An article by Chisom “Cheezy” Chikwendu
Imagine waking up every day to red, itchy, or inflamed skin – uncomfortable, unpredictable, and incredibly frustrating, right? Yes, I thought so too. For millions living with immune-mediated skin diseases, this isn’t just a one-time irritation; it’s a daily struggle. It arises when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells (autoimmune diseases) or overreacts to harmless triggers, leading to chronic inflammation, redness, itching, and skin irritation. Common medications like steroids and immunosuppressants are commonly used to manage these diseases, but their long-term use is associated with side effects such as skin thinning, recurring flare-ups, dependency and systemic health concerns. However, there’s good news: Cannabidiol (CBD), a natural compound derived from the cannabis plant, has emerged as a promising alternative.
Known for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties, CBD may help regulate the immune response, reducing redness, itching, and irritation with fewer side effects compared to traditional therapies.
In this article, we’ll explore what immune-mediated skin diseases are, introduce CBD and review the scientific evidence supporting CBD’s role in managing immune-mediated skin diseases
Ready to discover how CBD could transform your skincare routine? let’s dive in
Understanding Immune-mediated skin diseases
Our immune system is like our personal bodyguard, always on the lookout for harmful invaders like bacteria and viruses but sometimes, it can get confused and act abnormally. This results in immune-mediated skin diseases, which are skin conditions caused by an abnormal or exaggerated immune response. In autoimmune skin diseases (e.g., psoriasis or skin lupus), the immune system mistakenly sees healthy skin cells as threats and begins to attack them, leading to chronic inflammation and visible skin damage. In other immune-related conditions (such as eczema or rosacea), the immune system doesn’t attack the body directly but overreacts to harmless substances like dust, pollen, or even certain skincare ingredients, leading to redness, swelling, itching, and flare-ups.
Here’s a closer look at some common immune-mediated skin diseases and how they affect the body:
Psoriasis – When Skin Cells Grow Too Fast
Psoriasis is like a traffic jam on your skin. Normally, skin cells take about a month to regenerate, but in people living with psoriasis, this process happens in just a few days. This rapid growth causes thick, scaly, red patches that may be itchy or painful, usually on the scalp, elbows, knees, or lower back. Psoriasis is often triggered by stress, infections, or cold weather and can affect one’s confidence; however, it is not a contagious disease.
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema) – The Itchy and Inflamed Skin
Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a chronic disease that causes dry, itchy, red, and inflamed skin. It often starts in childhood and can be triggered by allergens, stress, weather changes, or irritants like hard soaps and detergents. Unlike some other immune-mediated skin diseases, atopic dermatitis tends to flare up and then improve before recurring. People with atopic dermatitis often have a weakened skin barrier, making their skin more permissive to infections and allergen penetration.
Photo by Trillium Clinic
Vitiligo – When Skin Loses Its Color
Vitiligo happens when the immune system attacks melanocytes, which are the cells responsible for skin color. This attack results in white patches on different parts of the skin, which can affect a person’s confidence and self-esteem. Vitiligo may progress over time, but it is not painful or contagious.
Skin Lupus – The Disease with a Butterfly Rash
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic immune-mediated disease that affects the skin and other body parts. People often develop a red, butterfly-shaped rash on the skin, while others may experience hair loss, or mouth sores. People with SLE tend to be sensitive to sunlight, so it’s important for them to carefully protect their skin and manage stress to reduce flare-ups.
Photo from University of Utah
Pemphigus – A Disease of Blisters and Sores
Imagine your skin’s outer layer peeling off too easily; that’s what happens in pemphigus. The immune system destroys the connections between skin cells, causing painful blisters and open sores on the skin. Pemphigus can be serious and requires medical treatment to prevent infections and scarring.
Living with immune-mediated skin diseases can be physically uncomfortable and emotionally challenging, and often impact the quality of life. While the exact causes remain unclear, genetics, stress, infections, and environmental factors all play significant roles. An emerging natural option that’s gaining popularity is Cannabidiol (CBD).
Due to its immune-regulating benefits, CBD may help soothe irritation, calm flare-ups, and promote healthier skin. Unlike traditional treatments that suppress the immune system, CBD gently balances immune responses, reducing side effects. Though research is ongoing, CBD-infused skincare products and supplements show promise as complementary solutions for immune-mediated skin disease management.
Classification of Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are classified into three:
Endocannabinoids (made naturally by the body), Phytocannabinoids (found in the Cannabis sativa plant), and Synthetic cannabinoids (lab-made version). The two most well-known Phytocannabinoids are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is the compound that produces the mind-altering or “high” effects like marijuana, while CBD provides therapeutic benefits. CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors that help regulate inflammation, immune response, and pain. These receptors include CB1 receptors, found mainly in the brain and nervous system, influencing mood and pain, while CB2 receptors, found in the immune system, regulate inflammation. By acting on these receptors, CBD can restrain immune system activation, mitigate inflammation, thereby allowing skin healing.
