As CBD’s popularity continues to grow for its therapeutic benefits and dozens of products hit the market, the question about its safety also arises. If you’re starting out on your CBD journey and have sensitive skin, you might be searching for answers to if CBD-containing products are well-suited for your skin type.
Although cannabidiol promises a favorable safety profile and is well-tolerated by most, like any active substance, it possesses the risk of a few side effects. For instance, CBD oil is a great anti-inflammatory remedy for reactive skin, but some users claim allergic reactions, including itching after use. This brings us down to the question; can CBD oil cause itching? Or is something else the potential reason behind CBD itching?
In this article, we’ll explore whether CBD oil causes itching and its potential causes and provide insights on managing it. So keep on reading to learn more!
Understanding CBD And The Endocannabinoid System: What Is Their Role In Itching?
CBD affects the body by interacting with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex system of cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes that maintain a variety of physiological functions. These include regulating mood, sleep, memory, appetite, pain, and inflammation.
When you apply or consume CBD, it indirectly activates the cannabinoid receptors that modulate the production of endocannabinoids by interacting with different signaling pathways. In the skin, cannabidiol regulates the ECS and subsequently inhibits the transmission of itch signals to the brain by.
- Inhibiting the activation of TRPV1 receptors found on the skin’s sensory neurons.
- Inhibiting the release of histamine and cytokines, which are pro-inflammatory factors.
- Blocking Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase (FAAH).
- Increasing the production of anandamide, an endocannabinoid that interacts with the cannabinoid receptors to produce analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
As a result, CBD and the ECS work collaboratively to help relieve itching and reduce redness, swelling, and pain.
Can CBD Oil Cause Itching?
As discussed above, CBD is more of a remedy for reducing itching than its cause, as it assists the ECS in managing body homeostasis. In its purest form, CBD promotes skin health and treats various dermatological conditions. Additionally, shown by a 2017 Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research review, CBD is a well-tolerated and safe-to-use active substance compared to other pharmaceuticals prescribed for the same condition. However, a few common side effects like dizziness, dry mouth, appetite changes, and diarrhea may develop only when proper dosage is not ensured.
But if CBD relieves itching, why do some users report an itching sensation when using CBD oil? Based on the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) report issued in 2019, at least two cases of CBD oil side effects of itching and skin rashes were observed. The first finding involved a patient taking CBD orally and experiencing urticaria, characterized by red wells with intense itching and swelling. At the same time, another patient took CBD orally and topically and experienced pruritus, i.e., itchy skin. The results suggested that the patients experienced allergic reactions when ingested or applied CBD.
However, considering the favorable safety profile, you can conclude that the itching may not arise directly from CBD oil but from an underlying cause. Although highly rare, consuming or applying CBD oil might trigger a reaction like itching because of one of these four reasons.
- You are allergic to cannabis which makes your skin and entire body intolerant to CBD oils or any other CBD-containing product.
- A synthetic ingredient that poses as a skin allergen or irritant is in the CBD oil formulation.
- The CBD oil contains cannabis contaminated with heavy metals or pesticides.
- The reaction is pharmacologically mediated; a pharmaceutical drug you take for an underlying condition/comorbidity interacts with the CBD oil and causes itching.
Some of these reasons are also evident in a 2022 case report stating that dermal conditions like skin rashes and itching can arise when CBD is used concomitantly with medications or due to an allergic hypersensitivity reaction. Hence, CBD oil does not cause itching unless there is an existing allergy to the components, an ongoing medication that interacts with the active cannabidiol, or a lack of quality control.
How To Recognize An Allergic Reaction To CBD Oil?
Knowing what symptoms show up when an allergic reaction triggers after using CBD oil can help you recognize it if it happens to you. The associated symptoms don’t always appear immediately after contact with CBD but develop over days and may last for a few weeks depending upon the severity.
Below is a list of symptoms to pay attention to when using CBD oil. If you suspect an allergic reaction, discontinue usage immediately and consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause.
Symptoms Of An Allergic Reaction To Topical CBD Oil
- Skin dryness
- Itching
- Stinging or burning
- Redness
- Skin rash
- Hives
- Eye irritation
- Lips and tongue swelling
Symptoms Of An Allergic Reaction To Ingested CBD Oil
- Dry cough and sore throat
- Congestion
- Nausea
- Sneezing and runny nose
- Eye irritation
In severe cases, a user might undergo anaphylactic shock, which manifests as:
- Shortness of breath
- Respiratory distress
- Lightheadedness
- Disorientation
- Impaired consciousness
Preventing And Managing Itching From CBD Oil
Though rare, CBD oil could cause an allergic reaction like itching. Hence, taking preventive measures before usage is essential to avoid risking your health.
Here are some tips you can follow to prevent itching from CBD oil:
- Choose CBD oil from reputable companies that provide third-party lab test results. This will ensure the product’s potency and purity.
- Purchase CBD oil with a high-quality carrier oil, such as MCT oil.
- Read the formula label carefully to ensure the oil does not contain any irritants or known allergens.
- Always test the CBD oil before applying or ingesting it in large amounts. Patch test a drop of the oil on your hand for 24 hours, or ingest it and wait 1 hour to observe if you experience an adverse reaction.
- Start with a low dosage and gradually increase it over time as needed seeing how your skin responds.
- If you have a history of skin allergies or take medications for an underlying condition, consult your doctor before adding CBD oil to your routine.
But how to reduce itching if it occurs after using CBD oil? Here are a few things you can do to manage the skin reaction:
- Stop using the oil and consult a healthcare professional to gauge the cause.
- Apply a cold compress to soothe the affected area.
- If the itching persists, apply topical hydrocortisone cream or take an over-the-counter antihistamine to subside the allergic reaction.
Bottom Line
When it comes to the side effects of CBD oil, itching is a relatively rare occurrence. In fact, CBD for itching skin acts as an excellent remedy rather than a skin irritant due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Itching triggered after using CBD oil stems from various causes, including an allergy to cannabis, concomitant usage with medications for an underlying condition, or product contamination with irritating compounds.
To ensure a safe experience with CBD oil, always opt for a high-quality product, test before usage, begin with a low dose, and be mindful of potential allergic symptoms. If you experience itching or other skin reactions after using CBD oil, discontinue it and talk to your healthcare provider to determine the exact cause and receive professional guidance.
