CBD has remained a popular natural option for assisting and easing various health conditions. Individuals can take CBD in many forms, including topical application, which has proved effective in treating skin conditions like eczema.

Read on to find out more about CBD and how it can create anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects to fight eczema.

What Is CBD?

CBD is a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis. There is growing awareness of CBD’s various benefits as more people begin to seek natural alternatives to traditional medication (1). Unlike the cannabinoid THC found in cannabis, CBD is psychoactive but does not create the “high” feeling of intoxication.

CBD can be utilized for many mental and physical health conditions, including anxiety, depression, insomnia, and seizures (2). CBD extracts are often used in oils, tinctures, sprays, and gummies, depending on patient needs.

Another way of taking CBD is by topical application to the skin. Topical application of CBD can be an easy and convenient way to treat external skin conditions without directly ingesting the CBD. CBD cream is popular among many with eczema, a common inflammatory skin disorder.

CBD and Eczema

Eczema can affect individuals across all ethnicities and stages of life. It is prevalent, as approximately 10-20% of infants develop this skin condition (3). While about half outgrow this condition with age, many others continue the rest of their lives with eczema.

Treatment often involves using certain creams and ointments to help provide relief from the intense itching and discomfort that comes with eczema. CBD-based topical products have risen in popularity, and researchers have even concluded that CBD ointment is a safe and effective option for improving inflammatory skin conditions like eczema.

Benefits of CBD for Eczema

CBD can help alleviate symptoms of eczema in several ways. Here are several ways the topical application of CBD can help you remain pain- and itch-free for longer.

Anti-inflammatory Properties

Eczema and inflammation walk hand in hand. People with eczema have a hyperactive immune system that sends inflammatory signals to the skin’s surface, resulting in rashes and itching (4). Lowering the rate of inflammation within the body can reduce many of the common symptoms of eczema.

CBD has been praised for its various therapeutic benefits, particularly for its pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects, which it achieves through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a biological system consisting of endocannabinoids that bind to cannabinoid receptors throughout the body. Cannabinoids like CBD can interact with these cannabinoid receptors to produce anti-inflammatory effects (5).

Antimicrobial Properties

The development of eczema can be complex. However, certain factors can trigger flare-ups, including skin infections and allergens. Skin microbiome imbalance has also emerged as an influencing factor that can contribute to severe cases of eczema (6).

Luckily, CBD shows promise in having strong antimicrobial properties, especially for specific bacterium like S. aureus, which causes skin infections and eczema.

1. aureus is a common strain of bacteria that lives all over our skin. Persistent itching resulting from eczema can cause skin breakage that allows bacteria to enter the body, causing increased inflammation (7). CBD-based creams may help keep this from occurring, decreasing the risk of developing more symptoms.

Reduces Itching

Itchy skin is one of the more commonly expressed eczema symptoms. Unfortunately, this can exacerbate the other symptoms, as constant itching leads to dry and inflamed skin (8). To combat this, many people like to apply extremely moisturizing ointments and creams. Luckily, CBD-based topical products have shown promise in easing both dry and itchy skin.

CBD creams often include CBD extracts alongside other ingredients commonly found in traditional skincare, like shea butter and plant oils, so you can still get the moisturizing benefits. Researchers found cannabinoid-based cream was able to decrease the severity of itching by 60% among participants (9). Another study found CBD cream effective in treating inflammatory skin conditions like eczema by reducing itching and improving overall skin quality (10).

Topical Application of CBD

CBD dosage can vary. However, topical application of CBD is relatively straightforward. Applying the CBD product directly to the skin is useful when you need to moisturize or soothe irritation and inflammation quickly. Topical application of CBD lotions, ointments, or creams can be carried out as follows:

• Before applying over your body, a patch test is recommended. You can do the patch test somewhere on your upper arm.
• For the patch test, apply a small amount of CBD product on cleaned and dried skin. Leave it in place for up to 24 hours. If redness, burning, or itching occurs, you shouldn’t use it. Remove it immediately and wash the area.
• If no reaction occurs, you can assume the CBD product is safe to use.
• Continually apply the CBD product to your skin whenever you need it.

CBD Side Effects

While CBD is generally well-tolerated, minimal side effects can occur, including:

• Fatigue and drowsiness
• Changes in bowel movements
• Dry mouth
• Changes in appetite

However, these side effects are associated more with taking CBD internally with oils, tinctures, or gummies (11). Generally speaking, CBD creams are well-tolerated.

If you’re worried about these side effects or if eczema symptoms aren’t improving, talk to your doctor. You can limit your chances of developing side effects by choosing a higher-quality CBD product and patch-testing before use.

The Bottom Line

It is essential to check in with a doctor before determining whether topical CBD creams are the best option for you.

CBD has shown promise in reducing common eczema symptoms, including dry skin and itching, and may benefit people with eczema.