Currently, skincare brands now incorporate CBD into different skincare formulation to help manage various skin concerns. As CBD becomes more popular in skincare, understanding what it can and cannot do is very essential.
Scientific Evidence on CBD on immune-mediated Skin Diseases
Photo by MART PRODUCTION
Scientists have begun testing CBD-based products for various immune-mediated skin diseases. Most of these studies so far are small or preliminary, but the results are encouraging.
Here’s a look at some findings:
Psoriasis
A study tested a CBD-integrated ointment on 20 people with psoriasis, eczema, and scars, applying it twice daily for three months. The results showed improved skin hydration, elasticity, and overall appearance, with less redness, itching, and scaling for psoriasis and eczema patients. The treatment made the scars smoother and less noticeable, and participants reported no side effects.
A 12-week study tested cream containing CBD (2.5% strength) on 51 adults who had mild psoriasis, applying it twice daily. After the study, those who used the CBD cream experienced less redness, scaling, and skin thickness compared to people who used a placebo (a CBD-free cream). No side effects were reported in this study.
In a laboratory mouse model of psoriasis, CBD treatment reduced inflammation and excessive skin cell growth. In a mouse model of skin psoriasis, CBD ointment reduced skin inflammation and scales similar to steroid cream. This preclinical study result supports the anti-inflammatory action of CBD in psoriasis, aligning with observations from human case studies.
Researchers suggest that these improvements are due to the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD, which restrain both skin overgrowth and immune dysregulation. These studies set the stage for larger studies to see if CBD could be a safe add-on therapy for psoriasis.
Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)
A 2019 pilot study on patients with atopic dermatitis found that a CBD-enriched ointment used twice daily for 3 months significantly improved eczema. Skin hydration increased significantly, and trans-epidermal water loss (a measure of skin barrier strength) decreased, indicating a stronger skin barrier. Patients’ eczema severity also improved, and no adverse reactions were reported.
In an observational study of 16 adults with atopic dermatitis, applying a 1% CBD skin gel twice daily for just 2 weeks led to improved sleep and reduced eczema by 50%. Their quality-of-life scores (measuring the emotional and social impact of eczema) improved significantly during the short treatment and no side effects were observed.
Related compounds that interact with cannabinoid receptors have also shown benefits. For example, a cream containing Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) – a cannabinoid-like lipid – was tested in over 2,400 eczema patients. After 6 weeks, patients had significantly less skin dryness, redness, itching, and cracking, with minimal side effects. While PEA is not the same as CBD, it acts on similar pathways, and such results support the idea that activating the skin’s cannabinoid system can reduce eczema inflammation. Researchers have found encouraging results in these studies, but they need to conduct larger controlled trials to confirm CBD’s effectiveness for eczema and to determine the best treatment regimens
Vitiligo
CBD can prevent the formation of excessive free radicals and activate Nrf2; a protein that triggers the skin’s antioxidant defenses. It can also dampen overactive T-cells, reducing the cytokines (immune signaling molecules). As a result, CBD might protect melanocytes (the skin’s pigment cells) from autoimmune attack, potentially stabilizing vitiligo lesions. Despite the lack of evidence on vitiligo, a 2023 review on natural compounds described the beneficial anti-inflammatory effects of CBD for other skin diseases. This study supports the idea of evaluating CBD-integrated topical formulation for vitiligo.
Cutaneous/Skin Lupus
In a recent animal study of cutaneous lupus, scientists used a cannabinoid compound to mitigate skin inflammation. They engineered mice to develop lupus lesions and treated them with anandamide (an endocannabinoid similar to the body’s own). The treatment reduced the number and severity of lesions in the mice compared to those that received no treatment. This suggests that enhancing cannabinoid signaling in the skin can reduce lupus-related inflammation. No definitive clinical evidence exists yet for CBD treating lupus, but research is in progress. Patients are strongly advised to continue with standard therapies while keeping an eye on emerging research.
Learn more about ongoing research of cannabinoids as targets for treating autoimmune diseases here.
Conclusion
Current evidence suggests CBD’s anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects could provide benefit for certain immune-mediated skin diseases. Nevertheless, CBD is not yet an established treatment for these conditions. Ongoing research (including clinical trials for lupus and scleroderma) will tell us more. For now, patients who are eager to try CBD should use it as a complement – not a replacement – to proven medical therapies after a careful discussion with their healthcare provider. The scientific community is optimistic but cautious: CBD for immune-mediated skin diseases is promising, but additional research is necessary to evaluate long-term efficacy and safety.
