Suffering with psoriasis or know someone who is? Have you ever wondered about the science behind this frustrating condition, and more importantly, how to effectively treat it? Fear not – today, PĒLL explores the ins and outs of this all-too-common affliction, and how you can use effective, natural products to keep it at bay!
Autoimmunity – More Common Than You Think
Our immune systems are vital in keeping our bodies protected from foreign pathogens. Immunity mechanisms are designed to carry out quick, targeted responses to bodily threats both internal and external. For the most part, the human immune system does an excellent job in protecting our bodies from harm. But this safety net is by no means perfect.
Some people suffer from a weakened or incomplete immune system, meaning they’re more susceptible to catching diseases, and fighting them is much more difficult. Others may find that their immune system, whilst working at full capacity, falsely identifies their own healthy body as a target. The immune system then unleashes its full arsenal of weapons, often causing harm to the targeted areas and the body as a whole. This process is called autoimmunity, and the various ways that this may happen are considered autoimmune diseases.
Autoimmune diseases are incredibly prevalent throughout the world, affecting an estimated one in ten of us. Studies suggest that autoimmune diseases are more common in women, occurring at double the rate they appear in men. In western medicine, autoimmune diseases in general cannot be cured after being diagnosed and most cause inflammation. It usually takes years for these types of diseases to develop meaning the markers can be noticed years before. During that period most autoimmune diseases can be curable to some extent. Despite these common traits, autoimmune diseases can present very differently to one another, with examples being as varied as multiple sclerosis, type 1 diabetes, and psoriasis.
What is Psoriasis?
Most readers will have either experienced psoriasis or have seen someone suffering from the condition. It can develop at any age, and is characterised by scales or elevated skin plaques that can often be dry, reddened, and painful. Psoriasis is caused by an overactive immune system that causes inflammation and speeds up cell growth despite the affected skin being healthy.
Whereas normal skin completes a cycle of growth and shedding approximately once a month, psoriasis-affected cells complete this process in only three or four days. These new skin cells cannot shed properly and instead pile up on the surface of the skin, creating unsightly and sometimes painful skin plaques.
As if this condition was not enough on its own, one in three psoriasis sufferers are also affected by psoriatic arthritis. This condition most often develops five-to-ten years after psoriasis and typically affects joints, causing them to become swollen, stiff, and painful. It can also affect other parts of the body such as the eyes and nails, as well as causing fatigue. Fortunately, both psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis can be managed well if treatment comes early and often.
Treating Psoriasis – Inside and Out
As with many autoimmune conditions, there is currently no cure for psoriasis. This means that treating the symptoms of the disease – and ensuring those treatments are healthy and sustainable as they may be needed again and again – becomes of paramount importance. As with all health conditions, advice from medical professionals should be sought before drawing up any treatment plans.
Cannabinoids have been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties when applied both topically to skin and administered orally. Research also suggests that cannabinoid use has beneficial effects for sufferers of both psoriasis vulgaris (plaque psoriasis) and psoriatic arthritis. Cannabidiol(CBD) works in the alleviation of psoriasis symptoms by interacting with receptors in the body (called the endocannabinoid system, or ECS) and regulating our immune functions and the creation of biological compounds.
Skincare products have been shown to lessen the external symptoms of psoriasis. Keeping skin well moisturised and protected can be one of the most effective solutions for limiting the impact of psoriasis. Helen Hirv, founder of natural skincare company LUMI, asserts that treating psoriasis externally with hemp seed oil or CBD based products such as Bio-Klinik or CBD+ can be beneficial due to its unique properties. Hemp seed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects. These fatty acids can help reduce inflammation, redness, and itching associated with psoriasis. Additionally, hemp seed oil is a natural moisturizer that can soothe dry and irritated skin, promoting healing and preventing further damage. Its gentle nature makes it suitable for long-term use, and its antioxidant properties may also contribute to overall skin health.
At PĒLL, we believe a holistic approach to health issues is often the most effective. By combining multiple different treatments – each focused on tackling a different aspect of a condition – it’s possible to create a treatment plan that is individually tailored and highly effective. If you suffer from psoriasis, why not consider incorporating CBD into your regular treatment plan today? A happier, healthier you might be right around the corner!
Ready to take control of your skin and fight back against psoriasis? For your CBD needs, we recommend PĒLL’s 30% full-spectrum strong CBD extract. For topical skincare, our friends over at LUMI recommend Bio-Klinik or CBD+ holistic skincare products.
References
- Autoimmune Association (2023). What is autoimmunity? https://autoimmune.org/resource-center/about-autoimmunity/
- Baswan, S. M., Klosner, A. E., Glynn, K., Rajgopal, A., Malik, K., Yim, S., & Stern, N. (2020). Therapeutic Potential of Cannabidiol (CBD) for Skin Health and Disorders. Clinical, cosmetic and investigational dermatology, 13, 927–942. https://doi.org/10.2147/CCID.S286411
- Conrad, N., Misra, S., Verbakel, J. Y., Verbeke, G., Molenberghs, G., Taylor, P. N. et al. (2023). Incidence, prevalence, and co-occurrence of autoimmune disorders over time and by age, sex, and socioeconomic status: a population-based cohort study of 22 million individuals in the UK. The Lancet, 401 (10391), 1878-1890. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(23)00457-9
- Griffiths, C. E. M., Armstrong, A. W., Gudjonsson, J. E., & Barker, J. N. W. N. (2021). Psoriasis. Lancet (London, England), 397(10281), 1301–1315. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(20)32549-6
- Lowes, M. A., Suárez-Fariñas, M., & Krueger, J. G. (2014). Immunology of psoriasis. Annual review of immunology, 32, 227–255. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-immunol-032713-120225
- Martins, A. M., Gomes, A. L., Vilas Boas, I., Marto, J., & Ribeiro, H. M. (2022). Cannabis-Based Products for the Treatment of Skin Inflammatory Diseases: A Timely Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland), 15(2), 210. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph15020210
- Mayo Clinic (2023). Primary immunodeficiency. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/primary-immunodeficiency/symptoms-causes/syc-20376905
- Medina K. L. (2016). Overview of the immune system. Handbook of clinical neurology, 133, 61–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-444-63432-0.00004-9
- MedlinePlus (2023). Autoimmune disorders. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000816.htm
- Nair, P. A., & Badri, T. (2023). Psoriasis. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
- National Psoriasis Foundation (2023). About Psoriasis. https://www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis/
- NHS (2023). Psoriatic arthritis. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/
- Shao, K., Stewart, C., & Grant-Kels, J. M. (2021). Cannabis and the skin. Clinics in dermatology, 39(5), 784–795. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clindermatol.2021.05.006
- Fries, W. C. (2021). 7 Tips for Psoriasis Skin Care. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/psoriasis-skin-care-tips
Wroński, A., Jarocka-Karpowicz, I., Stasiewicz, A., & Skrzydlewska, E. (2023). Phytocannabinoids in the Pharmacotherapy of Psoriasis. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 28(3), 1192. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28031192
