The Complete Guide on Using CBD Oil for Eczema

Eczema is an extremely common skin condition that causes dry skin, irritation, itching, and inflammation.

There are many different varieties of eczema, but the most prevalent by far is atopic eczema. This skin condition may affect as many as 30% of Americans and is most common in children or adolescents. Many young children grow out of eczema, but for some people, it can develop later in life and last for many years.

Although the symptoms of eczema are relatively easy to treat, the underlying causes often remain. This means that flare-ups are a genuine problem for people with eczema, who usually accept them as an inevitable aspect of the disease.

But what if there was a therapy that could help with eczema from the inside out? Could that therapy already be right under our noses, just waiting to be discovered? Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Eczema?

Eczema, very simply put, is an inflammation of the skin. Inflammation is a healthy and natural response by the immune system when exposed to injury or infection. It occurs when the body is working hard to expel a foreign substance or pathogen. It offers a certain level of protection throughout the healing process.

However, sometimes the immune system overreacts and creates inflammation when it is not necessary. This inflammation can happen in any part of the body, but eczema is a possible result when it affects the skin.

Atopic eczema often occurs in combination with other inflammatory or allergic conditions such as asthma or rhinitis.

There are many different varieties of eczema, each of which has slightly different triggers and symptoms. However, in all cases, inflammation is their root cause. This inflammation causes the skin to become itchy, red, and sore. It is also common for people with eczema to have very dry skin, leading to cracking, bleeding, and the risk of infection.

Many people with eczema also suffer from sleep problems, as intense itching may keep them awake at night. Otherwise, they may have low self-confidence due to the cosmetic appearance of the condition.

Atopic eczema often occurs in combination with other inflammatory or allergic conditions such as asthma or rhinitis. It is unclear exactly what causes eczema, but it appears to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Many people find that their eczema gets worse when they eat certain foods, come into contact with chemicals, or are under a lot of stress.

Treatments for Eczema

If you have eczema, the most important thing you can do daily is keep your skin moisturized. This extra moisture will help to soothe symptoms such as itching and reduce the likelihood of flare-ups occurring. Choose a high-quality, unscented emollient and frequently apply it throughout the day. You could also consider adding moisturizing oils to your bathwater.

Doctors most often treat eczema flare-ups with corticosteroid creams. Corticosteroids such as hydrocortisone and betamethasone are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs. They can offer fast and effective relief from eczema symptoms when applied directly to the skin.

However, they can also cause some serious side effects. The most common of these is thinning of the skin, which leaves it more vulnerable to injury and infection. They can also cause the skin to change color or cause other skin problems such as acne.

Because of these side effects, patients should only use corticosteroids for short periods at a time. Unfortunately, many people with eczema find that their symptoms quickly return as soon as they stop using their steroid cream.

There are currently not many other options available to eczema sufferers, especially when it comes to long-term management of their disease. However, cannabidiol (CBD) has become well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Could this novel product offer some relief from the symptoms of eczema? Initial research suggests that it may well help.

How to Choose the Best CBD for Eczema

Those who are dissatisfied with regular eczema treatment options may want to find an alternative. A growing number of people with the condition claim that CBD works. However, we must inform you that the FDA does not approve the cannabinoid for eczema. Indeed, the agency has only approved a product called Epidiolex, which contains CBD, for a handful of rare conditions.

Otherwise, you’re forced to check out CBD for eczema in a crowded marketplace with minimal regulation. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp and introduced testing measures. However, this piece of legislation did nothing to legalize CBD or provide a regulatory framework.

While the 2018 Farm Bill legalized industrial hemp cultivation, it did not make CBD legal .

Certain states have laws in place which demand a level of CBD testing. However, more often than not, you’re shopping in a wide-open marketplace where the quality of products varies widely.

When looking for CBD, make sure you only consider brands that provide third-party testing with every product. Also, avoid any brand that makes dubious health claims about their products. CBD is not approved to ‘treat,’ ‘cure,’ ‘heal,’ or ‘diagnose’ any medical condition. While CBD is potentially useful for many issues, including eczema, it is NOT a cure-all.

CBD Cream for Eczema

When it comes to CBD products, it is important to choose carefully. This is especially the case when looking for something to help your skin. Apart from third-party reports, the best CBD products for eczema tend to contain various natural ingredients designed to nourish and moisturize your skin.