Want to learn how to add CBD to your skincare routine? I have shared some simple, helpful tips in another article — check it out here
This is mind blowing. Knowing that cannabinoids can be used for such treatment.
Kudos to Chisom for compiling this piece.
Thank you for reading Japhet
Insightful post
It’s nice and insightful. Really educative
For Someone like myself that has had to deal with tropical skin conditions over the years, I find this read very informative and insightful.
sign me up if you need someone to test these products on.
Thanks for your comment Victoria. We’d keep this in mind
What specific types of long-term efficacy and safety data are researchers prioritizing in ongoing or future larger clinical trials for CBD in immune-mediated skin diseases, especially since the current evidence is largely preliminary?
Chisom, your writing skills are truly impressive! You have a way with words that captivates and inspires.
Keep sharing your talent with the world!
I appreciate this. Thank you
Loved this! Super insightful, easy to grasp, and honestly eye-opening—who would’ve thought cannabinoids had this much value?
Thanks for reading Kachi. It’s truly eye-opening to discover the value of CBD 😃
This is really informative and it’s a good read. I didn’t think cannabis could do be used in skin treatment🙂
This definitely is an added knowledge.
Thanks Chisom👏
Thanks Emmanuel for your comment
Really learnt alot. Really informative.
A very good read. Informative, interesting and understandable. Thank you Chisom for the enlightenment.
Thank you
This is a such a good read!
Quite enlightening.
I’m glad you enjoyed reading it 😀
This was an insightful read. Keep up the good work, Cheezy
Thank you!
While some preliminary studies reported no side effects, the article highlights the need for additional research on long-term safety. What are the most crucial safety aspects or potential long-term effects of CBD use that ongoing research aims to clarify for these conditions?
The crucial safety aspects that ongoing research aims to clarify would likely revolve around confirming the continued absence of side effects over extended periods and ensuring CBD does not lead to long-term issues such as skin thinning, recurring flare-ups, dependency, or systemic health concerns that are associated with traditional long-term medications. The goal is to ensure CBD maintains its promise of having fewer side effects compared to traditional therapies over the long term
The article explicitly mentions a “lack of evidence on vitiligo” despite the theoretical support for CBD’s benefits based on its potential to protect melanocytes from autoimmune attack and its anti-inflammatory effects. What specific research avenues or types of studies are most needed to establish CBD’s efficacy and safety for vitiligo?
Despite the current lack of direct clinical evidence on vitiligo, theoretical support suggests CBD could be beneficial due to its ability to prevent excessive free radical formation, activate the skin’s antioxidant defenses (Nrf2), and dampen overactive T-cells and immune signaling molecules (cytokines), potentially protecting melanocytes from autoimmune attack and stabilizing lesions. Therefore, the most needed research avenue is the evaluation of CBD-integrated topical formulations for vitiligo. This would involve studies and clinical trials to specifically establish CBD’s efficacy and safety in treating vitiligo, building upon the promising anti-inflammatory effects observed in studies for other skin diseases
Nice article, very important and insightful
Atopic dermatitis is common amongst Young people..
Thank you for this insightful writeup
Quite enlightening indeed
Wow! Bravo Cheezy.
This was enlightening.
Thank you 🙏
I just learnt a few things on how cannabidiol can be helpful to the skin
Great article, Chisom
Nice article, very insightful
Very insightful, great article, nice job Chisom.
Who would’ve thought cannabidiol can be used for such treatment….. indeed this is a great article…. Great job chisom👌
Thanks for reading Ikenna
This is such an insightful piece….I’m really thrilled
I’ve gained some knowledge today … thanks Chisom for this wonderful piece
Thanks Francisca for reading
This is a good work. It’s indeed a new knowledge the me. Keep it up!
Thanks for reading Gabriel
Good job but can this product be accepted in countries where cannabis is not acceptable?
Thanks for reading Deborah.
Yes, cannabinoid-based products (especially CBD) can be approved in many countries where cannabis is banned as long as the products are non-psychoactive, legally compliant, and properly regulated.
Can you get some for me? 🙂
It was really insightful
This is such an insightful piece….I’m really thrilled
I’ve gained some knowledge today … thanks Chisom for this wonderful piece
this is informative. It’s amazing to see how a natural compound like CBD could offer a new approach to managing such challenging skin conditions.
This is very enlightening Chisom. I learnt a lot while reading this.
You have a way of turning technical words into easy sentences for the general public
Keep up the good work
This is very enlightening Chisom. I learnt a lot while reading this.
You have a way of turning technical words into easy sentences for the general public
Keep up the good work
This was so good to Read!
This is enlightening
Wow This was really enlightening to me….
Great.
Great
Interesting
Nice article
This is really enlightening
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