Dermatitis or eczema
The word dermatitis or eczema is a term for inflammation of the skin, which is characterized by itching and redness, at the same time rashes appear on the skin. In the case of short-term cases, small blisters appear on the skin, and in long-term cases, the skin itself may thicken. The affected area of skin may be small, but in the most severe forms, the affected area covers a large amount of skin.
There are several types that are divided into several groups and include atopic, allergic contact, irritant contact, congestive (hypostatic) and seborrheic dermatitis.
The exact causes are not yet known and are unclear, at the same time different forms are conditioned by different causes. Irritant contact dermatitis is more common in those people who get wet frequently, and allergic contact dermatitis usually occurs when exposed to an allergen to which our skin is hypersensitive.
Treatment methods are also adapted to different forms of dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is usually treated with moisturizing and steroid creams. However, with steroid creams, care must be taken because they thin the epidermis of our skin, which is why it is recommended that this cream not be used continuously for more than 14 days. Irritant contact dermatitis is usually treated by avoiding the allergen or irritant, of course, provided we know the allergen. Antihistamines can help prevent itching, which occurs as a side effect in a large population of patients.
It is estimated that approximately 3.3% of the world's population suffers from dermatitis. about 250 million people worldwide, most of whom have atopic dermatitis, which usually occurs in childhood.
Atopic dermatitis is thought to have a hereditary component and is more common in families where asthma is also more common. Itchy rashes usually appear on the face and scalp, neck, elbows, knees and buttocks. It is a very common form in developed countries, and a stressful life further aggravates this condition.
Allergic contact dermatitis occurs as a result of a delayed allergic reaction to an allergen. Among the common allergens are nickel and poison ivy.
Irritant contact dermatitis occurs as a result of a direct reaction to detergents such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which is a very common component in cosmetics and is used as a foaming agent in many cosmetic products. This type of dermatitis is the most common occupational skin disease and is curable under conditions if we determine which substances we are allergic to and remove them from use.
Stasis dermatitis refers to skin changes that occur on the feet due to “congestion” or blood collection due to insufficient flow.
Seborrheic dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic and recurrent inflammatory skin disorder characterized by varying degrees of skin peeling. The condition usually occurs as an inflammatory response to skin mold or fungi of the genus Malassezia (Malassezia) and can occur in seborrheic areas such as the scalp, face, chest, armpits, groin, and back. Symptoms include red, scaly, oily, itchy, and inflamed skin. Areas of the skin rich in oil-producing glands, including the scalp, face, and chest, are often affected.
The early form of this disease is present in most newborns and usually occurs in the first or second week after birth, usually lasts until the third month, and then disappears. It is manifested by yellow scales on the scalp (temples), neck, groin and underarms.
In adults, this disease affects about 5% of the population and occurs mainly in areas where the skin is rich in sebaceous glands. This form of dermatitis is the most common cause of scalp peeling, often confused with dandruff. Some dermatologists believe that dandruff is merely a mild form of seborrheic dematitis.
The cause of seborrheic dermatitis was so far not found, but it is associated with increased secretion of sebum from the sebaceous glands, which provides a favorable environment for the growth of skin mold or fungi of the genus Malassezia. These fungi are characterized by multiplying on very oily areas of the skin and causing inflammation of the skin, leading to itching. The condition can be further aggravated by factors such as stress, emotional and physical stress, hormonal changes and changes in the atmosphere in autumn and winter (temperature and humidity). The most severe forms of seborrheic dermatitis occur in HIV-infected patients who have a severely weakened immune system, and are more common in neurological patients.
The most commonly used treatment agents are topical antifungal and anti-inflammatory agents. Other widely used therapies include lithium gluconate/succinate, coal tar, salicylic acid, selenium sulfide, sodium sulfacetamide, glycerin, benzoyl peroxide, aloe vera, mud therapy, phototherapy. Alternative therapies such as tea tree oil, Quassia amara and Solanum chrysotrichum have also been reported. Systemic treatment is reserved only for extended lesions or in cases not resistant to local treatment.
Treatment and alleviation of sypmtoms with the help of cannabis and cannabinoids
Skin biology is modulated by the endocannabinoid system (ECS). Research shows that both CB1 and CB2 receptors are found in epidermal keratinocytes, skin nerve fibers, dermal cells, melanocytes, eccrine glands, and hair follicles. While cannabinoid receptors remain the main targets for endocannabinoids, cannabinoids have also been shown to bind to transient receptor (TRP) receptors present in various types of skin cells.
Because ECS plays an important regulatory function in the skin, it is likely that treatment with topical cannabinoids would be effective for some disorders or skin health in general. However, most clinical evidence to date focuses on the effects of CBD and other cannabinoids when ingested, inhaled, or injected. There are limited studies examining the therapeutic potential for topical use. In a 2003 study, Lodzki and colleagues reported successful transdermal delivery of the cannabinoid CBD in a mouse model using ethosomal carriers. Similarly, in a 2016 study, Hammel and colleagues investigated the efficacy of topically applied CBD (1–10%) in gel form, specifically to reduce inflammation in a monoarthritic rat model, and found that it was well absorbed because plasma concentrations showed a linear relationship with the dose used.
In addition to the results described in research and studies, it should also be noted that many people who use topical preparations with cannabinoids talk about the positive changes and beneficial effects they feel when using them. If, in addition to cannabinoids, these preparations also contain essential oils or terpenes, which have anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, we can expect a significant improvement in the condition, and in certain cases the disease can be practically eradicated.
Resources:
https://sl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dermatitis
https://www.abczdravja.si/dermatologija-koza-lasje-nohti/seboroicni-dermatitis-kronicna-a-obvladljiva-bolezen/
Treatment of seborrheic dermatitis: a comprehensive review; DOI: 10.1080/09546634.2018.1473554
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7736837/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30138623/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30138623/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4851925/
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