We’ve seen an increase in interest in using CBD topicals for psoriatic arthritis. Some doctors and alternative health practitioners recommend CBD topicals for the pain associated with psoriatic arthritis. These statements actually propose two questions. What is psoriatic arthritis, and what are the benefits of using CBD topicals for psoriatic arthritis?
What is psoriatic arthritis?
The Mayo Clinic explains that some people with psoriasis – a scaly, red rash – also experience a form of arthritis brought on by psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, which causes cells to pile up on the skin, hence the red, scaly rash. There is no known cure for this inflammatory condition.
Psoriatic arthritis occurs in 10% to 30% of people with psoriasis. It causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue and cells, which causes inflammation and subsequent pain and swelling.
Symptoms include:
- Painful swelling of the fingers and toes. You could also develop deformities in your hands and feet before you have significant symptoms.
- A lower-back condition called spondylitis, which inflames the joints between the vertebrae of the spine.
- Pain at the points where the ligaments and tendons attach to your bones. This pain is especially prevalent at the back of the heel and in the sole.
These symptoms often resemble rheumatoid arthritis and can improve and worsen. Because the psoriatic arthritis is progressive, it’s wise to consult your doctor if you experience sore, swollen joints.
What are CBD topicals?
CBD, short for cannabidiol, is one of many compounds found in the cannabis plant. Lost Remedy topicals are made with hemp-derived, full-spectrum CBD, which is important. It contains essential cannabinoids and terpenes, which work together to increase CBD’s efficacy.
Our topicals, lotions, salves or creams, don’t contain the chemicals, parabens, artificial preservatives or other synthetic components that often can harm skin. They do contain CBD, emulsifiers, essential and carrier oils and purified water, all organically sourced. All can be applied anytime, anywhere without the side effects that prescriptions or over-the-counter products can cause.
CBD topicals work in conjunction with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS has two CBD receptors, CB-1 and CB-2.
The CB-1 receptors in the brain control coordination and movement, pain, emotions, mood, thinking, appetite, memories and more. CB-2 receptors are more common in the immune system. They control inflammation and pain.
CBD topicals penetrate the layers and interact with the CB receptors. Instead of attaching to the receptors, CBD acts like a guide, telling the receptors to use more of their own CBD.
Benefits of CBD topicals for psoriatic arthritis
If you’ve read or followed this blog, you’ve probably read how CBD can help soothe arthritis pain and relieve the symptoms of psoriasis.
As we’ve already noted, psoriatic arthritis is associated with psoriasis. So, let’s break it down. Arthritis is a form of inflammation that causes pain. Psoriasis also is associated with inflammation. CBD, on the other hand, is a known anti-inflammatory. Need I say more? Really, when it comes to inflammation, CBD rules.
Don’t take my word for it being adept at controlling inflammation. Recent research indicates it may be more than helpful in treating inflammatory skin conditions. In psoriasis, research shows that CBD topicals may help slow the pile up of skin cells, or rash. Finally, pain reduction is a major reason people seek out CBD topicals. Psoriatic arthritis hurts. It can really hurt, so why wouldn’t you turn to a side-effect-free form of pain relief?
Pain reduction is a major reason people seek out CBD topicals.
Choosing CBD topicals for psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis
There’s a lot of research and regulation needed in the CBD industry before we know how it works. In the meantime, relieving the pain of psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis can include natural and nourishing products.
Don’t just go out and willy-nilly buy a CBD topical because the label says that’s what it is. Be an informed consumer. Know what to look for in a reputable product.
Nothing is one and done. You may need to experiment and apply it more frequently to notice relief of pain and swelling. Look for these four things in CBD products:
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Manufacturing
How CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant. Avoid CBD with these toxic chemicals present – propane, hexane, pentane and butane, which are flammable hydrocarbon gases found in petroleum. Two healthful extraction methods are done with organic, pharmaceutical-grade ethanol or a process called supercritical CO2 extraction. Look for those.
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Sourcing
Find out where the cannabis or hemp originated. How was it grown and what species is it; sativa, ruderalis or indica? Hemp easily accumulates toxins in the soil. Therefore, if the growing environment isn’t clean, your CBD probably isn’t either. One of the best sources of CBD is organic-certified, hemp-grown farms in pristine regions of Europe. If you can find it, U.S.-grown hemp can be a good source, too. U.S. farmers must be certified by state departments of agriculture. Check a company’s website or ask its customer service to get that information.
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Purity
Is the CBD made from the whole plant? Look for a label that says whole plant or full spectrum, because using the whole plant ensures that the oil contains CBD as well as a full range of primary and secondary parts of the hemp plant. These include terpenes, flavonoids and other cannabinoids that enhance the CBD, making the benefits exponentially higher than with CBD alone.
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Lab results
A product should be tested by a third-party lab to ensure that the CBD is what its label claims. For instance, a company willing to undergo scrutiny by an independent lab has nothing to hide. Look for high levels of CBD, with trace levels of CBD, CBG and CBN. Look for test results for potential impurities such as solvents, pesticides and heavy metals to ensure a safe product. Reputable companies will disclose their lab results if you ask or put it right on the products.