Monthly Archives: August 2021

Measure of the quality of life in moderate psoriasis | CCID – Dove Medical Press

Posted: August 28, 2021 at 12:17 pm

Introduction

Psoriasis is a chronic disease with intermittent flares and remissions. Aside from genetic predisposition and immunological disorders, psychological stress, emotional conflicts, and a tendency to suppress ones emotions are principal factors modifying the diseases course.14

Given the chronic and recurrent character of psoriasis and multiple triggering factors, treatment of this condition requires a thorough insight into health problems of a given patient, and a physician in charge needs to be experienced in terms of therapy selection. While many anti-psoriatic treatments exist, the therapy should be tailored in each case; the treatment lasts long, and excellent patient-physician cooperation is needed to achieve the desired outcome.5

Psoriasis may lead to physical disability (psoriatic arthritis), has an unfavorable effect on the patients comfort and quality of life, and disrupts normal functioning to various degree. Not infrequently, the disease, especially its severe form (erythroderma),24 is associated with pain and suffering. In other forms of psoriasis, the diseases impact depends on the area of the skin being affected; patients whose skin lesions are visible to others often withdraw from social activities, stay in isolation and may even develop depression. Such persons experience dissatisfaction, guilt, fear and embarrassment, which has a detrimental effect on their quality of life (QOL). Due to the deterioration of QOL, patients with psoriasis may be reluctant to involve in social, family and occupational activities.1,2,6 Furthermore, anti-psoriatic treatment requires self-discipline and can be burdensome, especially in the case of topical therapies.5

Psoriasis is a challenge and requires the patient to face a new reality. Coping with the disease and normal functioning are to a large extent dependent on ones level of illness acceptance.7 Each individual perceives the disease, its somatic effects, resultant dysfunction and related problems differently. This attitude is primarily determined by ones characterological traits and type of illness. A primary response to the diagnosis can be denial, underestimation, acceptance or overestimation of the disease.8 Some patients accept their illness and self-motivate themselves to participate in the therapeutic process; in such cases, a higher level of illness acceptance is associated with better adjustment to the disease and lesser psychological discomfort. If the disease causes mobilization of ones resources and despite experiencing health problems the patient can pursue his/her objectives and satisfy all vital needs, the level of illness acceptance increases and the QOL is better.9,10 However, some patients do not accept their diagnosis and respond with a rebellion, lack of medication compliance, emotional instability and denial. This eventually leads to a low level of illness acceptance and the resultant deterioration of life quality.11,12

Acceptance of the illness enables the patients to function normally despite various risks, constraints and problems associated with health loss. Knowing the causes and consequences of their illness, and potential complications thereof, the patients are capable of adequate self-control and can undertake health-oriented behaviors to improve their quality of life and longevity.9,10

Therefore, to improve the quality of life in chronically ill persons, healthcare providers should not merely monitor their somatic symptoms, but also assess their current needs, psychosocial, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, and illness acceptance level.

The aim of the study was to analyze the level of illness acceptance and its effect on the quality of life in moderate psoriasis depending on sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of the patients.

The study included patients recruited at private clinic of dermatology and medical cosmetology in Bialystok (Poland). The study group consisted of 186 patients with plaque psoriasis, including 103 of women (55.4%) and 83 of men (44.6%). The study participants were recruited by experienced dermatologist who determined their Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) scores and recorded them in the patients documentation. The inclusion criteria of the study were: PASI 10, duration of psoriasis >2 years, age 18 years, and lack of other somatic or mental disorders during three months preceding the study.

Two hundred and twenty-five patients were invited to complete a questionnaire. Eighteen patients those who did not express their consent to participate were excluded from the study, and 21 patients did not provide complete answers. Final response and rejection rates were 82.7% (n=186) and 17.3% (n=39), respectively.

The study was conducted from June to September 2020. The respondents received questionnaires along with the instructions on how to complete them. The responses were self-reported or filled in by an investigator, either at the clinic or home. Respondents who completed the questionnaire at home received a self-addressed return envelope.

The research conformed with the Good Clinical Practice guidelines, and the procedures followed were in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration.

The study protocol of the was approved by the Local Bioethical Committee at the Medical University of Bialystok (decision no. APK.002.212.2020).

The study patients completed Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and a survey developed by the authors of this study, containing questions about sociodemographic characteristics of the participants (gender, age, place of residence, marital status, education, employment status) and information about their disease (location of psoriatic lesions, time elapsed since the diagnosis of psoriasis).

The level of illness acceptance was measured with the AIS developed by BJ. Felton, TA. Revenson and GA. Hinrichsen and adapted to Polish conditions by Z. Juczyski.13

Given its psychometric characteristics, AIS is considered an accurate predictor of health-related quality of life, reflecting ones satisfaction with life and actual health status.13

The scale measures the respondents ability to cope with the illness based on eight statements regarding his/her actual status of health. Each statement is graded on a 5-point Likert-type scale, from 1 (definitively agree), to 2 (agree), 3 (do not know), 4 (disagree) and 5 (definitively disagree). The level of illness acceptance, being the sum of scores for all eight statements, can range from 8 pts (lack of acceptance) to 40 pts (high level of acceptance).

DLQI contains 10 single-choice questions referring to the quality of life in dermatological disorders. The answer to each question is scored on a scale from 0 to 3, where 3 corresponds to very much, 2 to a lot, 1 to a little, and 0 to not at all. The overall DLQI score can range from 0 to 30. The higher the score, the worse the quality of life in a given patient.14

To obtain a better insight into the problem in question, the levels of illness acceptance were analyzed according to the respondents sociodemographic characteristics: gender, age, place of residence, marital status, education and occupation, as well as according to clinical characteristics: duration of psoriasis and location of psoriatic lesions. Statistical significance was verified with the Students t-test in the case of comparison between two groups or ANOVA if the number of compared groups was larger than two. The results were considered statistically significant at p<0.05.

An integral part of the study was to analyze the relationship between illness acceptance and quality of life. The analysis was based on Spearmans coefficient of correlation between the two psychometric variables, which is an appropriate statistical measure to investigate non-linear relationships of a monotonous (positive or inverse) type.

The statistical analysis was carried out with STATISTICA 12.5 package.

The study group consisted exclusively of adult patients (Me=36; SD=12,0; Min./Max.=18/74 years), with the mean age of 39.4 years.

Mean duration of psoriasis in the study group was 14.8 years (Me=14; SD=10,3; Min./Max.=2/57 years).

The study group included 52.7% of married persons, 23.6% of singles, 12.4% of divorcees and 11.3% of widows/widowers. The proportions of respondents with higher and secondary education were 50% and 32.8%, respectively, the proportion of participants with primary or vocational education was 18.2%. The vast majority of the study participants were city-dwellers (75,2%). The largest occupational group were blue-collar workers (46.8%), followed by white-collar workers (38.7%). The remaining 14.5% are: retirees and pensioners (6.5%), students (4.8%), farmers (2.2%) and the unemployed (1.1%).

The illness acceptance scores (AIS) of the study patients were summarized as descriptive statistics. Mean AIS score for the study group was 24.3 pts (Me=24; SD=6,1; Min./Max.=10/40). However, based on the values of the lower and upper quartiles values, most participants scores between 20 and 28 on the AIS scale.

