A new research study following patients with various common skin conditions, including eczema, found that a topical CBD cream was safe and effective for treating inflammatory skin conditions. The product helped reduce itching, improved skin, and made sleeping easier.
Quick links
Best cream: Pain Free CBD Cooling Cream
Best lotion: Koi CBD Lotion
Best balm: Canna River CBD Balm
CBD and eczema
Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition, affecting 15–20% of children and 1–3% of adults.
Symptoms involve the skin becoming:
dry
flaky
itchy
painful
CBD is a chemical compound present in the Cannabis sativa plant. Unlike delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another chemical present in this plant, CBD does not have psychoactive properties. This means that products containing CBD do not trigger the “high” feeling that people often associate with smoking or consuming cannabis products.
There is a complex system of cannabinoid receptors throughout the body, including the skin. CBD can bind to these receptors, which may provide some health benefits. This has led to the belief that the topical use of CBD may relieve certain skin conditions.
An older study suggests that introducing substances that can bind to the cannabinoid receptors — for example, CBD — can decrease itching.
A cream is a topical product that usually contains:
butters
waxes
oils
CBD creams combine extracts of CBD, usually with ingredients such as:
shea butter
beeswax
coconut oil
If CBD cream is effective for a person’s eczema, they might not need prescription treatments, such as steroids or oral antihistamines.
However, individuals should always consult a doctor before stopping or changing any medications.
Does CBD cream for eczema work?
Research suggests that CBD is antimicrobial and can kill Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterium that commonly leads to people contracting infections with eczema, causing flare-ups.
Cannabinoids also show many anti-inflammatory properties, including suppressing allergic skin reactions in mice by activating cannabinoid receptors.
With regard to itching, researchers studying endocannabinoid cream found that it decreased the severity of itching by an average of 60% among human participants. In addition, around 33.6% no longer needed their topical steroid treatments to manage eczema.
Cannabinoids may also help relieve pain, with one study indicating they are safe and can ease joint discomfort.
In addition, a 2019 study following 20 patients with various common skin conditions, including eczema, found that a topical CBD cream was safe and effective for treating inflammatory skin conditions. The product helped reduce itching, improved skin, and made sleeping easier.
How to use
To use CBD creams and lotions for eczema, individuals should apply the cream or lotion as with any topical ointment by:
massaging a small amount onto the affected area until it absorbs
reapplying as needed
ensuring they do not apply the product to broken skin
However, they should always read the label of a CBD product for specific instructions and warnings.It is advisable for first-time CBD users to start with a low dosage product. Patch testing a small amount can also help determine whether a person may experience adverse reactions. If individuals tolerate CBD cream well, they can gradually increase the dosage.
Product list
Below, we look at some topical CBD products that a person may wish to consider.
Please note that the writer of this article has tried these products. All information presented is research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Best Cream
This organic cooling cream can benefit the skin while soothing aches and pains.
The product features:
PhytoCannabinoid-Rich hemp oil
Vegan Friendly
Essential Oils
No Added Phthalates
No Added Gluten
The company claims this salve has more than 99% pure CBD and is an isolate, meaning it contains no THC. LV8 Lab provides its COA laboratory report online. All its products undergo testing with the company, in addition to third-party testing. This helps assure its products are safe for use and contain no contaminants. Pain Free CBD Cooling Cream is available to purchase online for around $45 for a 500-mg tub.
Best lotion
Lotions may best suit people with eczema, especially on sensitive skin.
This topical lotion contains:
Hemp Derived Broad-Spectrum CBD
Organic Jojoba Seed Oil
200 mg of CBD
This is also a broad-spectrum CBD product, meaning it does not contain THC.
Koi CBD also sends its products through third-party laboratory testing, which helps ensure they are free from pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants.
Koi CBD Hand & Body Lotion is available to purchase online starting from around $25.
Best balm
This broad-spectrum balm contains moisturizing ingredients, including:
shea butter
cocoa oil
beeswax
Canna River advertises this as a relieving balm for sore muscles, although it may also soothe sore skin. It has also undergone third-party testing and contains 2500 mg of CBD per 2-ounce tub. The company sources non-GMO hemp within the United States from suppliers who use natural farming methods. Canna River Topical Balm is available to purchase online for around $35.
