Evaluation of Biophysical Parameters of the Skin of Patients With Atopic Dermatitis After Application of an Ointment Containing 30% Cannabidiol and 5% Cannabigerol.

Abstract

Introduction: A growing number of publications are devoted to topical cannabinoid therapies in present-day cosmetology, as they appear to be safe and effective treatment modalities aimed at improving the comfort and quality of life of patients with atopic dermatitis (AD). A thorough patient interview, physical examination, clinical picture, and aetiopathogenesis of AD allow for a correct diagnosis and enable the choice of the least invasive pharmacological treatment.

Purpose: In our medical experiment, we found a correlation between the findings of studies by other authors and the validation of our hypothesis that topical cannabinoid therapy is effective in the prevention and management of AD flares. A thorough analysis of the obtained results provided insights into the extent to which the applied ointment influenced the improvement of the skin's biophysical parameters (hydration, lipid content, transepidermal water loss, and erythema).

Patients and methods: This medical experimental study was conducted from May to July 2022 and included a group of nine patients (five men and four women) aged 20- to 67-years-old were diagnosed with AD. The study involved transdermal delivery of an ointment compounded with cholesterol ointment, 30% cannabidiol (CBD), 5% cannabigerol (CBG), and hemp seed oil, and assessment of biophysical skin parameters, including corneometry (skin hydration), TEWL, sebumetry, and pH (acidity).

Results: A preliminary analysis of our pilot study points to the potential of employing ointments and creams containing 30% CBD and 5% CBG as alternatives to conventional auxiliary therapies during both flare-ups and remission. The results we achieved included improved skin hydration, sebum level, and TEWL as well as reduced erythema in the studied areas (forearms).

Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that topical cannabinoid therapy is effective in reducing itching and improving the quality of life of patients with AD, leading to symptom remission in some cases.