CBD as a Treatment for Eczema

It’s no secret that CBD can be found in a vast array of beauty and skincare products claiming to treat or relieve skin conditions. But how effective is it at relieving eczema? We take a deep dive into the compound's potential as an aid for eczema sufferers.

What is eczema?

Before we examine CBD’s potential as a treatment option, we first need to ascertain exactly what eczema is. Eczema, sometimes referred to as atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that exhibits symptoms such as itchy and inflamed patches. The severity of eczema can vary greatly from person to person. Some may experience a slight itch, whereas others find symptoms extremely uncomfortable to the point of being debilitating. While more common in young children, eczema can affect people of any age.

Atopic dermatitis is the most common form of eczema, but numerous other forms exist. Contact dermatitis is another form, brought on by coming into contact with irritants and often resulting in redness and itching.

Dyshidrotic dermatitis is a type of eczema that primarily occurs on the fingers, palms, and bottoms of the feet, and results in scaly and flaky patches of skin. Another form is nummular dermatitis, with symptoms that flare up during the winter months. Lastly, seborrheic dermatitis is a form that occurs mainly on the face and behind the ears.

Regardless of the form of eczema, the symptoms are noted to be similar, often manifesting as dry, rough, scaly, and inflamed patches of skin, albeit located on different areas of the body. But most commonly, eczema is found in areas such as the inner elbows, backs of the knees, and the head.

What causes eczema?

Eczema remains a bit of a medical mystery. Its root cause is still not fully understood. Some research suggests it's triggered by an overreaction of the immune response. Indeed, in some cases, the immune system begins to attack proteins in parts of the body it usually ignores, resulting in inflammation.

That said, many different triggers can result in an eczema flare-up. These include chemical irritants, food allergies, stress, sweating, changes in temperature, and shifts in humidity, to name a few.

How to treat eczema?

In terms of treating eczema, there are a couple schools of thought; namely, external care and internal care. External care involves topical creams and balms, whereas internal care looks more at potential dietary changes, as well as antihistamines and anti-inflammatory medication.

The course of treatment will, of course, depend on the severity and type of eczema. Milder and more infrequent symptoms can be treated with creams, whereas more frequent eczema sufferers may look to take internal treatments to quell outbreaks. However, treatments involving steroids and antihistamines come with some potential side effects many users want to avoid.

As well as changes in diet, other lifestyle changes, such as incorporating meditation, yoga, and breathwork, can help to relieve symptoms, and have been noted to potentially reduce tension-induced eczema breakouts.

CBD for eczema

While over-the-counter and prescription creams and medications are certainly viable ways of dealing with eczema, many are turning to CBD-infused products as a means of relieving their symptoms. But why is that?

CBD (cannabidiol), an all-natural compound derived from hemp, has been the subject of much study for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential. As such, it has gained massive traction as a supplement with soothing and wellness-boosting properties.

With that in mind, there's little wonder it's so sought after by those looking to treat skin or conditions, including eczema.

Endocannabinoid system and CBD

But how does CBD work in the body? Predominantly, the compound interfaces with the endocannabinoid system, a regulatory system that oversees many vital functions and other biological systems. Found throughout the human body, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) even exists in our skin!

In fact, research posits that the endocannabinoid system in the skin is associated with various biological processes, such as proliferation, growth, differentiation, apoptosis, and hormone production^[1]. Moreover, disruption of the endocannabinoid system in the skin can result in the development of multiple associated pathologies, such as psoriasis, hair growth disorders, dermatitis, and acne.

CBD cream for eczema

Given the existence of the ECS in the skin, and CBD’s potential skin-soothing qualities, the compound makes an ideal ingredient in topical creams and lotions designed to treat eczema symptoms. One such product that showcases this is Zemadol from Cibdol. As a Class 1 medical device, Zemadol is specifically formulated to support the recovery of irritated and dry skin caused by atopic dermatitis. The primary active ingredient within Zemadol is colloidal oatmeal, which supports the skin with a coating of polysaccharides to soothe and calm irritated areas. Colloidal oatmeal also contains avenanthramides, which help to reduce sensitivity and inflammation.

However, it's the high concentration of CBD that really makes Zemadol stand out. CBD is easily absorbed and penetrates the skin, making it a suitable topical ingredient. Research carried out by the University of Colorado has even explored CBD’s effectiveness in directly treating the symptoms of eczema^[2]. Although it’s far too early to draw any conclusions, increasing study suggests this is an area of great promise. With this in mind, Zemadol makes a great addition to any eczema sufferer’s arsenal.

CBD oil for eczema

As mentioned earlier, external care is only one form of eczema treatment. Many have turned to CBD oils and capsules in an attempt to boost well-being from within. While topical creams provide local effects, oral or sublingual CBD oil works to soothe the body in a more holistic manner.

It is important to note that the effects of CBD differ among individuals. Regardless, those looking to use CBD oil or capsules as part of their daily routine should form a benchmark of how they feel before, during, and after consuming. Consider writing this down in a journal. This is the best way to track your progress with CBD.

A bright future for eczema sufferers

As ongoing research determines CBD's effectiveness in treating eczema, users can, at the very least, harness its vast array of holistic effects to improve quality of life and general well-being.

If you're interested in trying Zemadol, CBD oil, or capsules for yourself, why not head over to the Cibdol store for a huge selection of cannabinoid-infused products? Or, if you want to learn a little more about the power of CBD for the skin, search our extensive CBD Encyclopedia.