The majority of the respondents (64%) scored 1929 pts on the AIS. The proportions of patients presenting with full acceptance of the illness and complete lack of illness acceptance were similar, 19% and 17%, respectively.

The level of illness acceptance correlated significantly with some sociodemographic characteristics of the study participants (Table 1). Patients older than 40 years presented with lower levels of illness acceptance than younger persons (p=0.0311). Also, patients sex and duration of psoriasis significantly affected the acceptance of the illness, with lower AIS scores found in women (p=0.0092) and persons with a longer history of the disease (p=0.0362). The illness acceptance scores for patients living in the cities and countryside were similar (24.2 pts vs 24.3 pts), whereas the mean scores for married persons and singles were the same (24.3 pts).

Table 1 Relationships of Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics with AIS Scores

DLQI is a scale that measures the negative impact of the disease on QOL; hence, the higher the DLQI score, the more unfavorable the effect of the illness.

Mean DLQI score for the study group was 13.3 pts (Me=13; SD=8,1; Min./Max.=030). Based on the values of the lower and upper quartiles values of the DLQI measure ranged from 6.5 to 19 pts.

More than half (58%) of the respondents scored no more than 14 pts on the DLQI, which suggests that their quality of life was better than in the remaining 42% of the patients with DLQI scores higher than 15 pts.

Respondents with primary, vocational or secondary education had worse quality of life than those with higher education (14.8 pts vs 11.6 pts). Also, persons with longer duration of the disease presented with higher DLQI scores, corresponding to worse quality of life (Table 2).

Table 2 Relationships of Sociodemographic and Clinical Characteristics with DLQI Scores

An integral part of the study was to analyze a link between the level of illness acceptance (AIS score) and the quality of life (DLQI score). The relationship was analyzed based on Spearmans coefficient of correlation between the two psychometric measures.

A lower level of illness acceptance turned out to exert an unfavorable effect on the QOL in psoriasis. While not strong (R=0,33), the correlation between these two psychometric measures was statistically significant (p = 0.0015) - Figure 1.

Figure 1 Correlation between the level of illness acceptance and the quality of life.

The DLQI scores were also stratified according to the level of illness acceptance, and the significance of between-group differences was verified on variance analysis (Table 3). The between-group differences in DLQI scores were shown to be statistically significant (p = 0.0202).

Table 3 Relationship Between the Level of Illness Acceptance and the Quality of Life

Spearmans coefficients of correlation were also used to analyze the effects of age and duration of psoriasis on the levels of illness acceptance and DLQI scores. The correlation coefficients between AIS and age and AIS and duration of the disease were 0.03 (p=0.7793) and 0.09 (p=0.4016), respectively, and did not reach the threshold of statistical significance. The correlation coefficients between DLQI and age and DLQI and duration of the disease were 0.00 (p=0.9764) and 0.12 (p=0.2723), respectively, and also did not reach the threshold of statistical significance.

We analyzed DLQI and AIS scores according to the location of psoriatic lesions (face, arms, legs, trunk); we restricted the analysis to those four body areas as more detailed stratification would produce too small subgroups, and hence, negatively affect the accuracy of the results. Statistical significance was verified with the Students t-test for independent samples. No statistically significant relationships were found between the location of psoriatic lesions, quality of life and illness acceptance.

Adaptation to a chronic illness, including acceptance of the disease, is a complex process modulated by many factors. However, only a few studies analyzed the level of illness acceptance in patients with psoriasis; instead, researchers centered around the quality of life in this disease. We combined these two aspects in our present study, using selected demographic and clinical parameters as exploratory variables, patients with psoriasis.

Aside from somatic morbidities, patients with psoriasis may also present with mental problems, such as anxiety, dissatisfaction, sense of guilt, fear and embarrassment,1519 and psychological disturbances, eg lowered self-esteem, inability to establish social contacts, which may contribute to a substantial deterioration of the QOL.2024 Frequently, a problem is not the disease itself but its perception by the patients, their involvement in the diagnosis and treatment, and finally, acceptance of the illness. Therefore, attempts to improve the quality of life in psoriasis should not be limited merely to the monitoring of somatic symptoms, but also expand onto the assessment of patients needs, their psychosocial, emotional and spiritual wellbeing, and illness acceptance.25

Illness acceptance is a positive attitude towards chronic disease, strengthening the patients and preventing deterioration of their quality of life. Previous studies highlighted the beneficial effects of illness acceptance in terms of psychological and physical comfort.9,26,27

In the study conducted by Zieliska-Wiczkowska et al28 psoriasis patients presented with a high mean level of illness acceptance (30.377.936 pts). High levels of illness acceptance were found in 62.4% (3040 pts) of the patients with psoriasis, whereas moderate and low levels were documented in 26.7% (1929 pts) and 10.9% (818 pts), respectively.

The mean level of illness acceptance in our present study was lower than the one mentioned above (246 pts); also, the distribution of AIS scores differed, with 19% of the patients scoring 3040 pts, and 64% and 17% having the results in a bracket of 1929 pts and 818 pts, respectively.

The difference in the levels of illness acceptance might be associated with the fact that the majority of patients examined by Zieliska-Wiczkowska et al28 were persons aged 5160 years and older, who constituted 56.4% of the entire study group. In our present study, the respondents were stratified into different age groups, up to 40 years and older. One could hypothesize that longer duration of psoriasis and older age facilitate coping with the disease and promote its acceptance. According to Harrison et al29 and Mniszewska et al7 the disease with skin manifestations is less likely to negatively affect interpersonal relations of older persons, who have usually achieved stability in their social life and professional career.

However, our findings do not seem to support the hypothesis mentioned above, as these were older respondents who presented with lower levels of illness acceptance.

Similar findings were also reported by Hawro et al30 who showed that the sense of guilt, shame and social rejection in psoriasis increased with age. Older persons were shown to feel rejected, avoided social contacts with their relatives and friends, and presented with lower illness acceptance levels.

However, it needs to be stressed that in the studies conducted by Basiska et al10 the levels of illness acceptance in psoriasis did not correlate significantly with patients age.

Patients with longer duration of psoriasis were shown to present with lower illness acceptance levels, a phenomenon also observed in our present study. According to van Beugen31 and Ogarczyk,32 patients with a longer history of psoriasis reported more difficulties in social functioning, which corresponded to the lack of illness acceptance and worse quality of life.

In the study conducted by Basiska et al10 patients with psoriasis presented with higher levels of illness acceptance (27.46 pts) than in our present study (24.3 pts). The authors did not find a significant difference in the illness acceptance levels of female (26.49 pts) and male patients (28.41 pts). This observation is consistent with the results of some previous studies, conducted by Sampognab et al33 Mniszewska et al34 and other authors, which also did not demonstrate a significant effect of patients sex on QOL.35,36 In the study conducted by Zieliska Wiczkowska et al28 female patients had lower AIS scores than male psoriatics (54.2 pts vs.73.8 pts), but the difference was not statistically significant. Also, in our present study women scored lower than men in terms of illness acceptance (24.9 pts vs 23.6 pts).

