There is little known research on using CBD for Rosacea but early signs are it could be a viable alternative remedy. Rosacea is a common skin disorder that causes a redness most commonly on the central parts of the face. These areas can sometimes be seen as small blood vessels, swollen red bumps, thickened red skin and can sometimes enlarge the nose. It often affects people with pale skin, light hair, and eyes.
The related inflammation can cause the skin to become very sensitive, and without proper treatment it can get worse over time, even becoming dangerous when the disease approaches the skin around the eyes.
Rosacea is not an allergic reaction, eczema, or acne, even though the symptoms may be similar. Some of the causes for this condition are related to an overreaction of the immune system to bacteria, and even to the presence of a skin mite called Demodex Folliculorum.
Rosacea has no known cure, so treatments are prescribed to help bring the condition under control. Oral or topical antibiotics are the most common course of treatment for Rosacea. The antibiotic Metronidazole is typically applied as a cream or gel. That said, topical antibiotics have been linked to skin problems such as hives, inflammation and itchiness—while oral antibiotic can cause certain stomach conditions such as nausea.
Steroid creams are also often used to treat Rosacea, though long-term use can and does worsen symptoms. Meanwhile, laser and intense pulsed light treatments are sometimes used to shrink blood vessels and help decrease the redness that Rosacea causes.
Because this disease only affects the face, it may have a significant impact on personal appearance. Consequently, it can create self-esteem issues as well as serious problems at the psychological, social and occupational levels if untreated.
Unfortunately, there are many people who have struggled since early adolescence against supposed juvenile acne, hoping that the eventual arrival of maturity may let them lose sight of the hated pimples. However, they find that when they turn 30 the acne persists, which by then also causes redness on the skin.
The problem is that Rosacea can be confused not only with acne, but also with many other skin problems, such as eczema or skin allergies, and as a result, it usually escapes diagnosis at its outset.
There are quite a few possible causes that stimulate this condition and most are environmental or lifestyle related. These include:
- Temperature changes
- Spicy foods and alcohol
- Exercise
- Emotional well-being or stress
These factors can make the areas of the face feel flushed, swollen and uncomfortable, especially when they occur in younger children who have very sensitive skin.
Case Study*
A twenty-month-old boy with recurrent bouts of Rosacea had one of his worst inflammations due to a severe climate change while on vacation. Hotter than usual weather coupled with sun exposure lead to bilateral cheek inflammation.
His mother decided to try CBD oil, which she used for own conditions, and placed 2 drops on the boys left cheek. She massaged the oil gently into the affected skin. No CBD oil was placed on the right cheek.
After 30 minutes the results she saw are shown in the picture. Most of the Erythema and inflammation have subsided while the right cheek remained inflamed and red.
There is no medical documentation on this; just the mothers own explanation and more studies need to be performed to substantiate these results. Larger group studies with patients struggling with Rosacea and other inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema need to be performed in light of this and other case studies.
Possible Effects of CBD on Rosacea
CBD oil is a non-toxic, not intoxicating compound found in the cannabis plant. Its effects are currently being explored and are leading scientists in the direction that it modulates non cannabinoid receptors and intracellular channels.
Recently, it has been found that CBD binds with the TRPV1 receptors found in the skin. The effect of this binding is a reduction of inflammation, pain and skin temperature. The combination of these could result in the reduced inflammation as shown in the above case study.
In another study published in 2014** on acne vulgaris (a common skin condition) and Cannabidiol (CBD), it was concluded that “due to its combined lipostatic, antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory effects, CBD has potential as a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of acne vulgaris”.
Starting from the basis that the endocannabinoid system regulates multiple physiological processes, including skin cell growth and differentiation, the research team analyzed the effects of CBD, the main non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid of cannabis, on the sebaceous gland.
It is concluded that the best way to treat symptoms of Rosacea, once the outbreak of Rosacea has occurred, would be the topical application of CBD-based creams or ointments containing cannabinoids as active ingredients. Moreover, the oral administration of CBD oil in any of its formats could also be beneficial.
*source ref – https://canbiola.com/blog/cbd-oil-and-its-effects-on-rosacea-case-study/