Pros and cons of using CBD cream for eczema
Here, we look at some pros and cons of CBD creams for eczema:
Pros
They may provide immediate relief from soreness.
They may help reduce inflammation and itching.
They may help decrease the risk of infection.
They are available without a prescription.
A wide range of manufacturers and products are available on the market.
Cons
Some CBD creams may contain ingredients that can irritate eczema further.
Some CBD products may cause side effects.
No large-scale studies on the effects of CBD for eczema are available.
CBD products may interact with certain medications.
They may not be safe for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Not all CBD products undergo third-party testing to ensure ingredient safety and transparency.
Different types of products are available alongside creams, such as:
lotions
balms
ointments
If a doctor believes a prescription is necessary, they may recommend a topical:
steroid to reduce inflammation
calcineurin inhibitor to prevent redness, itching, and inflammation
PDE4 inhibitor that helps block the production of proteins involved in eczema
When to contact a doctor for eczema
If a person’s eczema gets worse quickly, they should consult a doctor. In addition, a person should contact a dermatologist if they:
experience itchiness or symptoms that interrupt sleep or daily activities most days of the week
have new symptoms associated with eczema
experience shorter time periods between flare-ups
have eczema that spreads to new locations
experience eczema that does not respond to treatment in 1 week
develop yellowish to light brown crust or pus-filled blisters over patches of eczema
develop small blisters filled with fluid
have come into contact with anyone with a viral skin condition, such as cold sores or genital herpes
Children commonly experience eczema. An appropriate routine of bathing and moisturizing can treat most cases. However, if it is persistent or painful, it is necessary to seek medical advice from a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
The following are common questions and answers relating to CBD cream for eczema:
How do you use CBD cream for eczema?
A person should apply a small amount of CBD cream onto the affected area of the skin and massage it into the skin until absorbed.
Individuals should not use CBD cream on broken skin.
Does CBD cream heal eczema?
More research is necessary to determine how effective CBD creams are for eczema. However, existing studies have reported they are generally safe to use and may improve the quality of life for people living with inflammatory skin conditions.
If CBD creams do not help improve a person’s eczema, the person may wish to work with a healthcare professional to find an alternative treatment.
Can CBD cream stop eczema from itching?
Researchers have found that CBD creams can reduce the itch resulting from eczema by an average of 60%, with some study participants no longer needing to use topical steroid creams to manage their eczema.
Is CBD good for skin rashes?
A 2019 study notes that CBD may benefit dry and itchy skin. Additionally, the authors of a 2020 study found that CBD worked as anti-inflammatory therapy.
However, rashes have a wide number of causes and will look and feel different depending on the cause and the type of rash. CBD may not be the best treatment for every type of rash, so it is important that a person consult a doctor before trying any new topical treatments.
If an individual develops other symptoms alongside a rash, such as painful joints, a sore throat, tenderness, difficulty breathing, or quick changes in skin tone, they should seek urgent medical advice.
Can using CBD for eczema make you feel “high”?
CBD creams do not produce the “high” feeling associated with cannabis use. This is because, under federal law, CBD products cannot contain more than 0.3% THC on a dry weight basis, which is not enough to produce psychoactive effects.
If a person wishes to avoid THC completely, products marked as CBE isolate are typically free from THC.
Summary
Overall, CBD creams may benefit people with eczema. However, it is important to read the ingredients to check for potentially irritating terpenes or fragrances. People should also buy CBD cream from a reputable vendor. If the CBD cream triggers adverse effects, one should stop using it. If a person’s eczema becomes persistently worse, they should contact a dermatologist. In addition, do not replace or stop using prescription medication unless a doctor advises it is safe.
Visit our dedicated hub for more research-backed information and in-depth resources on CBD.
These statements have not been evaluated and are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure disease. Please consult with a health professional when implementing with any current medical regimen.