According to Hawro et al30 female psoriatics also presented with lower quality of life scores. Psoriasis makes female patients feel embarrassed, frustrated and irritated. Due to the altered appearance of their skin, women with psoriasis found themselves unattractive and avoid contacts with others. Similar results were also reported by Zachariae et al37 and Kowalewska et al.27 However, according to other authors, these were male patients with psoriasis who presented with lower QOL scores than female patients.7,26

To summarize, the results of previous studies analyzing the effects of age and sex on illness acceptance and quality of life in psoriasis are inconclusive.20,37,38

Location of psoriatic lesions is known to influence both the illness acceptance and QOL.30,31,39 Krueger et al2 demonstrated that the lesions on exposed body parts attracted more attention from the others and had a negative effect on the social relationships of patients with psoriasis. To cover their skin lesions, patients with psoriasis not infrequently wear uncomfortable clothing. Hiding psoriatic lesions from others is considered an unpleasant duty and was shown to have a detrimental effect on QOL, especially in female patients.1,2 According to Hrehorw et al40 psoriasis exerts an unfavorable effect on the social contacts of the patients. Patients with visible skin lesions experience a growing sense of shame and embarrassment since they believe that other healthy persons avoid them not to be infected.

Our present study showed that visible psoriatic lesions were a factor contributing to the lack of illness acceptance.

This problem was previously highlighted by Orzechowska et al41 according to whom psoriatic lesions are a primary factor resulting in the stigmatization of the patients and resultant disruption of their social functioning. The patients who do not approve their disease-altered appearance may share a common misbelief that their image is also not accepted by others; thus, such patients not infrequently may self-stigmatize themselves. According to Russo et al, up to 89% of patients with psoriasis experienced shame and embarrassment because of their skin lesions.42

In Devrimci-Ozguvens et al43 Hrehorw et al40 opinion, psoriasis may have a detrimental effect on a patients mood, and some patients with psoriasis may even have suicidal thoughts. Such persons cannot accept their self-image and are exhausted with long-term treatment of skin lesions. Another risk factor for the suicidal ideation in patients with psoriasis is social rejection resulting from the lack of acceptance from others.40,4244

Education and occupation do not seem to influence the level of illness acceptance in psoriasis,28 which has also been confirmed in our present study. Perhaps, this phenomenon resulted from a relative stability of work environment.

In our study, married persons and singles have the same mean Scale AIS scores (24.3 pts), and hence, marital status was not confirmed as a significant determinant of the illness acceptance. However, in previous studies, conducted by Lu et al36 van Beugen et al31 and Ginsburg et al45 singles were shown to be more prone to stigmatization, which was also reflected by their worse quality of life.

Published data show unequivocally that psoriasis exerts a detrimental effect on the QOL. The disease constitutes a considerable burden for the vast majority of the patients, which is reflected by unfavorable changes in their quality of life. In turn, acceptance of the illness was associated with a better quality of life in psoriasis,46 the relationship also observed in our present study (p = 0.0015).

The persistence of psoriatic skin manifestations instead of treatments could deeply influence the patient attitude toward the disease.5,25 According to Verhoeven et al47 deterioration of the quality of life in psoriasis is associated with somatic manifestations of the disease. As emphasized by Ograczyk et al32 persistent itchiness and flares of the disease contribute to the escalation of anxiety and psychological discomfort. According to Hrehorw et al46 itchiness is the main obstacle in illness acceptance. Persons with clinical manifestations of psoriasis were shown to have lower self-esteem and lower levels of satisfaction with life. Patients with psoriasis are well aware that their illness is chronic and incurable, with symptomatic treatment and maintenance of the remission being the only viable therapeutic options. Patients perspective is important not only in terms of symptoms but also on the well-being impact.25

According to literature, the higher the level of illness acceptance, the better the adjustment to the disease and the lesser the negative emotions experienced by patients with psoriasis.26,27,40,42 Thus, the patients who give less meaning to their condition are more likely to accept the illness and to choose more appropriate coping strategies to avoid unfavorable negative psychosocial consequences of psoriasis.

In this study, patients with moderate psoriasis presented with a moderate level of the illness acceptance, and a significant correlation was found between this parameter and QOL. This implies that both illness acceptance and subjectively assessed QOL are accurate psychometric measures that should be considered during anti-psoriatic treatment planning.

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Compliance with ethics guidelines: the protocol of the study was approved by the Local Bioethics Committee at the Medical University of Bialystok. Informed consent was obtained from all individual participants included in the study.

The authors would like to thank the patients who participated in the survey.

All authors contributed to data analysis, drafting or revising the article, have agreed on the journal to which the article will be submitted, gave final approval of the version to be published, and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Barbara Jankowiak was a major contributor in writing the manuscript and supervised this study. Was responsible for patient recruitment, data collection, data analysis, and drafting the manuscript.

Beata Kowalewska was a major contributor in writing the manuscript, was involved in the development of the idea, data analysis, and drafting the manuscript.

Elbieta KrajewskaKuak was involved in the development of the idea and revised the manuscript critically for important intellectual content.

Rafa Milewski was involved in the development of the idea and revised the manuscript critically for important intellectual content.

Maria Anna Turosz was involved in the development of the idea and revised the manuscript critically for important intellectual content.

This study and the Rapid Service Fee were funded by Medical University of Bialystok, Poland. All authors had full access to all of the data in this study and take complete responsibility for the integrity of the data and accuracy of the data analysis. Neither honoraria nor other forms of payments were made for authorship.

The authors report no conflicts of interest for this work.

1. Ferreira BI, Abreu JL, Reis JP, et al. Psoriasis and associated psychiatric disorders a systematic review on etiopathogenesis and clinical correlation. J Clinic Aesthet Dermatol. 2016;9(6):3643.

2. Krueger G, Koo J, Lebwohl M, et al. The impact of psoriasis on quality of life: results of a 1998 national psoriasis foundation patient- membership survey. Arch Dermatol. 2001;137(3):280284.

3. Langley RGB, Krueger GG, Griffiths CEM. Psoriasis: epidemiology, clinical features, and quality of life. Ann Rheum Dis. 2005;64(Suppl2):ii18ii23. doi:10.1136/ard.2004.033217

4. Christophers E. Psoriasis epidemiology and clinical spectrum. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2001;26(4):314320. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2230.2001.00832.x

5. Scala E, Megna M, Amerio P, et al. Patients demographic and socioeconomic characteristics influence the therapeutic decision-making process in psoriasis. PLoS One. 2020;15(8):e0237267. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0237267

6. Gelfand JM, Feldman SR, Stern RS, et al. Determinants of quality of life patients with psoriasis: a study from the U.S. population. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2004;51(5):704708. doi:10.1016/j.jaad.2004.04.014

7. Miniszewska J, Juczyski Z, Ograczyk A, et al. Health-related quality of life in psoriasis: important role of personal resources. Acta Derm Venereol. 2013;93(5):551556. doi:10.2340/00015555-1530

8. Bowling A, Farquhar M, Browne P. Life satisfaction and associations with social network and support variables in three samples of elderly people. Int J Geriatr Psychiatr. 1991;6(8):549566. doi:10.1002/gps.930060803

9. Zalewska A, Miniszewska J, Chodkiewicz J, et al. Acceptance of chronic illness in psoriasis vulgaris patients. J Eur Acad Dermat Venereol. 2007;21(2):235242. doi:10.1111/j.1468-3083.2006.01912.x

10. Basiska MA, Woniewicz A. Emotional intelligence in psoriasis patients as a determinant of acceptance of illness. Rev Dermat. 2012;99(3):202209.