Premium Jane and PureKana are two of the most reputable and trusted CBD brands in the United States. They have produced an array of CBD products including:

• 750mg Eucalyptus CBD topical salve (Premium Jane)
• 600mg Citrus CBD tincture (Premium Jane)
• 1500mg Calm CBD gummies (PureKana)
• 100mg CBD bath bomb (PureKana)

Are These Suitable CBD Products for Eczema?

What every product above has in common is thorough testing to ensure there are no chemical fertilizers, heavy metals, or pesticides. There is certainly a possibility that the above CBD products could prove useful for eczema.

However, everyone’s skin is different, and there is no way of knowing how yours will react to any CBD product. Some people living with eczema find that the condition flares up even when they use natural ingredients.

Therefore, whenever possible, test any topical CBD product you buy on a small patch of skin first to see if there is a reaction. If there isn’t, you can then consider using it on a larger section. If using a tincture or an edible, consume a tiny amount to see what happens. No matter what, proceed carefully and wait to see the outcome of using CBD for eczema.

Skin Health: CBD for Eczema

There is not much research available specifically regarding CBD for eczema. However, there is plenty of research that documents the beneficial effects of CBD on the skin.

The skin is the largest organ in the body and forms a protective barrier between your vital organs and the outside world. It is continuously exposed to environmental irritants and toxins, not to mention ever-changing weather conditions. This means it is potentially very prone to inflammation, especially in individuals with a genetic tendency towards eczema.

Your skin also helps to regulate your body temperature. It does this by raising or lowering your body hair and allowing you to sweat.

Scientists have recently discovered that skin contains cannabinoid receptors. These are receptors that bind with endogenous cannabinoids that the body produces and phytocannabinoids from the cannabis plant.

CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that could help with dry skin; while also reducing eczema symptoms like pain and itching .

These receptors are an essential element of the endocannabinoid system, a system we now know is directly involved in allergic inflammation. Studies on mice have shown that animals lacking these cannabinoid receptors have a greater allergic response than controls.

This finding is supported by a further study that found dogs with atopic dermatitis had greater immune reactivity at cannabinoid receptors compared to their healthy counterparts.

Experts have suggested that exposing the endocannabinoid system to cannabinoids such as CBD could help skin conditions like eczema. This is possible because CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties could help relieve dry skin. Because cannabinoid receptors are also present in the nervous system, CBD can also help soothe eczema symptoms such as itching and pain.

Cannabinoids such as CBD also have antimicrobial properties, which could help prevent secondary infections.

How to Use CBD for Eczema

CBD is naturally found in cannabis plants. However, it is often used medicinally in the form of extracts, oils, or topical creams.

Taking CBD oil by mouth is one of the best ways to maximize its effects. You can take CBD oil as it is or mix it into food or beverages. CBD capsules and gummies are also available and offer a more convenient way of dosing.

When you take CBD oil for the first time, it is always advisable to start with the lowest dose possible and gradually increase it over time. CBD is unlikely to cause any side effects, but it is best to err on the side of caution and take it slow. This practice also means that you can find the lowest dose that works for you, potentially saving you money in the long run.

Topical CBD creams are another great way to relieve inflammation and discomfort. You can apply them directly to where you need them most. Look for products with natural ingredients to avoid causing further irritation. Some products also contain other skin-soothing ingredients such as coconut or lavender oil. Test on a small patch of skin first, and avoid using these products on broken skin.

Is CBD Safe for Children with Eczema?

If your child has eczema and you are wondering whether CBD oil is safe for your child, it’s best to consult your pediatrician. If giving CBD to children, avoid any products that contain the intoxicating compound in cannabis, THC.

THC can be harmful to children as their brains and nervous systems are still developing. The good news is that most high-quality CBD products contain negligible amounts of THC.

Some marijuana breeders have even developed low THC strains, such as Charlotte’s Web, named after the famous case of Charlotte Figi. Charlotte Figi suffered from a rare type of epilepsy and had multiple seizures every day. CBD oil helped reduce her symptoms dramatically, and many similar cases are reported worldwide.

These low THC products do appear safe for children, although the long-term effects are still unknown. Talk to your physician to learn more.

CBD for Eczema: Final Thoughts

Eczema is an extremely common and distressing skin condition. It can be challenging to treat effectively, as conventional therapies may cause side effects and only offer short-term relief.

There is no doubt that more research is required. However, it seems that CBD could provide a natural solution for eczema by reducing inflammation, itching, and pain.

Have you tried using CBD for eczema? Help others with this irritating condition by sharing your experiences in the comments below!