Scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease that can have extensive effects on the function of an individual’s skin and blood vessels. Cannabis is a potential option for managing symptoms of scleroderma in some cases. Patients who have been medically diagnosed and approved by state-approved medical marijuana doctors can use cannabis as part of their treatment. You should always talk to your doctor about medical cannabis treatments and only buy cannabis from reputable dispensaries that are licensed by the state.
Before delving into the details of a recent Italian research project, let’s take a closer look at scleroderma itself. As mentioned, scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder that affects both the skin and internal organs. Some of the most common symptoms are skin that gets thicker or harder, joint pain, tiredness, trouble breathing, heartburn or GERD, and digestive problems. Some people think this condition could be caused by genetics or environmental factors, such as being exposed to certain chemicals or medicines.
Details of the Study Performed in Italy
For their study, which was published in 2020 in the journal “Rheumatology International,” researchers recruited 10 volunteers with moderate-to-severe symptoms of scleroderma. For four weeks, each participant was given a topical CBD cream to use twice daily. At each visit during this period, participants were asked to rate their level of discomfort on a scale from 0 (no discomfort) to 10 (severe discomfort). At the end of the study period, researchers found that both pain levels (from an average of 5.6 before treatment to 3 after treatment) and skin hardness (from an average of 8 before treatment to 6 after treatment) had decreased significantly for all participants.
Benefits & Risks Associated with CBD Cream for Scleroderma Patients
While these results are promising, they must be taken with caution as they are based on only 10 participants; further studies will need to be done before any definitive conclusions can be made regarding the use of CBD cream as a treatment option for scleroderma patients. Still, there may be benefits to using CBD creams, such as relief from pain and discomfort and better skin elasticity. There may also be risks, such as allergic reactions or drug interactions if someone is taking other medicines at the same time.
Even though more research needs to be done before people with scleroderma symptoms can use topical CBD cream as a treatment, there may be some benefits to this approach when it is used under medical supervision. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, it is important that you speak with your doctor about what treatment options might work best for you. Depending on your situation, topical CBD cream may or may not be enough to relieve your symptoms, but it is still worth talking about. With proper management, most people living with scleroderma can still lead active lives, and topical treatments such as CBD cream could offer additional support in achieving this goal.
