Exploring Psoriasis Treatment with Medical Cannabis

Recent research suggests that cannabis may be useful in the treatment of psoriasis and other skin conditions that involve inflammation. Over 7.5 million Americans, or more than three percent of the adult population, suffer from psoriasis, according to the National Psoriasis Foundation. 

If you are someone who is suffering with Psoriasis and want to incorporate medical marijuana into their medical regimen then getting a medical marijuana card is vital to save you from legal ramifications. You can easily apply for your 420 medical card online by filling out a simple form on our website. 

What is Psoriasis?

An immune-mediated condition that results in inflammation throughout the body is psoriasis. There could be outward manifestations of inflammation, like skin scales and elevated plaques. Skin cell growth is accelerated by an overactive immune system, which causes this. In a month, normal skin cells fully develop and shed. Skin cells with psoriasis accomplish this in just three or four days. Skin cells accumulate on the skin’s surface rather than falling off. Psoriasis plaques have been known to itch, burn, and sting some people. Though they can occur anywhere on the body, plaques and scales are most frequently found on the scalp, knees, and elbows.

If psoriasis-related inflammation is not treated, it may affect other body tissues and organs. One of the ailments that could arise is psoriatic arthritis, a chronic type of arthritis that affects the joints and the areas where ligaments and tendons attach to the bones. It causes pain, swelling, and stiffness in these areas. You can get in touch with MMJ doctors New Orleans to know about how medical marijuana will be beneficial to you in treating psoriasis. 

Different Varieties of Psoriasis

Psoriasis comes in five different forms:

• Plaque psoriasis: The most prevalent kind manifests as raised, red skin patches covered in silvery-white scales. The patches typically appear on the scalp, trunk, and limbs, particularly the knees and elbows, and they usually develop symmetrically over the body.
• Guttate psoriasis: This type resembles tiny red dots and usually affects the torso or limbs. It usually manifests in children or young adults. Upper respiratory tract infections, such as strep throat, frequently set off outbreaks.
• Pustular psoriasis: This kind is characterized by pustules, which are pus-filled bumps encircled by red skin. Although the hands and feet are typically affected, there is a form that affects the majority of the body. Stress, certain chemicals, infections, and medications can all cause symptoms.
• Inverse psoriasis: This form manifests as red, smooth patches in skin folds, such as those under the breasts, in the groin, or under the armpits. Sweating and rubbing may exacerbate it.
• Erythrodermic psoriasis: This is an uncommon but severe kind of psoriasis that covers most of the body in red, scaly skin. It can be brought on by taking certain drugs, like corticosteroids, or by getting a bad sunburn. When another kind of psoriasis is poorly managed, it can lead to erythrodermic psoriasis, which can be extremely dangerous.

Understanding the Root Causes of Psoriasis

Certain commonplace items have the ability to cause psoriasis. Stress, sunburns, infections like strep throat, certain medications, the weather, obesity, tobacco use, or excessive alcohol intake are examples of skin injuries. For some people, there might be just one trigger, but for others, there might be several. One person experiencing a flare-up might only need a stressful day, but another person might need a stressful day in the sun in addition to a skin injury to trigger a psoriasis flare-up.

Although genetics do influence a person’s likelihood of developing psoriasis, people can still develop the condition even if they have no genetic predisposition to it.

What Research Reveals About Psoriasis?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex network of lipid signaling that is present in every human body. It is responsible for modulating and controlling a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. Different proteins in this network play distinct roles. When various cannabis strains with hundreds of different cannabinoids, including CBD, THC, and others, are consumed, the neurotransmitters in the early central nervous system (ECS) absorb the ones the body needs and process them to help relieve various ailments.

Tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabinol, and cannabigerol were shown in a 2007 study to appear to slow the growth of keratinocytes, which are cells that make up the outer layer of the skin. The researchers hypothesized that these substances might be useful in the treatment of psoriasis.

The notion that cannabinoids might be a helpful psoriasis treatment was validated by a 2016 review. Through affiliation with the Department of Neurosurgery, Namazi Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran, Nima Derakhshan 1 and Mahboubeh Kazemi conducted the research.

Research has demonstrated that some strains of cannabis reduce inflammation, which is thought to be the underlying cause of many diseases, including psoriasis, in addition to showing a decrease in keratinocyte cells. According to a 2009 study, certain cannabinoids found in cannabis, such as some types of THC, may have anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties.

According to study findings published in 2016, some cannabinoids may help psoriasis sufferers by influencing how the immune and neurological systems of the body interact.

Recent research investigating cannabis as a treatment for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis is encouraging, even though research involving cannabis, the ECS, and treatment for specific conditions is still ongoing.

Get Started

Get started by having a medical marijuana evaluation performed by a Louisiana-licensed physician at New Orleans MMJ Card Doctor to see if medical marijuana could be helpful for your psoriasis treatment. To begin or to learn more, fill out a simple form on our website to get your online medical marijuana card.