Cannabinoids have been a topic of interest in the medical field for their potential therapeutic properties. In recent years, there has been growing evidence to suggest that cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may have beneficial effects in treating various skin disorders, including epidermolysis bullosa (EB).
EB is a rare genetic disorder that affects the skin and mucous membranes. It is characterized by blisters and erosions that occur in response to minor trauma or friction. The condition can be extremely painful and can cause significant disability and disfigurement. There is currently no cure for EB, and treatment is mainly supportive, focusing on relieving pain and preventing infection.
Several studies have investigated the potential therapeutic effects of cannabinoids in treating skin disorders. One such study was conducted by Adinolfi et al. (2013), which investigated the anticancer activity of anandamide (AEA), an endocannabinoid that interacts with cannabinoid receptors in the body, in human cutaneous melanoma cells. The study found that AEA inhibited the growth and proliferation of melanoma cells, suggesting that it may have potential as a therapeutic agent for skin cancer.
Another study by Baswan et al. (2020) reviewed the therapeutic potential of CBD for skin health and disorders. The authors noted that CBD has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiproliferative effects, which could be beneficial in treating various skin conditions, including acne, psoriasis, eczema, and wound healing.
Bíró et al. (2009) reviewed the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the skin in health and disease, highlighting its role in regulating various physiological processes such as inflammation, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The authors suggested that targeting the ECS could provide novel therapeutic opportunities for treating various skin disorders.
Recent studies have also investigated the use of cannabinoids in managing pain associated with EB. Schräder et al. (2018) reported on three cases where a combination of THC and CBD was used to treat pain in patients with EB. All three patients reported significant pain relief with minimal adverse effects.
In addition to THC and CBD, other cannabinoids such as cannabinol (CBN) and cannabigerol (CBG) are also being investigated for their potential therapeutic effects in treating skin disorders. InMed Pharmaceuticals is currently developing a topical CBN formulation for the treatment of EB.
Despite promising results from these studies, there is still a lack of well-designed clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of cannabinoids in treating skin disorders such as EB. A phase II/III trial investigating the use of a 3% CBD cream in patients with EB is currently underway (Pope, n.d.).
In conclusion, while there is growing evidence to suggest that cannabinoids may have potential therapeutic benefits in treating various skin disorders such as EB, more research is needed to fully understand their mechanisms of action and evaluate their safety and efficacy in clinical trials. Nonetheless, these findings provide hope for patients suffering from debilitating conditions such as EB who are seeking alternative treatments to manage their symptoms.
