CBD and urticaria (hives)

Nearly 20% of the world’s population will suffer from urticaria at some point in their lives. In most cases it is an isolated episode, but it can also be a chronic condition that appears and disappears regularly. CBD for urticaria is known to soothe itchy skin: cannabidiol is known for its calming, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties. Therefore, it is a beneficial tool which provides great hope for treatment. So how do you relieve and alleviate hives with CBD? You’ll find the answer in this article!

What is urticaria?

Definition

An age-old disease that is relatively easy to diagnose, urticaria is nevertheless a relatively poorly understood condition, and few treatments exist to cure it. It is sometimes difficult to know the exact cause of hives and determine a suitable treatment. Dealing with episodes can be difficult, with a real impact on people’s comfort. The symptoms vary: skin rashes, itching and papules, thick red patches, joint pain, digestive problems, slight fever, oedemas, etc. Allergists and dermatologists are turning to alternative solutions to provide a satisfactory solution, and the use of CBD for urticaria is one of these solutions.

Causes

The causes of hives are not well known, as the triggering factor is not always the root cause of the problem. Anticipating episodes and avoiding discomfort can therefore be difficult. The origins are varied:

• Food: eggs, milk, nuts, fish and seafood, red fruits, and chocolate.
• Medication: aspirin, antibiotics, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, codeine, anaesthetics, etc.
• Environment: insect bites, soaps and cosmetics, jewellery, latex.
• Mental health: stress and anxiety.

Urticaria disappears after a few hours or days using conventional treatments (antihistamines). However, this is not always enough, as the patches can also spread to other parts of the body or affect the face. Oral corticosteroids are required as they are steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

Why try an alternative CBD treatment?

However, even if corticosteroids are effective against skin and allergy problems, they also cause some undesirable side effects: weight gain, water retention, digestive problems, insomnia and drowsiness, nervousness, depression, blood pressure conditions, etc. Using CBD for urticaria is therefore an alternative to conventional treatments. Cannabidiol has anti-inflammatory properties for the skin, so it is a great tool for alleviating skin pain, rashes, and irritation. It is a natural alternative that does not contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), with 0 psychotropic effects. CBD is found in healthy, laboratory-tested products that comply with strict French and European regulations to help maintain your health.

How does CBD work on the skin?

Whether for treating a burn, a wound, a sting or a pimple, scientists are unanimous: the use of CBD for urticaria contributes to healing the epidermal tissue. Not only does it help to relieve pain with its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiseptic properties, but it is also involved in the healing process. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates metabolism. This system consists of receptors all over your body, particularly in the dermis and epidermis. CBD activates the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the skin, which actively contributes to their correct functioning. If you suffer with urticaria, your endocannabinoid system will be activated and CBD strengthens its action as it is rich in cannabinoids. CBD oils and creams directly relieve pain and inflammation.

What do scientific studies say?

CBD comes from the cannabinoids contained in CBD flowers (hemp plants): therefore, it is a perfectly natural active ingredient. Among the benefits of CBD for urticaria, it helps alleviate episodes. There is currently not enough scientific data to say with certainty what these benefits are, but current research on the subject is promising. Regarding the direct influence of CBD on urticaria, clinical trials are based on the well-known anti-inflammatory properties of CBD. When used topically (locally, or directly on the skin), cannabidiol can soothe certain irritations and moisturise the skin. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to say that CBD can fully or partially treat urticaria to improve comfort, including a reduction in the level of discomfort caused by itching and burning. In addition, CBD does not cause any significant side effects, and it is easy to apply and penetrates the skin quickly.

Relieving urticaria with CBD: how does it work?

There are many products currently on the market to help you take advantage of the benefits of CBD for urticaria. Choose the method of administration that best suits you to benefit from the effects of CBD on the skin through topical application with:

• CBD oil: hemp oil is perfect for combatting acne, regulating sebum, and reducing pimples.
• CBD massage oil: for urticaria on the body, use these oils to deeply moisturise, soothe skin irritations, and reduce muscle tension.
• CBD sun creams: these products moisturise the skin and protect against UV rays, which is particularly useful in the summer during episodes of urticaria.
• CBD anti-ageing cream: for healthier skin, this cream hydrates and restores cellular tone.

You can also ingest CBD for urticaria by using cannabidiol flowers in infusions or e-liquids in adapted vaporisers. In both cases, medical cannabis has beneficial effects on the skin, with results that appear to be identical to those of drug treatments for urticaria. Therefore, it is a real ray of hope for people who suffer with this condition!

CBD and hives: can cannabidiol cause allergic reactions?

There risks are very low...

A small number of people may experience itching after taking CBD as the result of an allergy or sensitivity to components in the product consumed. Here, we are mainly talking about products for cutaneous application, as some commonly used active ingredients are likely to irritate the skin. Before starting treatment with CBD for urticaria, make sure that the product you use contains only a small number of 100% natural ingredients. This is an essential precaution if you have sensitive skin or any other allergies.

... you can avoid this by using premium products

To avoid the risks of an allergic reaction by choosing high quality CBD products from leading brands such as The CBD Farm. The products must be grown organically, and be free from contaminants and pesticides. The manufacturing, sale and marketing of CBD is authorised in France for plants containing less than 0.2% THC. Therefore, the product you consume contains almost no traces of THC. However, if you experience an itching sensation after taking CBD, stop the treatment immediately and speak to your doctor to carry out further tests.