CBD for Treating Plaque Psoriasis
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What to Know About CBD for Treating Plaque Psoriasis

This component of cannabis doesn’t bring on a high, but it may help fight inflammation and ease anxiety and stress, which trigger flares.
What to Know About CBD for Treating Plaque Psoriasis
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Updated on November 5, 2024
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As a treatment for certain skin disorders, CBD has been drawing a lot of attention. “There’s general interest in the dermatology community, and more and more patients in recent years are asking about CBD,” says Adam Friedman, MD, a professor and the chair of dermatology at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington, DC.

Studies echo a growing interest in both prescribed and over-the-counter CBD products for dermatology, and research shows a high level of support among dermatologists.

Although CBD is widely considered safe, there still aren’t many studies specifically on CBD and plaque psoriasis, which makes it challenging to know whether CBD — and in what form and dose — can improve symptoms. “While there are many potential benefits to CBD treatment, further study is needed, as is regulation.”says Geeta Yadav, MD, a dermatologist and the founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto.

How CBD Works to Help Treat Psoriasis

CBD is a nonintoxicating cannabinoid (a compound found in cannabis and hemp) that has been studied for years for its medicinal properties.

CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which among other functions, is involved in regulating inflammation, according to Dr. Friedman. The body continuously produces endocannabinoids, and CBD, as a similar cannabinoid, can bind to the same receptors.

“We know that certain cannabinoids bind to receptors in the human endocannabinoid system that are responsible for inflammation and can downregulate an inflammatory response,” says Dr. Yadav. One endocannabinoid in particular, anandamide, can help inhibit the rapid growth of skin cells in the epidermis called keratinocytes, which is a key aspect of psoriasis, she adds.

Studies point to the idea that CBD may help reduce inflammation and relieve overall joint pain and discomfort.

 According to a review of research, using CBD topical ointments may significantly lessen the severity of psoriasis symptoms. Study authors note, though, that “it’s crucial to acknowledge that research into CBD’s impact on psoriasis is still in its early stages” and large-scale clinical trials are needed.

“CBD is a promising adjuvant or supplementary treatment,” says Yadav. “CBD may help reduce plaques and improve the quality of life for those managing psoriatic disease and, in some cases, reduce the discomfort caused by psoriatic arthritis.”

CBD and the Stress-Psoriasis Cycle

CBD may also help relieve stress and anxiety. There’s a strong relationship between psoriasis and stress, with a damaging cycle of flares caused by emotional stress and emotional stress being worsened by successive flare-ups. In one study, CBD was shown to decrease anxiety, which can trigger physical symptoms of psoriasis.

“We know that cannabinoids can have a positive effect on wound healing, and it’s possible if you improve someone’s skin disease, anxiety and frustration go down overall,” says Friedman. “Chronic inflammation can make you feel down and have low energy, and that can have an impact on almost every organ system. So when you remove inflammation, you may feel better.”

How to Choose and Use CBD for Psoriasis

Friedman notes that people who may be the best fit to try CBD for treating psoriasis are those who haven’t seen results with conventional therapies, have a fear of other invasive treatments, or are looking for a natural alternative or complement to conventional treatment.

“Psoriasis can be challenging to treat because it can affect so many aspects of a person’s life,” says Yadav. “Newer targeted prescription therapies like biologics can be safe and clear the skin, but that doesn’t take away the lifestyle factors that can trigger psoriasis like anxiety and stress.”

CBD comes in many forms: edibles, oils, ointments, tinctures, and more. Each has different potential physical and mental benefits that cater to individual needs in regards to the percentage of CBD, type of product, and frequency of use.

It’s crucial to note that not all products marketed as CBD treatments are made of pure CBD, nor do all products accurately list their percentages and ingredients.

Risks of Using CBD for Psoriasis

Concern arises from the lack of approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and related oversight.

 “CBD is not regulated in the United States, meaning products formulated with CBD are not subject to testing, including testing that would accurately determine the percentage of CBD in the formula,” says Yadav. “This makes it challenging to find products that are of medical quality.”

Another problem arises with companies that add other ingredients to their products that may trigger a negative reaction. Some people, for example, may experience an allergic reaction to vapors or contact dermatitis from topicals.

“It’s important to make sure there are no impurities in what you buy,” says Friedman. He recommends checking your state's department of health website to learn more about products and companies.

A clinical trial has also found evidence that high concentrations of CBD may have the potential to damage the liver.

 But these are preliminary findings, and the doses of CBD found to affect the liver were extremely large, according to Friedman. “Over-the counter CBD or what’s sold or recommended from an oral CBD perspective — usually 500 milligrams once or twice a day — is well below the threshold where they saw liver complications in clinical trials.”

There’s little doubt that CBD has potential as a supplementary or alternative treatment for psoriasis. That said, it’s important to do your own research, speak to your doctor, and use well-researched products that fit your lifestyle and treatment goals.

“It’s not buyer beware — it’s buyer be mindful,” says Friedman. “Be a conscientious buyer. Know what you need to ask and think about when you’re buying these products.”

The Takeaway

  • CBD, found in cannabis, may offer some relief from inflammation and help reduce the stress and anxiety that worsen psoriasis symptoms. But more research is needed.
  • If you're exploring new complementary therapies to treat psoriasis, consider discussing CBD with your healthcare provider.
  • Look for trustworthy products. The absence of regulation means you need to find high-quality options.
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Amy Spizuoco, DO

Medical Reviewer
Castle Connolly Top Doctor

Amy Spizuoco, DO, is a board-certified dermatologist and dermatopathologist. Dr. Spizuoco has been practicing medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology, as well as dermatopathology in New York City for 12 years.

She did her undergraduate training at Binghamton University, majoring in Italian and biology. She went to medical school at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. After medical school, she completed her dermatology residency at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine–Alta Dermatology in Arizona. During that time she studied skin cancer surgery and pediatric dermatology at Phoenix Children’s Hospital and attended dermatology grand rounds at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale. After her residency, Spizuoco completed a dermatopathology fellowship at the Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology.

She was previously an associate clinical instructor in the department of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. She is on the editorial boards of Practical Dermatology and Dermatology Times.

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Johanna Neeson

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Johanna Neeson is an associate editor at Everyday Health with an extensive background in health and wellness journalism. In previous editorial roles at Reader's Digest and national healthcare societies, her work has spanned pediatrics, dermatology, gastroenterology, redox biology, and general health content. Her bylined and ghostwritten articles have appeared in MedPage Today, Parents Magazine, Romper, PopSugar, Mr. Dad, Fatherly, Family Circle, Health eCareers, and BabyCenter, among others. 

A Maine native, Johanna now lives in New York City and is overwhelmingly passionate about sci-fi and '90s British theater.
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Resources
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  6. Watkins PB et al. Cannabidiol and Abnormal Liver Chemistries in Healthy Adults: Results of a Phase I Clinical Trial. Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics. May 2021.