflammation associated with atopic dermatitis.
Anti-inflammatory properties of CBD and atopic dermatitis
To amplify the beneficial effects of hemp oil, turn to the proven CBD oil for treating AD. Numerous studies have confirmed that CBD is an excellent antioxidant and, as one of the few compounds found in nature, has highly concentrated anti-inflammatory properties, which are so important when combating chronic diseases, including AD. Therefore, when taken externally and internally, the oil not only acts locally, in the area of the lesion's appearance, but holistically affects the body, leading to the maintenance as well as restoration of a state of homeostasis. It is important to remember that the human endocannabinoid system contains receptors (CB1 and CB2), which are found in various parts of the body such as the digestive, nervous, immune and respiratory systems. These receptors are produced inside the body and ensure that the body is in balance - homeostasis. When this is disturbed by any inflammation, the body cannot keep up with the production of cannabinoids to counteract it. This is where an external supply of phytocannabinoids can come to the rescue, helping the body to fight back through the regular use of proven and studied CBD oils for atopic dermatitis.
This is why it is so important to act internally as well as externally in the case of atopic dermatitis - which certainly increases the likelihood of gaining the expected results from the application. The regularity of CBD use for atopic dermatitis is also important. Remember that, unlike steroid therapy recommended for atopic dermatitis, the use of CBD oils is an all-natural method that has a decidedly holistic effect.
Bibliography:
- https://www.wiadomoscidermatologiczne.pl/artykul/zastosowanie-oleju-lnianego-w-atopowym-zapaleniu-skory
2. "Therapeutic and cosmetic significance of hemp oil" authors Anna Kurek-Górecka, Radosław Balwierz, Paulina Mizera, Maciej Nowak, Ewa Żurawska-Płaksej 2018 https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Radoslaw-Balwierz/publication/339635431_Therapeutic_and_cosmetic_importance_of_hemp_oil/links/5f74e969299bf1b53e02c5f6/Therapeutic-and-cosmetic-importance-of-hemp-oil.pdf
3. "Efficacy of dietary hemp oil in patients with atopic dermatitis" authors Callaway J, Schwab U, Harvima I, Halonen P, Mykkänen O, Hyvönen P, Järvinen T. 2005.
4. "Public awareness of hemp oil use" authors Zuzanna Przybylak Katarzyna Kordus 2018 http://aestheticcosmetology.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/ke2018.4-3.pdf
