It is estimated that around 60% of UK citizens have some sort of skin conditionand, for many, finding a cure can be hard work.
However, a new treatment could be on the horizon for people who suffer with eczema or psoriasis, after new research shows cannabis to have a positive effect on their symptoms.
Scientists believe that CBD, an anti-inflammatory compound in the drug that doesn’t cause a ‘high’, could help improve common skin conditions. The team at the University of Colorado have conducted trials on over 40 patients, all of whom suffer with long-term skin problems. Lead researcher Dr Robert Dellavalle said:
“There’s a large segment of the population that doesn’t like using steroids, even if they are topical steroids on their skin. [CBD] could be an alternative, natural product for them to try.”
Both eczema and psoriasis cause red, scaly spots or patches on the skin which can become extremely itchy and painful. Such skin conditions can have a significant impact on a person’s mental and physical wellbeing.
This comes after Holland & Barrett reported a “dramatic” surge in the sales of cannabis oil. The high-street chain became the first UK store to sell CBD (also known as medical cannabis oil or cannabidol) in January 2018.
Ian Hamilton, a drug researcher at York University commented on the findings, telling MailOnline:
“There is emerging evidence that chemicals within cannabis might offer potential health benefits… But we will need more than one research trial to be done before we can say whether this works of not.”
Mr Hamilton added that it could be several years before a skin-specific CBD product found its way onto pharmacy shelves in the UK.
[“source=netdoctor”]
