Over10% of Americans and13%of people in the Asia and Pacific regions live with some rendition of eczema. A significant percentage of them face symptoms as early as they learn to talk (2+ years old). Thankfully, the race to find a solution to this problem is on - and CBD may be an underrated therapeutic for it! As people with eczema can attest to - this skin disorder does not only impact one’s outwardly appearance but also the internal and external pain that it brings. Can hemp oil (containing CBD) be used to relieve the effects of eczema? Yes, it can! Keep reading if you want to knowhow.
What Is Eczema & What Does Hemp Oil Have To Do With It?!
Eczema is an umbrella term describing skin disorders characterized by undesirable symptoms. The subcategories of eczema (atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, and nummular eczema) are more nuanced - but this covers the overlapping symptoms!
Symptoms of Eczema
- Dry and itchy skin
- Inflammation
- Redness
- Flaky or patchy skin
- Blisters and sores (Severe cases)
- Additional skin issues, like acne
The exact cause is yet to be learned. However, scientists have found some clues in environmental factors and genetics. One thing that is known is the contributions of the immune system in triggering the disorder. This is prominent in cases like contact dermatitis where the symptoms are caused by an allergen (cats, dogs, flowers, etc). Another known cause is stress. When we are stressed, blood rushes to the skin. If this is sustained over a long period, it triggers the onset of eczema.
How Can Hemp Oil Relieve The Symptoms Of Eczema?
For causes like seasonal changes, injuries, and insect bites - there’s not much you can do but avoid them. But to regulate the immune system, inflammation, and stress - hemp oil can be an effective treatment.
Hemp oils contain CBD (or cannabidiol) - which is a chemically active (but not psychotically active) compound found in the hemp (Cannabis sativa) plant. It has potent healing effects for the skin - and for people who prefer natural remedies, CBD may be the knight in shining armor we have been looking for!
CBD helps the skin barrier heal itself and has anti-itch and anti-inflammatory properties - all of which can relieve the symptoms of eczema. It does this by interacting with a regulatory control system in our body, the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS regulates several bodily functions, including the immune system. When the immune system is overactive, CBD combines with the ECS to lower its reactions to external factors and allergens to a safer level. CBD, when applied topically, also interacts with the outer layer of the skin. It moisturizes the skin, protects the skin barrier, and reduces inflammation.
What Does Research Say About CBD’s Effects On Eczema?
There is much scope for additional research, but the results of recent studies are optimistic about using hemp oil with CBD for eczema. The leading manner in which CBD helps is through its anti-inflammatory properties and pain-relieving properties.
- A 2014 study from the Journal of Pharmacognosy Reviews revealed the use of hemp seed oil in treating eczema and other dermatological issues by protecting the skin against microbial infections. (Bye, bacteria!)
- A 2019 study in the Journal La Clinica terapeutica displayed the benefits of CBD in reducing itchiness, redness, and inflammation in those with eczema. It also helped the subjects get a good night’s sleep!
- A 2018 study in the Journal of Experimental Medicine showed anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties of CBD for those with severe eczema symptoms.
Should You Use Hemp Oil For Eczema?
Since the root cause of eczema is enigmatic, so are the avenues for treatment. So far, the available over-the-counter medications, steroid creams, antihistamines, and anti-inflammatory pills tackle only the symptoms of eczema. But they don’t always work for everyone, and utilizing these treatments has significant health risks. Doctors suggest lifestyle and dietary changes for eczema - but the effect is limited to short-term improvements.
Alternatively, CBD can be beneficial for avoiding the health risks of medication and supplementing lifestyle changes. You can indulge in all the moisturizing oil baths you need - while enjoying the additional benefits of hemp oils! To take it up a notch, you can add dietary Hemp Seed Oil to your daily eczema-friendly routine too.
How To Use Hemp Oil For Eczema?
There are several options for using hemp oils for eczema. Topical hemp oils come as creams, lotions, salves, balms, and more. A fine example of this is the Skin Care from India Hemp Organics.Just a few drops of this oil can be massaged into your skin, or according to your doctor/dermatologist’s recommendations.
To ensure it is safe for your skin - you can also perform a patch test. To do so, apply a small drop of hemp oil to a small area on your skin and monitor the reaction for 24 hours. If there are no side effects (like itching, redness, or swelling), you are probably good to go!
To take it up a notch, you can add dietary Hemp Seed Oil to your daily eczema-friendly routine too.
Take care of your immune system, skin, mental health, and everything in between with naturally-produced, ethically-sourced, and mindfully-manufactured hemp extracts from India Hemp Organics!
References:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/cbd-for-eczema-facts-topicals-and-considerations-5194979
https://nationaleczema.org/blog/get-the-facts-cbd/
https://cfah.org/cbd-for-eczema/
https://cbd-one.co.uk/guides/cbd-oil-for-eczema/
https://www.kloriscbd.com/blogs/cbd-information/cbd-for-eczema
