Topical Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Digital Ulcers in Patients With Scleroderma Advances in Skin & Wound Care

TAKE-HOME MESSAGE

• A total of 45 patients with systemic sclerosis and related chronic painful digital ulcers were included in this study. Patients treated with cannabidiol (CBD) oil during debridement and with daily CBD oil–soaked dressings showed a statistically significant improvement in wound-related pain after 1 month and improved wound healing compared with controls treated with local standard therapy.
• Local administration of CBD oil appears to be a safe and effective method to manage systemic sclerosis digital ulcers and may help improve the quality of life for these patients.

–  Ruth McTighe, MD

Abstract 

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effect of topical cannabidiol (CBD) in treating digital ulcers in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

METHODS

In total, 45 patients with SSc who had digital ulcers were consecutively enrolled between January 2019 and December 2019. Of the participants, 25 were treated with CBD during surgical debridement and 20 were treated with standard local therapy. A numeric rating scale for pain and Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index were administered at the baseline and at the end of treatment.

RESULTS

Local treatment with CBD was significantly associated with lower pain scores, higher health assessment scores, and an increase in participants' total hours of sleep. Patients in the control group more frequently required additional analgesic therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Topical CBD may be a valuable tool to treat pain related to digital ulcers in patients with SSc.

Advances in Skin & Wound Care

Topical Cannabidiol in the Treatment of Digital Ulcers in Patients with Scleroderma: Comparative Analysis and Literature Review

Adv Skin Wound Care 2023 Jan 01;36(1)18-23, A Spinella, M de Pinto, C Baraldi, C Galluzzo, S Testoni, F Lumetti, L Parenti, S Guerzoni, C Salvarani, D Giuggioli 

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Benjamin Hidalgo-Matlock
Skin Care Physicians of Costa Rica

Clinica Victoria en San Pedro: 4000-1054
Momentum Escazu: 2101-9574

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