Scleroderma signs vary widely from person to person, and the disease’s effects can range from moderate to life-threatening. The severity can be determined by the body parts that are affected and the degree of which they are affected. If not handled correctly, a minor case will deteriorate into something more severe. Early and accurate diagnosis and care by trained doctors will help to reduce scleroderma symptoms and the risk of permanent harm. Scleroderma affects an estimated 300,000 people in the US. It is a chronic disease that affects about a third of the population. It’s exact cause or causes are unclear, but scientists and medical experts are working hard to figure them out.
WHAT IS SCLERODERMA?
Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is a progressive connective tissue condition that is treated as an autoimmune rheumatic disease (Scleroderma Foundation).
The hardening of the skin is one of the most obvious symptoms of scleroderma. The condition was formerly known as “progressive systemic sclerosis,” but the word is no longer used because it has been discovered that scleroderma is not always progressive. The condition is different to each patient. It is not viral, contagious, cancerous, or malignant in any way.
A thickening of the skin and a disease known as Raynaud’s syndrome, which tightens the arteries and makes the fingers blue when exposed to cold, are among the first signs of scleroderma.
Scleroderma is divided into two types: localized scleroderma (morphea), which affects small regions of the skin, and systemic scleroderma, which is characterized by the thickening of tissues surrounding organs and may be lethal.
CANNABIS AND SCLERODERMA
Scleroderma is being treated with two drugs that target the endocannabinoid gland, and they’re both in clinical trials. Patients with scleroderma hope that these measures will be as effective as Epidiolex, a cannabis-derived CBD pharmaceutical licensed by the FDA as an orphan medication for two types of acute pediatric epilepsy.
By stimulating all cannabinoid receptor subtypes, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary hallucinogenic ingredient in cannabis, has medicinal benefits. THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and central nervous system, making the user feel strong and hungry, among other things. THC reduces pain and swelling by binding to CB2 receptors on immune cells and in the peripheral nervous system. In the liver, where all cannabinoid receptor subtypes are present, THC may have profibrogenic or antifibrogenic effects. In the skin, it’s the same.
CBD-rich hemp has never been formally investigated as a scleroderma drug, as it is now off-limits to medical researchers (with a few exceptions). However, robust preclinical research using molecular isolates suggests that cannabidiol may be beneficial for a variety of reasons. People buy through weed delivery in Los Angeles for therapeutic purposes.
CBD reduces CB1 receptor signaling without totally suppressing it, according to research. Consider CB1 as a dimmer switch: CBD dims the light, but not completely. This, in theory, would prevent excessive tissue or collagen formation.
At the same time, CBD is a powerful anti-inflammatory that boosts antifibrogenic activity by enhancing CB2 receptor signaling, which is severely lacking in scleroderma patients.
Preventative Measures
There is no known way to avoid it. Reduced exposure to silica dust and polyvinyl chloride can help to reduce your risk of developing this disease. Since scleroderma is an autoimmune condition, immunosuppressive medications are an important part of care.
Scleroderma patients (and others) can benefit from enhancing their dietary consumption of ß-caryophyllene, a natural botanical compound contained in hemp, bitter greens, and kitchen spices like black pepper, oregano, and cinnamon, according to cannabinoid research. The aromatic terpene ß-caryophyllene selectively inhibits the CB2 receptor thus leaving the CB1 receptor unaffected.
How Can Cannabinoids (Medical Marijuana) Help with Symptoms?
- Anti-fibroid properties help to protect the immune system and provide anti-inflammatory properties effects
- analgesics effects
- Anti-itch and immune suppressive features of cannabinoids
- Boost the mood by getting more sleep (anti-anxiety)
- aid in the relief of esophageal hardening
- sooth aching joints
- assistance of stomach issues (diarrhea)
- reduced blood pressure
In 2016, a study conducted by scientists for the role of cannabinoids in autoimmune diseases. They discovered that cannabinoids play a part in the immune system because of their immunosuppressive properties. Cannabinoids help to stop leucocytes from spreading by causing cell death (apoptosis); they also reduce the development of cytokines that cause inflammation. Cannabinoids have an anti-fibrotic role in scleroderma, according to the researchers.
In a separate trial, Spanish researchers produced a cannabinoid-based drug that activates two receptors believed to be linked to the growth of fibrosis in people with scleroderma. When studied in lab settings, the drug, named VCE-004.8, was found to be effective in inhibiting the development of myofibroblasts, which cause fibrosis to spread. In animal models of dermal fibrosis, VCE-004.8 was also successful in preventing fibrotic modifications.
According to a single case study from Israel, smoking cannabis helps one young scleroderma patient relieve inflammatory pain and increase his quality of life. This cannabis user’s condition remained unchanged during the study, implying that THC use had little negative effects on his illness. However, since his stash was not subjected to a chemical analysis, we had no means of understanding what he was really taking.
Conclusion
Scleroderma is a debilitating, often life-threatening disease with little treatment options. As a result, it’s no surprise that some people are looking to marijuana delivery for relief.
While there is presently no complete study into the effects of cannabis on scleroderma, some research is looking into the effects of synthetic cannabinoids. Cannabis may be worth a shot before these drugs become more readily available.
Cannabis, on the other hand, is not a substitution for good medical treatment, and people should seek medical advice before using it for the first time. And the fact that most people believe cannabis to be safe, it may have certain negative side effects, including drug interactions.
A specialist would be able to determine if cannabis is a good fit for you. They should also be able to help you figure out what dose is best for scleroderma.
