Can CBD Be Helpful in Treating Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease whose effects vary from individual to individual. Several classes of medications — from NSAIDs to immunosuppressants — are used to treat lupus. Given the evidence for CBD’s immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory effects, it is possible CBD may have some efficacy in treating symptoms of lupus.
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can be quite uncomfortable as a long-term condition. Lupus affects the skin, heart, lungs and kidney, and its most common form is systemic lupus erythematosus.
What Is an Autoimmune Disease?
An autoimmune disease is one in which the body’s immune system essentially attacks healthy parts of the body. The causes of autoimmune diseases are not well-understood, but there is evidence they run in families, and they tend to affect women more than men. Understanding what is lupus and how to treat it is essential to living successfully with the condition.
What Are Symptoms of Lupus?
Lupus affects different individuals in different ways, and symptoms of lupus can vary from individual to individual. However, common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Joint pain
- Butterfly rash on face
- Fever
Because these symptoms may be characteristic of other diseases, it is important to consult with a medical professional to accurately diagnose lupus as the cause.
How Is Lupus Treated?
Lupus presents differently depending on the individual, so treatment will depend on characteristics of your specific manifestation. Typically, treatment regimens involve the following:
- NSAIDs to treat pain and fever
- Steroids
- Hydroxychloroquine and other immune-affecting drugs
- Immunosuppressant medications
Is CBD Useful as a Treatment For Lupus?
There is some clinical evidence that CBD has immunosuppressive effects, suggesting it may be effective in regulating the immune system response associated with lupus. (Broadly speaking, this suggests that CBD for autoimmune diseases may be a useful treatment).
Likewise, there is evidence that CBD has anti-inflammatory effects, which indicates that using CBD for pain and inflammation may be an effective means of dealing with the inflammatory effects associated with lupus.
This said, there has been a lack of standardized clinical trials evaluating CBD’s role in treating lupus, and specific information — such as how to apply CBD for lupus, or what dosage of CBD for lupus is best — is still lacking.
Ultimately, it is essential to consult with a medical professional to develop an effective treatment regimen for lupus, which will depend on your personal experience with the illness. Together, you can decide whether CBD can be a useful part of your treatment program.
