Could a simple skin patch with cannabidiol help ease psoriasis symptoms? A new clinical study is putting that question to the test.
If you’re dealing with psoriasis, you know it’s not just about the patches on your skin. The flare-ups can bring relentless itching, irritation, and discomfort that spill over into daily life, affecting sleep, focus, and even confidence.
Treatments like creams, steroids, and injections can help, but they’re not always easy to stick with long-term, and some come with side effects people would rather avoid.
That’s why CBD (cannabidiol) is getting attention. With its anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing potential, it’s being explored as a gentler option for psoriasis care.
And now, researchers are testing a new approach, CBD delivered through simple skin patches, to see if it can ease symptoms more conveniently and reliably.
Testing CBD Patches in Psoriasis
This isn’t just another cream or oil. Researchers are launching a trial to evaluate a transdermal CBD patch specifically for psoriasis. Here’s how it’s set up:
- Participants: 60 people with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.
- Treatment: A specially designed CBD patch applied directly to the skin, delivering cannabidiol steadily over time.
- Comparison: Some participants will receive placebo patches (no CBD), so researchers can measure whether CBD itself makes a difference.
- Timeline: The study runs for 90 days, with check-ins at day 0, 30, 60, and 90.
- Endpoints: The team will track improvements in psoriasis severity (redness, thickness, scaling), itching, overall skin health, and patient quality of life.
By setting up the trial this way, researchers can answer the critical question: Is CBD genuinely helping, or are improvements due to the placebo effect or natural fluctuation in symptoms?
Why CBD Could Help Psoriasis
CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors in the body including the skin that helps regulate inflammation, immunity, and healing. In preclinical studies (cells and animal models), CBD has been shown to:
- Calm inflammation by reducing the release of cytokines that drive psoriasis flare-ups.
- Soothe itching and irritation, which can help people sleep better and feel more comfortable.
- Support barrier repair by regulating oil production and skin hydration.
- Act as an antioxidant, protecting skin from oxidative stress that worsens lesions.
The transdermal patch approach has its own benefits. Unlike creams that can rub off or lotions that may not penetrate deeply, patches stay in place and deliver CBD gradually through the skin, maintaining a steady level over time.
Why This Trial Matters
Psoriasis is a lifelong condition, and while existing treatments work for many, they can come with side effects, high costs, or complex routines. A CBD patch could represent something new:
- Non-invasive and easy to use. No injections, no messy creams.
- Potentially fewer side effects. CBD is generally well-tolerated.
- Targeted delivery. Patches provide direct, localized exposure.
- Holistic appeal. Many patients want treatments that feel more natural and less aggressive.
What This Could Mean for People With Psoriasis
If you’re living with psoriasis, you know how valuable even small improvements can be. This trial could matter because:
- A gentler option. CBD patches may provide relief without the long-term side effects sometimes linked to steroids or immunosuppressants.
- Simple to use. A patch is discreet, convenient, and avoids the hassle of messy creams or complicated regimens.
- Dual benefits. Beyond easing lesions, CBD’s calming effects may help reduce itch and improve sleep, two issues that impact daily quality of life.
- Safety under the spotlight. Because the study is carefully tracking side effects, we’ll get a clearer picture of how well CBD patches are tolerated.
- Realistic expectations. Even if CBD patches prove helpful, they won’t replace every treatment. They may work best for mild to moderate symptoms, alongside healthy lifestyle habits like stress management and good sleep.
This study represents hope for a gentler, more practical way to manage psoriasis symptoms.
Original Study Section
Title: Efficacy and Safety of Cannabis Transdermal Patch for Alleviating Psoriasis Symptoms: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial (CanPatch)
Date: May 2024
Authors: Pim Sermsaksasithorn, Pravit Asawanonda, Phanupong Phutrakool, Thunnicha Ondee, Pajaree Chariyavilaskul, Sunchai Payungporn, Krit Pongpirul, Nattiya Hirankarn
Link: Read on PubMed