11. Ginsburg IH. Psychological and psychophysiological aspects of psoriasis. Derm Clin. 1995;13(4):793804. doi:10.1016/S0733-8635(18)30043-3

12. Zachariae R, Oster H, Bjerring P, et al. Effects of psychologic intervention on psoriasis: a preliminary report. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1996;34(6):10081015. doi:10.1016/S0190-9622(96)90280-7

13. Juczyski Z. Narzdzia Pomiaru w Promocji I Psychologii Zdrowia[Measurement Tools in Health Promotion and Psychology]. Warszawa: Pracownia Testw Psychologicznych Polskiego Towarzystwa Psychologicznego; 2001:168172. Polish.

14. Szepietowski J, Salomon J, Finlay AY, et al. Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI): polish version. Dermatol Klin. 2004;6:6370.

15. Gupta MA. Psychosocial aspects of common skin disease. Can Fam Physician. 2002;48:712716.

16. Gupta MA, Gupta AK. Psychiatric and psychological comorbidity in patients with dermatologic disorders: epidemiology and management. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2003;4(12):833842. doi:10.2165/00128071-200304120-00003

17. Picardi A, Abeni D, Melchi CF, et al. Psychiatric morbidity in dermatological outpatients: an issue to be recognized. Br J Dermatol. 2000;143(5):983991. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2133.2000.03831.x

18. Picardi A, Amerio P, Baliva G, et al. Recognition of depressive and anxiety disorders in dermatological outpatients. Acta Derm Venereol. 2004;84(3):213217. doi:10.1080/00015550410025264

19. Gieler U, Kupfer J, Niemeier V, et al. Psyche and skin: whats new? J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2003;17(2):128130. doi:10.1046/j.1468-3083.2003.00618.x

20. de Korte J, Sprangers MAG, Mombers FMC, et al. Quality of life in patients with psoriasis: a systematic literature review. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2004;9(2):140147. doi:10.1046/j.1087-0024.2003.09110.x

21. Finlay A. Psoriasis from the patients point of view. Arch Dermatol. 2001;137(3):352353.

22. Heydendael VM, de Borgie CA, Spuls PI, et al. The burden of psoriasis is not determined by disease severity only. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2004;9(2):131135. doi:10.1111/j.1087-0024.2004.09115.x

23. Vardy D, Besser A, Amir M, et al. Experiences of stigmatization play a role in mediating the impact of disease severity on quality of life in psoriasis patients. Br J Dermatol. 2002;147(4):736742. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2133.2002.04899.x

24. Gupta MA, Gupta AK. A practical approach to the assessment of psychosocial and psychiatric comorbidity in the dermatology patient. Clin Dermatol. 2013;31(1):5761. doi:10.1016/j.clindermatol.2011.11.007

25. Patruno C, Ayala F, Megna M, et al. Patient-physician relationship in patients with psoriasis. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 2012;78(2):228. doi:10.4103/0378-6323.93657

26. Kostya M, Tabaa K, Kocur J. Illness acceptance degree versus intensity of psychopathological symptoms in patients with psoriasis. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2013;30(3):134139. doi:10.5114/pdia.2013.35613

View post:
Measure of the quality of life in moderate psoriasis | CCID - Dove Medical Press

Posted in Psoriasis | Comments Off on Measure of the quality of life in moderate psoriasis | CCID – Dove Medical Press

CBD Oil And Psoriasis Treatment – The Fresh Toast

Posted: at 12:17 pm

Approximately 125 million people worldwide have psoriasis. The widespread prevalence of this skin condition makes it a global health concern, which is why experts have been working rigorously to find a solution for this disease.

There is no proven cure for psoriasis, but there are some ways to treat or manage the symptoms of this disease. One solution that has been discovered recently and has become increasingly popular is CBD oils on the skin affected by psoriasis to heal and consume the CBD oil orally to help with the immune system.

Photo by Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images

If you have psoriasis and are looking into using CBD oil for your treatment, wondering what the possibilities of this treatment are, here is all the information you need to make up your mind and understand this new medical approach. Lets talk about the symptoms of psoriasis and how CBD oils can target them before discussing the effectiveness of CBD oils in treating psoriasis.

Psoriasis is a chronic skin condition that results from a disturbance in the autoimmune system and a rapid buildup of unnecessary skin cells. In this condition, the skin becomes inflamed, itchy, dry, and scaly it is harrowing and disruptive as the skin can crack and bleed randomly. It also impacts the body as the joints become inflamed and stiff, and the immune system is compromised.

Here are some ways in which the application and consumption of CBD oils can help treat the symptoms of psoriasis:

Experts claim that the use of CBD oils on the skin impacted by psoriasis, or even the oral consumption of a CBD oil, can help prevent the rapid buildup of skin cells. That is because CBD oils can help restore the balance in the activity of the immune system that causes this to take place.

RELATED: CBD Oil And Its Potential As A Psoriasis Treatment

CBD oil will penetrate the skin to prevent the buildup on-site when applied directly to the affected area, and CBD oil consumed orally would heal the compromised immune system.

CBD is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and can help heal inflammatory skin conditions, of which psoriasis is one. CBD oils can treat inflammation in the joints and on the skin psoriasis-affected skin when applied directly. Consuming CBD oil can help fight inflammation from within and provide relief as well.

Photo by vadimguzhva/Getty Images

According to Healthline, it has been proven through rigorous and thorough scientific research that CBD oils can help manage pain effectively. CBD oils react with the endocannabinoid system to block off pain receptors as much as possible and help with excessive pain. Moreover, CBD oils are known for containing relaxants, which can help you feel relaxed and calm.

CBD oil interacts with the endocannabinoid system, responsible for maintaining balance in the body and ensuring that everything functions smoothly. CBD oils react with the plan to help restore balance and help strengthen the immune system, which will help reduce psoriasis the severity of psoriasis and make the body more capable of healing itself.

Psoriasis is a severe medical condition that is often accompanied by mental health concerns like stress and depression. The consumption of CBD oils can help you mentally cope with the stress of dealing with psoriasis and help you feel more relaxed. CBD is known for its effectiveness in alleviating the mood and making a person feel better, which can help you feel low and stressed.

RELATED: Could Cannabis Eliminate The High-Cost And High-Stakes Of Current Psoriasis Medicines?

The best part about using CBD oil for psoriasis? All these benefits come at no added cost as CBD oil is entirely safe, and there are no known side effects that might result from using it.

The only potential side effects you can face are drowsiness and dizziness, which are only temporary and will fade with regular use. Most people dont even experience these side effects, and they only happen in rare circumstances! CBD oil might be the best solution on the market; lets look at what makes it so effective in treating psoriasis.

