Can Cannabis Help Treat Alopecia?

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.

Alopecia areata is a type of autoimmune disease that causes severe, unpredictable hair loss. In many cases, hair falls out in clumps and sometimes in large quantities.

It affects everyone differently; some lose hair only on certain areas of their heads, while others lose much more, sometimes causing them to go bald. On the other hand, there are patients who let it grow back only to have it fall out later, while others may have their hair grow back forever.

Photo by Taisiia Shestopal via Unsplash

There are different types of alopecia areata: the primary condition as well as other rarer types, such as alopecia areata totalis, which causes people to lose all the hair on their head; Alopecia areata universalis involves hair loss all over the body; diffuse alopecia areata involves sudden thinning of hair instead of shedding hair in patches; Last but not least, there is ophiasis alopecia areata, which causes hair loss due to a band pattern on the back and sides of the head. Hair loss is the main symptom of alopecia. In addition, toenails and fingernails can also be brittle and reddened.

According to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation, 147 million people around the world will develop the condition. Mild cases can go away on their own without treatment, but they can come back several times. For those suffering from more extreme cases, patients may need to undergo steroid injections in the areas where hair is falling out. current applicants can also be applied.

However, it is difficult to predict how patients would respond to different treatments. There are many instances where it is difficult for patients to regrow hair even after taking conventional treatments and medications.

There is also the heavy emotional toll that alopecia areata brings. Although the condition itself is not deadly or harmful, it can have serious psychological consequences such as depression and anxiety.

Can cannabis help?

In a recent survey, researchers at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Department of Dermatology, surveyed about 1,100 patients suffering from alopecia areata. The results showed that one-third of the participants admitted current cannabis use, while two-thirds of them said cannabis helped manage feelings of anxiety, depression, sadness, and stress.

“A significant proportion of patients with AA use cannabis and often seek relief from psychosocial symptoms associated with their hair loss. These results build on the existing literature suggesting that patients are seeking alternative methods to manage the emotional impact of AA that traditional solutions have failed to achieve,” the authors report.

Photo by Element5 Digital via Unsplash

A few studies have been conducted examining the benefits of cannabis for alopecia. In 2021, a study found that 35 patients with androgenetic alopecia resulting from excess dihydrotestosterone in the hair follicles found that topical hemp oil at 3-4 mg per day applied to the affected area resulted in an increase of 93, 5% yielded hair growth on average in the patients observed. The oil was applied to the crown, that is the area on top of the crown, and to the temple areas in the scalp.

RELATED: Can CBD Shampoo Prevent Hair Loss and Treat Psoriasis?

Another study highlighted the benefits of topical CBD oil as it can help reduce the production of sebocytes in the skin and hair; it also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. CBD can also help activate TRPV type 4 receptors in hair follicles and stimulate local adenosine receptors, which can be beneficial as adenosine can promote hair growth.

Additionally, there is significant research showing how CBD can promote hair regrowth, especially when applied topically to patients suffering from various types of hair loss.

It is also a well-known fact that CBD has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that can also benefit the scalp. CBD possesses high concentrations of antioxidants, including vitamins A and C. In an investigative article on Byrdie about using CBD for hair loss, Dr. Michelle Henry, MD, and said, “The actual active cannabinoid is anti-inflammatory and may help psoriasis and eczema. For scalp and hair problems triggered by inflammation such as psoriasis or dermatitis, especially in women experiencing female pattern baldness.”

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya via Unsplash

“Hemp seed oil helps lock moisture into the hair and scalp. What people forget is that the scalp is an extension of the face. What has become increasingly popular is scalp ski refinement and skincare extension, so we should use similar ingredients,” explained Henry.

RELATED: Is Hemp Seed Oil As Good For Your Skin As Cosmetic Companies Say?

CBD products can also help patients deal with the psychological effects of alopecia areata. Its calming and anti-anxiety properties can help patients deal with the stress of this condition. It also boosts immunity and helps fight inflammation, which is why it is also used by cancer patients struggling with hair loss.

Using CBD for hair loss

If you decide to use CBD for hair loss caused by alopecia areata, you can use topical products. CBD oils can be added to your shampoos and conditioners, but can also be applied directly topically. There are many topical CBD products on the market that can be used directly on the affected areas. You can also take CBD orally to boost your immunity and fight inflammation from within.

For people who have been diagnosed with alopecia areata, it is always recommended to speak to your doctor first. It would be ideal if they are knowledgeable about cannabis medication and may be able to recommend a combination of treatments including cannabis that will produce the best results for your condition.

This article originally appeared on Cannabis.net and has been republished with permission.