Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a dry skin condition that varies in severity from person to person. Mild symptoms will include dry, red, itchy skin while more severe cases can see the skin split to cause weeping and bleeding. Eczema effects people of all ages and isn’t contagious.
When we learn that ‘eczema’ comes from the Greek word ‘ekzein’ which means ‘to boil, it’s not unsurprising to know that it can cause a large amount of discomfort and, unfortunately, it’s not uncommon. In the UK, one in five children and one in 12 adults suffer with this skin condition. It can affect any part of the body but is most commonly found on the hands, inside the elbows, the backs of the knees and on the face and scalp.
People with eczema often experience periods where symptoms are less noticeable as well as ‘flare-ups’.
What causes eczema?
Our skin is made up of three key layers:
- Epidermis – a thin outer layer.
- Dermis – the middle, thicker and fairly elastic layer.
- Subcutaneous fat – the fatty layer at the bottom.
Each of these layers contain skin cells, water and fats which form a protective barrier against damage and infection and help to retain moisture and maintain body temperature.
If insufficient fats and oils are produced, less water is retained in the skin and its protective barrier is compromised. Gaps open up between the skin cells, moisture is lost from the deeper layers of skin and bacteria and irritants can pass through more easily. Subsequently, the skin soon becomes irritated, cracked and inflamed.
The exact reason why some people get eczema and others don’t isn’t fully understood but it seems to have a number of associations:
- It often occurs in people who get allergies.
- It can run in families and is often also linked to asthma and hay fever.
- It has triggers such as the weather, stress and perfumed soaps or detergents.
- It can also be exacerbated by certain foods.
How can eczema be treated?
There are different types of eczema, the most common of which is atopic dermatitis, and these have different treatments. Eczema around the eyes, for example, might be treated with mild topical steroids while scalp eczema might be relieved by moisturising creams or spray-on oils.
Generally, treatments for eczema include medical moisturisers (emollients) and topical steroids or oral steroids. Topical calcineurin inhibitors are also used to work with the immune system, blocking one of the chemicals that can contribute to the flaring up of eczema. It is also a good idea to:
- avoid triggers wherever possible.
- change bathing habits and always use good soap.
- reduce stress.
- adopt a diet high in Omega 3 fatty acids to reduce inflammation.
How can CBD support eczema issues?
While most children grow out of eczema by the time they reach adulthood, not all do and some people develop it later in life. And, while symptoms can often be treated, it is challenging to treat the underlying causes.
Using endless lotions and steroid creams can be a frustrating process and, ultimately, cause thinning skin, so many eczema patients are on the lookout for alternative treatments.
Since the 1990s, scientists have understood that we have a complex system of cannabinoid receptors running through our bodies, working hard to regulate may physiological processes including mood, stress, pain and immune system function. CBD and other cannabinoids activate and stimulate the healing effects of the cannabinoid system, beginning to explain why CBD has a positive impact on dermatology.
As we know that eczema is caused by inflammation, and we recognise the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, there is a suggestion that CBD can treat the skin condition. This 2014 study found that CBD oil triggers anti-inflammatory reactions in cells. CBD interacts with white blood cells that cause inflammation and activates glycine receptors that alleviate the chronic pain associated with inflammation.
We are also aware that eczema flare-ups may be caused by strains of bacteria, as reported in the New Scientist , and that cracked, broken skin is at risk of infection. With that in mind, research proving the anti-oxidant properties of CBD suggest that it may help prevent skin infections caused by eczema.
And finally, topical CBD has a powerful anti-itch benefit. Cannabinoids including CBD activate receptors on the peripheral sensory nerve fibres, inhibiting itching signals and thus soothing skin. Additionally, it helps to regulate sebum production bringing dry skin back into balance. A small study in 2019 did find that a CBD ointment helped to clear skin and reduce itching.
Which ULU products might I choose?
To potentially prevent and relieve symptoms associated with eczema, it is advisable to use a combination of CBD products. Taken sublingually or orally, CBD works effectively as an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant, while applied topically it can work quickly to soothe itching skin.
ULU is a premium brand focused on quality. We never compromise on our standards, we use only the purest extract of the hemp plant and we are always open, honest and transparent when it comes to our products. Our mission is to shed light on the industry, helping you to choose the cannabidiol product that best suits your need.
ULU Full Spectrum 5% CBD Oil 500mg CBD / 10ml
Our ULU CBD oils are pure, full spectrum and contain between 5% and 20% CBD. The 5% oil is a great way to introduce CBD into your daily regime. Start slowly with 1-2 drops three times a day.
ULU Revitalise 5% CBD Anti-Inflammatory Serum 750ml
This soft, luscious CBD topical cream will treat your skin to the ultimate in rejuvenation. Giving you the benefits of CBD’s natural anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, it also boasts the cooling effects of aloe vera and organic coconut oil, focusing on cell renewal and regulating moisture in the skin.
ULU Protect 2.5% CBD Moisturising Balm 375g
The latest addition to our premium CBD skin care range, this organic ULU CBD balm offers instant moisture and gives tired skin the extra TLC it deserves. It provides a protective barrier from harmful elements, shielding skin that is prone to eczema flare-ups. With ultimate moisture and protection, it is one of the strongest and best CBD balms on the UK market.
ULU Vegan Pure CBD Gel Tablets
Easy to introduce into your daily routine and quickly absorbed into the body, our ULU CBD tablet capsules feature full spectrum cannabidiol in a soft vegan gel coating. With each capsule containing 10ml of cannabidiol, they are among the highest concentration of full-spectrum CBD tablets in the UK.
To conclude…
Eczema, also known as dermatitis, is a dry skin condition that varies in severity from person to person, with symptoms including cracked, weeping skin. CBD and other cannabinoids activate and stimulate the healing effects of the cannabinoid system, beginning to explain why CBD has a positive impact on dermatology.
The anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties of CBD can assist in the treatment of eczema and it also relieves the pain and itching associated with eczema.
Consider the products that best suit you and remember, if you have any questions, our friendly CBD experts are just an email away.
As always, make sure u love u!