Photo by Christin Hume via Unsplash6

CBD is an immune system modulator and has anti-inflammatory properties. As psoriasis is a condition in which the immune system becomes compromised and functions in a way that causes the skin and joint to become inflamed, it only makes sense that CBD oil would be an effective way of countering it.

CBD is also capable of restoring balance in the body as it interacts with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which is responsible for regulating homeostasis in the body and ensuring that everything functions smoothly.

According to an article published by Cutanea, a study conducted by researchers specializing in CBD effects on the body proves that CBD oils can suppress inflammation and excessive growth of skin cells. The effectiveness of CBD for seniors and oils in treating psoriasis is unmatched.

Psoriasis is a chronic medical condition that has severe implications on an individuals physical and mental health, which is why the treatment plan has to be holistic and practical.

Out of all the possible solutions for managing the symptoms of psoriasis, the most holistic and effective one seems to be CBD oil, as it can help heal the skin affected by psoriasis directly while healing the autoimmune system as much as possible internally. Not only that, but CBD oil will also help deal with the mental implications by alleviating mood and making a person feel more relaxed. CBD oils are undeniable, effective in the treatment of psoriasis.

This article originally appeared on Green Market Report and has been reposted with permission.

Continued here:
CBD Oil And Psoriasis Treatment - The Fresh Toast

Posted in Psoriasis | Comments Off on CBD Oil And Psoriasis Treatment – The Fresh Toast

What Separates the Best CBD Oil from the Great – Cleveland Scene

Posted: at 12:17 pm

What separates the best CBD oil from the great CBD oil is the inclusion of natural hemp-derived terpenes. Many - if not most - CBD companies offer terpenes in their oils. But thanks to limitations in the extraction process, these vendors add terpenes from other plant sources. This small but critical detail means your CBD isnt as premium as advertised.

The problem is were hyperfocused on avoiding poor-quality CBD, completely forgetting there are plenty of amazing CO2-extracted, organic, lab-tested oils available. We often see these points and immediately assume weve struck gold.

While signs of quality hemp oil are apparent, separating the best from the great requires deeper research. Fortunately, we did that for you.

Lets look at terpenes, what they are, why theyre essential, and - most importantly - how they help you.

Terpenes are oily organic compounds found throughout the plant kingdom, although some animals produce them too.

While plants span thousands of species and classifications, terpenes serve the same two purposes:

The location, concentration, and terpene profiles vary between plant species. They then secrete the compounds into concentrated crystalline structures. These resinous growths are called trichomes, and appear overtly as a frosty layer on cannabis flower.

The benefits of terpenes are substantial, potentially spanning everything from pain relief to disinfection.

Like cannabis, terpenes are anything but new. They have roots in herbal medicine - even if the creators had no idea terpenes existed. Terpene-rich essential oils extracted from plants appeared throughout the ancient world, and theyre just as popular today.

But its safe to say cannabis - especially the momentum of CBD oil - helped make terpene a household term.

Whether you hope to use CBD for arthritis symptoms, sleep, energy, or general wellness, terpenes are necessary to create the best CBD oil. Lets illustrate this with some common examples.

Myrcene deserves mention for several reasons - and not just because its the most common terpene in cannabis. According to Richter et al. (2021), myrcene is common in plants like hops, lemongrass, mangoes, and basil.

Among its benefits are:

The authors also note that myrcene may help transport cannabinoids to the brain. However, they admit data is scarce for that theory.

Caryophyllene is a spicy terpene found in black pepper, oregano, cinnamon, and basil.

Caryophyllenes benefits include:

Although not as prominent as myrcene, caryophyllene has the unique title of being the first dietary cannabinoid.

But hold on, caryophyllene is a terpene, not a cannabinoid. So how does it get that label? Thats a good question with a unique answer.

Hartsel et al. (2016) reveal that, although caryophyllene isnt a cannabinoid, it still binds effectively to the CB2 endocannabinoid receptor. This is why, according to the publication, caryophyllene is also labeled an atypical cannabinoid.

As the name implies, pinene is best known as the terpene responsible for giving pine trees their familiar aroma. You may also find it infused into air fresheners and household cleaners.

A 2019 academic literature review in Biomolecules examined the existing information about pinenes possible applications, including:

However, the review explains that pinene is a volatile terpene. Consequently, the effects dont last long, as the body expels it quickly.

Although pinene received a lot of examination, it lacks the factual data of complete clinical trials.

While covering every terpene would require an encyclopedia (or book, at the least). However, theres a lot of overlap in their benefits. Now imagine all those terpenes mixed with cannabinoids. This is essentially the core of what separates the best CBD oil from the great - and theres a mechanism behind it.

Theres a lot of chatter about the entourage effect, first proposed by famed cannabis researcher Raphael Mechoulam. Although he first coined the term, his research in this area didnt look at terpenes.

Ethan Russo proposed the role of terpenes in his 2011 article from The British Journal of Pharmacology.

We now know that both Mechoulam and Russo were correct. The synergistic relationship between cannabinoids and terpenes allows these substances to combine forces effectively. In turn, you get a broader, more potent variety of potential medicinal benefits from CBD oil.

Terpenes may have some fantastic therapeutic potential, especially when combined with cannabinoids. However, theres a severe problem that - if solved - truly makes the best CBD oil you can get.

Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum oils both can contain robust terpene and cannabinoid profiles, but dont be fooled by the label.

Terpenes are heat-sensitive. Most extraction methods rely on high heat to remove unwanted ingredients like fats, chlorophyll, and wax. Unfortunately, this creates collateral damage where most terpenes are destroyed.

Vendors solve the terpene issue by adding plant-based terpenes back into their CBD oils. However, this isnt the same as natural terpene retention. Its like the difference between getting Vitamin C from orange juice instead of being artificially infused in sports drinks.

The terpenes issue may seem new, but thankfully CBD oil vendors cant pull the wool over your eyes. If youre unsure whether the terpenes are added or natural, there are three ways to find out.

The ingredients list is a dead giveaway. If terpenes is one of the items listed, that means its a separate component. Natural terpenes wouldnt be explicitly mentioned, as theyre part of the hemp oil extract.

If the label isnt clear or youre still concerned, you can always send a message or call the vendor. Many of them have chat options, so theyll instantly answer your questions.

Well cover this one in detail shortly shortly. Lab reports are more technical than labels, but the best CBD companies can make those analyses easy to read and understand.

Most CBD vendors offer third-party lab reports. Once you understand what is (or isnt) in those reports, youll easily separate the best CBD oil from the great.

Naturally-occurring terpenes will show up on third-party analyses. If your CBD is broad-spectrum or full-spectrum, there should be terpenes present. But if the reports show few to no terpenes - or fail to mention them at all - theres a chance your product contains artificially-infused terpenes.

You can buy lab-tested CBD with terpenes from a select few vendors who dont use heat in their extraction processes.

Mentioned in articles, we came across during our research was Colorado Botanicals. With their proprietary process of using a pharmaceutical approach of separation, they can use low heat, separate the unwanted compounds, and naturally retain hemp-derived terpenes.

As a bonus, CO2 extraction wont leave behind residual solvents the way methods like alcohol and butane often do.

Poor quality CBD oil is still a problem, but the latest headache seems to be finding the best CBD among a vast pool of great CBD.

