Skin cells can proliferate up to ten times more quickly than usual in psoriasis, an autoimmune condition. Because of its anti-inflammatory qualities, medical marijuana provides a beneficial alternative treatment option for people with psoriasis. Cannabis can help control pain, limit skin growth, and lessen other undesirable psoriasis symptoms, in contrast to other topical treatments that may have unintended side effects. Before using marijuana for medical purposes, it is always advisable to speak with an MMJ card doctor.
Continue reading to find out all you need to know about psoriasis, its causes, and how medical marijuana can help.
Understanding the Causes of Psoriasis
From small, contained patches to full-body coverage, psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent skin disorder. Psoriasis frequently manifests as isolated symptoms on the finger and toenails.
Psoriatic arthritis, an inflammation of the joints, is another symptom of psoriasis. Ten to thirty percent of people who have psoriasis also have psoriatic arthritis.
Although the exact cause of psoriasis is still unknown, the immune system is implicated. Healthy skin cells are attacked by T cells, which are vital for defending the body against foreign invaders. White blood cells, neutrophils, and new skin cells are all produced concurrently by the same T cells. All of these wind up on the skin’s surface and obstruct the body’s natural ability to expel them, resulting in the red, scaly plaque that is linked to psoriasis.
There are other possible causes of psoriasis besides the immune system. Along with these triggers, a person’s genes can also influence whether the condition manifests:
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking cigarettes
- High stress
- Infections
- Skin injuries such as cuts or scrapes
- Medications such as beta-blockers, lithium, or antimalarial medicines
Conventional Approaches to Treating Psoriasis
The efficacy and adverse effects of traditional psoriasis treatment options vary. Topical corticosteroids, like hydrocortisone, are the most widely used options because they reduce inflammation and itching. Mild to moderate symptoms are frequently treated with these.
Another treatment that helps reduce the overproduction of skin cells is vitamin D creams. However, these creams are either prohibitively expensive or cause skin irritation. Another topical treatment that slows the production of skin cells is anthralin, which can discolor surfaces and textiles.
By inhibiting the overactive immune system function linked to psoriasis, a class of drugs known as biologics can stop T cells from attacking healthy skin. However, these drugs weaken the immune system as a whole, putting patients at risk for bacterial or viral infections.
How Cannabis Can Alleviate Psoriasis Symptoms
By treating multiple aspects of psoriasis, medical cannabis provides an alternative treatment to the aforementioned drugs.
Strong anti-inflammatory qualities are found in cannabis compounds, especially cannabidiol (CBD), which acts on the skin’s CB2 receptors to reduce inflammation and promote healthy skin. According to a study, cannabis successfully decreased T cell activity and slowed the growth of skin cells in psoriasis, thereby reducing the immune response that results in an overabundance of skin cells.
Numerous studies have shown how well medical marijuana relieved pain, and it also helps to reduce the discomfort that comes with flare-ups of psoriasis. Unwanted discomfort is also relieved by the anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis, which lessen pain and itching at the plaque site.
Another study found that cannabinoid receptors contribute to wound healing, indicating that cannabis may be helpful in treating the bleeding and cracking of skin patches caused by psoriasis.
Effective Ways to Use Cannabis for Psoriasis Relief
Direct skin application is the most effective way to deliver cannabinoids, according to studies looking at their effectiveness in treating psoriasis. Among the best cannabis products for treating skin conditions are CBD topicals; however, choose one designed for dermatological use rather than for pain relief.
Patients with psoriasis should avoid smoking cannabis because it can cause flare-ups. Products like topicals, tinctures, or edibles can help reduce the condition’s pain or stress in order to alleviate other symptoms.
Top Cannabis Strains for Psoriasis Relief
- Mango Kush
- Cannatonic
- White Widow
- Skunk #1
- Harlequin
The majority of reports are anecdotal, and there is no clear “best” strain (variety or cultivar) for psoriasis. Some people may benefit from the aforementioned cannabis strains, while others might need different ones.
Summing Up!
When compared to other medications, medical marijuana presents a promising solution for alleviating a variety of psoriasis symptoms if you have access to it. To find out if medical cannabis is right for your particular needs, consult a 420 Doctors Oklahoma physician and get your Norman medical marijuana card online.