But we cant stress enough how important it is to find the best CBD. Its a big investment, both financially and in terms of health (not to mention safety).

Like in many similar cases, education is key. Shopping smart is easy if you know where to look and what to look for.

View original post here:

What Separates the Best CBD Oil from the Great - Cleveland Scene

Posted in Cbd Oil | Comments Off on What Separates the Best CBD Oil from the Great – Cleveland Scene

7 benefits of adding CBD oil to your travel kit – Travel Daily News International

Posted: at 12:17 pm

CBD oil doesnt need to be a rarely used, expensive luxury item. Thanks to years of growing market pressure and a considerable amount of attention from society, CBD prices are lower than ever. Specific brands and products like these Purekana CBD gummies are more affordable than most.

Thanks to these low prices and a significant variety of choices, CBD is now very accessible. However, many people travel a lot, making taking regular CBD oil a bit of a challenge. But it doesnt have to be.

Here are 7 significant benefits of adding CBD oil to your travel kit.

#1 Goodbye Travel AnxietyEveryone is familiar with that signature brand of anxiety associated with traveling. Whether its the fear of flying or simply visiting an unfamiliar place, traveling can be pretty scary. A study by Blessing et al. for the journal of Neurotherapeutics found that CBD could act as an effective anti-anxiety medication. In fact, it may even work in the same way as many other anxiolytic drugs, only without the side effects or unpleasant consequences of taking them.

#2 CBD Oil Helps Make Pain EasierPain is never pleasant, especially when you are away from home and unable to deal with it quickly. Whether it is a constant pain from a long-lasting medical condition, an injury, or even just period pain, having to deal with it while traveling is not ideal. As demonstrated in a seminal study by Ethan B Russo, pain could be effectively managed through CBD oil. By carrying around even just a tiny vial of it, any time pain crops up; users may find that CBD oil can help take some of the discomforts away.

#3 Easy To CarryCBD oil might seem pretty inconvenient to have to carry with you, mainly because of the relative scarcity of things like CBD travel kits. However, nowadays, most CBD oils are super easy and convenient to travel with. Products tend to be incredibly small in size and generally arent especially cumbersome to carry around. This ability to easily carry CBD oil makes them especially useful for travel because you can just stick them in your regular bag, and carry on with your day.

#4 Help Keep Your EnergizedMaintaining consistent energy is a big problem when traveling, even if it is just about making sure that you can visit all of the different places you want to go to while traveling. Though it isnt a complete solution, CBD can be a big help in keeping you energized. One study by Murillo-Rodriguez et al. for the Journal of Current Neuropharmacology found that CBD may act as an effective wake-promoting agent. This means that CBD has the potential to stave off feelings of sleepiness, keeping you going for longer and ensuring that you can keep visiting all of the places you want to during the day.

#5 Makes Sleep BetterEven though CBD is excellent for helping you stay awake while traveling, it may help you sleep better. Despite how paradoxical that might sound, the key is tied to CBDs ability to combat anxiety. Studies like this one by Shannon et al. for the Permanente Journal found that CBD helps you get to sleep by reducing external stressors like pain and anxiety. With these issues out of theway, sleep is a lot easier to fall into, effectively improving your sleep and ensuring relaxation.

#6 Great For Your SkinWhile CBD oil might not be typically rubbed directly on the skin, it can still be great for your skin. This is because of the potential cellular regenerative effects of CBD oil. There is still a lot of research to be done, but CBD oil has been found to help increase skin cell replacement rate, gradually leading towards healthier-looking skin and better moisturization in general. Additionally, investing in a good quality CBD topical is another solution.

#7 Hidden Acne TreatmentThis last one might be a bit of a surprise, but some people claim that CBD can improve acne. While acne is commonly associated with our adolescent years, it can be a common side effect of air travel and arid climates. Being exposed to the dry air of planes can irritate the skin, resulting in an outbreak of acne. CBD oil may help with this by providing many anti-inflammatory effects to the body, reducing the swelling, and soothing the inflamed area.

See the original post:

7 benefits of adding CBD oil to your travel kit - Travel Daily News International

Posted in Cbd Oil | Comments Off on 7 benefits of adding CBD oil to your travel kit – Travel Daily News International

CBD for Cats: Why Petly CBD Is The Purr-fect Brand For Your Cat – Observer

Posted: at 12:17 pm

CBD has been making waves in recent years as a natural treatment for a variety of conditions in felines, canines, and humans alike! The research is still pretty new, but existing studies have shown that CBD can help treat seizures, arthritis, anxiety, allergies, pain, and inflammation, and can have many other health benefits.

With the increased popularity of CBD in recent years, the CBD market has undoubtedly become a crowded space. Making a purchasing decision with all of these brands can be quite stressful, especially since it pertains to the health of your cat.

While there is certainly no lack of options, it is important to recognize that not all of these CBD brands are created equal. One brand which stands out from the rest is Petly CBD.

Quality Ingredients

When it comes to the quality of their products, Petly CBD doesnt cut corners. Petlys products are formulated using 100% organically grown phytocannabinoid-rich hemp and without any unnecessary additives or preservatives. Petly upholds a very high standard when it comes to the quality of their ingredients making Petlys formula one of the best in the business.

Third-Party Lab Testing

Petly places your pets health and happiness at the forefront of their mission. As a result, Petly makes safety and efficacy their top priority. To ensure purity, potency, and safety, all of Petlys products go through a thorough in-house and third-party lab testing process. Petly makes all of their COAs available on their website.

Potency

For their CBD for cats, Petlys products range in potency from 125mg of CBD to 450mg. In addition to being packed with high-quality CBD, their products also contain high levels of minor cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, and CBC. Similar to CBD, these minor cannabinoids also have been shown to have a wide range of health benefits. Additionally, Petlys products are also completely THC-free!

Customer Reviews

Hundreds of happy customers have left reviews on Petlys website. Among the reviews, customers have said that Petlys products have helped their pets with conditions such as anxiety and arthritis. Petly makes it easy to test out their products by offering a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Petlys CBD oil for cats delivers the straightforward benefits of Petlys phytocannabinoid-rich formula. Petlys CBD oil is one of the best on the market as it is packed with high levels of CBD and other minor cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, and CBC, and has human-grade MCT oil as the only other ingredient.

Their CBD oil for cats is made with 100% organically grown hemp and is non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free.

What customers are saying:

We started our elderly, arthritic cat on Petly CBD oil and the difference is night and day. Hes happy and playful again. Would recommend this so highly. Its made a vast improvement on his life

I ordered this in hopes to help my cat who was having skin issues that were causing him to act out in aggressive behavior. It has worked wonders for him. Hes not scratching or biting us anymore due to discomfort. I felt defeated when nothing the vet was doing or suggesting was working. This has given me my sweet boy back

Made for the picky eaters of the world, Petlys CBD cat food topper is a great option for those felines who dont love to take their CBD as an oil. This CBD food topper comes in a delicious salmon flavor and is packed with 450mg of CBD as well as Omega 3s. Made with the amazing same broad-spectrum CBD formula as their oil, Petlys food topper is a great way to give your cat their daily dose of CBD while keeping their taste buds happy.

This product is free of wheat, soy, corn, lentils, and potato flour, making it a safe and healthy option for your cat.

What customers are saying:

Tipsy is an eccentric almost 16-year old that has been with me since she was 3 days old. Despite being hand-raised, she just never really took a liking to people or other animals. She has anxiety and is usually very stressed out. I had been giving her the CBD drops and it helped a little but she seems to really love the new food topping! Shes allowing people to pet her a little more and seems much less stressed

If your cat prefers bacon to salmon, then Petlys CBD treats are a great option for your feline family member. Each treat contains 2mg of broad-spectrum CBD and makes giving your cat their CBD a stress-free experience for everyone. These treats are also healthy and safe for your cat as they are grain-free, soy-free, corn-free, and free of preservatives and pesticides.

What customers are saying:

My dog has so much anxiety when we travel or when there are fireworks. CBD treats really seem to help her

My dog, Min Pin, had a couple of seizures during COVID times. I wanted to try CBD before putting him on a daily seizure med. So far the CBD treats have helped him be seizure-free. He also has some separation anxiety when I leave him at home and the treats have helped with that, too. They give him a little pep and help him to chill out when its time for bed

Overview:

Overall, Petlys CBD products are some of the best ones on the market for cats. Made without harmful ingredients like unnecessary preservatives or pesticides, Petlys products are incredibly safe for your cat. Their products are packed with high levels of CBD as well as other minor cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, and CBC, all while being completely THC-free. With different options to suit your cats tastes, there is something for every feline in Petlys product line. Petly has hundreds of happy customers and makes it easy for new customers to try their products with their 30-day money-back guarantee.

Get some Petly CBD for your cat today! Save 15% on your entire order with the discount code OBSERVER15.

Original post:

CBD for Cats: Why Petly CBD Is The Purr-fect Brand For Your Cat - Observer

Posted in Cbd Oil | Comments Off on CBD for Cats: Why Petly CBD Is The Purr-fect Brand For Your Cat – Observer

How to drift off after take off – The Spokesman Review

Posted: at 12:17 pm

During a recent flight from Puerto Rico to New York, Noah Fishman was on edge.

Due to COVID, the masking requirement and the extra safety protocols, I was more stressed traveling than ever, Fishman said.

However, the owner of Zenbarn Farms has a secret weapon when dealing with the rigors of air travel. Fishman manufactures a brand of CBD Wellness products, such as Daily Zen Sleep, which is a CBD and CBN oil.

The high-milligram sleep tincture, which retails for $70, relaxes and helps travelers fall asleep with its blend of terpenes targeted to sooth the mind and body naturally. Slip the oil under your tongue, and within 15 to 20 minutes, the CBD kicks in, and youre off on a different flight experience. You wont have an episode similar to the protagonist William Shatner played on the classic Twilight Zone when he witnessed a monster on a planes wing while airborne.

Daily Zen Sleep just helps you drift off, Fishman said. I saw a lot of people on the flight who were also stressed out. I wish I could have given every person on that flight a bottle of the CBD oil.

Travelers wont have an issue with TSA since CBD oil is legal, and its packaged in a 1-ounce bottle, which is also fine with TSA.

If you would rather work on your flight, Zenbarn Farms has a tincture.

Our focus tincture can help you zero in on what you need to do, Fishman said. It has a cannabinoid that has a more energizing effect. It increases blood flow to your brain. Its good for your joints and bones and focusing on a flight.

Hii Stick manufactures an array of carts, diffusers, gummies and tinctures that will help travelers relax. The mellow tincture, a potent indica strain by crossing blueberry with GDP, has a calming effect and a fruity aroma. The product, is $28 and for those who want to try Delta 8 but arent interested in smoking.

According to the National Cancer Institute, Delta-8, which is short for delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, is a relative of THC, but it lacks the psychoactive potency. It lowers anxiety.

Its of cannabis and hemp extract, said Hiistick co-founder and marketing director Ian Bush . Its not addictive. When youre flying, you can use it like Dramamine. Our product solves a lot of problems without the downside. Its easy to travel with.

Hiistick sales director Jon Bonds recently had his bag, which included 30 carts and 10 tinctures, searched by TSA.

When they pulled my bag, it was all about my MacBook charger, Bonds said. There was no concern about our products. You can fly with them, no problem.

Passengers cant vape, but they can use tinctures on the flight.

Just use common sense, Bush said. You do that, and youll be fine on a flight. There are some people out there who have crippling anxiety due to COVID. Our products are there so people can handle all of the stress. There has never been a time thats more stressful to travel, and some people really need something to get through their flight.

One option is the CBD Travel Bundle ( $40). Green Roads offers a collection of products that are designed to relax while youre on the move. The items, CBD Relax Bears, Sleepy Zs CBD Gummies, Rise NShines Immune Support Gummies, CBD Daily Dose Variety Pack, Travel Size Muscle & Joint Relief CBD Cream and Travel Size Skin Relief CBD Cream, give travelers a boost.

For those who prefer vaping, theres the Little Dipper, which is $30 and a portable item with a pocket-size design from Dip Devices. Its compact, easy to clean and has three power settings for more precise consumption and comes with a micro-USB rechargeable, 650mAh battery.

So there are a few options for those who need to dial it down a bit during travel.

Why these products havent been legal for many years is crazy to me, Bush said. But why are all of the meds in your cabinet legal for years? Regardless, what you can get from us and consume is like magic.

Original post:

How to drift off after take off - The Spokesman Review

Posted in Cbd Oil | Comments Off on How to drift off after take off – The Spokesman Review

What is a therapeutic dose of CBD? Greenway Magazine – Greenway

Posted: at 12:17 pm

In the world of CBD, theres a lot to know. From the different extract types to the strange terminologies and everything in between, you may find yourself having a question or two (hundred). Something a lot of new consumers are curious about is dosing. Specifically, they want to know: what is a therapeutic dose of CBD? Or, what dose is ideal for presenting the best medicinal values?

Here, were covering the unique therapeutic values CBD offers and how you can find your perfect dose. Lets get started.

In general, CBD is known for its high therapeutic value and ability tobenefit the body.Because of the way that CBD works alongside our bodies endocannabinoid system, its able to work as all-natural support from head to toe.

Since CBD essentially relies on our ECS to do its job, every persons reaction to CBD will be unique. Cannabidiol functions in the body to help with what needs it; so, unless you and someone else have the same body chemistry, well all find different benefits. But thats what makes CBD so incredible!

Here are some of the most common therapeutic values that CBD holds.

Scientific evidence has shown that CBD effectively treats childhoodepilepsy syndromessuch as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS), which typically dont respond to antiseizure medications. Studies demonstrated that CBD could reduce seizures and, in some cases, put a stop to them.

Recently, the FDA recognized the value of CBD in treating seizures andapprovedthe first-ever medicine containing CBD to treat these conditions, Epidiolex. Because of this decision, we can accurately say that CBD is vastly beneficial in treating those with seizures and severe epileptic disorders.

The ability of CBD to soothe and calm the user without inducing a high feeling has made it popular in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Low serotonin levels have been linked to depression, and CBD boosts the brains production of serotonin.

Even better, CBD has not shown any of the side effects associated with the use of antidepressants.Animal studiesdemonstrate that CBD acts faster than antidepressants to counter depression and improve mood.

CBD has also been employed in thetreatment of pain. Its analgesic qualities have been proven in a study that showed that cannabinoids effectively relieve and manage pain, especially in treating pain for patients with malignant diseases.

Cannabidiols pain-relieving values are widespread, assisting with myriad complications. Whether it benerve pain,arthritis pain, orheadache pains, CBD demonstrates beneficial characteristics for them all. While CBD cannot rid you of your pain entirely, it works to mitigate discomfort levels,making your pains more manageable overall.

CBD may have therapeutic benefits, but like every other medicine, you need to get the dose right for it to be effective. Scientists are still studying CBD as theres a lot about it we dont know. However, what we do know isthere is no universal perfect dose that every user should follow.Effects and doses vary from person to person its ideal when it is just right for you.

So many variables go into figuring out the right CBD dose for you. You must consider body weight, height, the condition youre treating, age, body mass index (BMI), metabolism, tolerance, and CBD form. For example, the heavier and taller you are, the more CBD youll likely have to take for effects. If youre treating a minor condition, your average dose will probably be smaller than one using it for a chronic condition. See what we mean?

It is best to speak to your doctor and get a professional dosing recommendation. If you dont have a doctors recommendation,it is advisable to begin with small doses usually around 5 mg. After consumption, wait at least an hour before determining whether or not you need more.

If you dont experience the effects youre looking for, you can try taking a stronger dose next time. However, a good general rule of thumb is to only up your doses in increments of 5 mg. Any more than that and your body might have an adverse reaction.

Rather than a universal perfect CBD dose, we can speak instead of a therapeutic dose, the amount of dosing you need for it to be effective.

This amount varies according to person and product. For instance, the only cannabis-derived product approved by the FDA is Epidiolex, and the starting dosage is 2.5 milligrams per kg of body weight twice daily, a total of 5 mg. per kg of body weight a day. There is no other cannabis-derived product approved by the FDA, so no other product has an official dosage guide.

Irrespective of the official dosing guide, a lot of people find that anywhere between 10 40 mg. is ideal for helping them experience the therapeutic effects they need. At doses this reasonable, you can consume a few drops in the morning and evening to ensure the CBD stays working as it should. But, youre not consuming more than your body likes. Its all about finding that balance!

Again, there is not a one-size-fits-all dose for CBD, because were not all one-size-fits-all. So, the best way is always to start low and slow with your doses and go up from there.

Would it surprise you to know that there is no standard recommended CBD dosing frequency? Of course not! Just like a therapeutic dose, dosing frequency varies according to the person, product, and condition being treated. To find your dosing frequency, decide which product you want to use (capsule, oil, nasal spray, edible)and the potency(higher potency means less dosing). Then, you can begin with small doses and study your reaction to it.

Two important things to take into account while dosing are to listen to your body and consult experts. If you are a beginner, youll want something thats not too strong; we highly recommend a mild dose of CBD oil. With CBD oils, the products come with an easy-to-use dropper that illustrates exactly how much CBD youre consuming. Effects kick in within about 15 minutes or so, making it a great product for quick results and accessible dosing.

If you are not a newbie and would prefer faster effects, reach for CBD vapes or flower! We only suggest this for connoisseurs, though, as these products are quite tricky to dose. This may also be the case for CBD edibles. These products are incredibly potent and last for hours but they can be challenging to dose if theyre just a single baked item. Instead, wed recommend reaching for already-dosed CBD gummies. These tend to have small CBD amounts (usually around 5 10 mg. per gummy), making them great for dosing and providing a full-bodied experience.

At Elevate Holistics, we believe that accessibility should not be a barrier to the healthful benefits of cannabis. We understand the needs of our clients, and we combine professional expertise with quality products to satisfy these needs.Thats exactly we offer 100% online services to help you get the medical recommendations you need.

Contact us for expert guidance on your cannabis journey, and well help you find your perfect therapeutic dose of CBD.

Ready to get a medical marijuana card for yourself? Simply find your state below to get started.

The rest is here:

What is a therapeutic dose of CBD? Greenway Magazine - Greenway

Posted in Cbd Oil | Comments Off on What is a therapeutic dose of CBD? Greenway Magazine – Greenway

CBD for Dogs: Why Petly CBD Is the Paw-fect Choice – Observer

Posted: at 12:17 pm

CBD is pretty amazing and could provide your dog with many benefits. The research on CBD is still pretty new, but existing research has shown that CBD could help your pup with seizures, arthritis, anxiety, allergies, pain, inflammation, and other health conditions.

While CBD has the potential to provide a natural treatment option for a variety of ailments, it is also incredibly important to choose your brand wisely, as not all CBD is of the same quality.

Choosing the right CBD brand for your pup can feel overwhelming since the CBD market has become pretty packed in recent years due to its increased popularity. With so many brands to choose from, how can you know which one is the right choice for your pet?

Your dog deserves the very best when it comes to their health and the quality of their products.

From all these brands in the CBD space, one certainly stands out from the rest. Meet, Petly CBD

Quality Ingredients

Petly CBD doesnt cut corners when it comes to the quality of their products. Made with 100% organically grown phytocannabinoid-rich hemp and without any unnecessary additives or preservatives, Petlys formula truly is some of the best CBD out there.

Third-Party Lab Testing

Safety and efficacy are the top priority at Petly. All of their products go through a rigorous in-house and third-party lab testing process to ensure purity, potency, and safety. All of their COAs can be viewed on their website.

Potency

Petlys CBD products come in a variety of potencies ranging from 125mg of CBD for small dogs to 600mg for larger dogs. What makes Petlys formula stand out from the rest, is that their products are packed with not only high doses of CBD, but also other minor cannabinoids such as CBG, CBN, and CBC. Like CBD, these minor cannabinoids have also been shown to have a whole range of benefits! Petlys products are also completely THC-free.

Customer Reviews

Petly has hundreds of reviews from happy customers who say that Petlys products have helped their pets with a variety of conditions like anxiety and arthritis. Petly also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try out their products risk-free.

Petlys CBD oil for dogs is a great option for pet parents wanting to give their pets the straightforward benefits of CBD. Petly has an oil suited for every pets size, as their oil drops come in three different potencies: 125mg, 250mg, and 500mg.

Their CBD oils are non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, and are made with only 100% organically grown phytocannabinoid-rich hemp and human-grade MCT oil.

What customers are saying:

I gave the Petly CBD oil for large dogs to my dog, Macy, to help with her arthritis. Each day has been a major improvement. She was mid arthritis flare and has come out of it and has shaved years off in the process. She is back to playing, getting up on the bed, and has her spunky sass back

My dog, Edie, has allergies and they really bother her feet. The CBD oil for medium dogs is really helping and calms her too

Petly recognizes that not every pet is the same, and not every pet will be willing to take their CBD from a dropper. As many pet parents know, it can be quite a struggle to get your dog to take their medicine, vitamins, and supplements. Thats why Petly manufactured a bacon-flavored CBD food topper!

Petlys CBD food topper for dogs contains 600mg of broad-spectrum CBD and is packed with Omega-3s. This delicious food topper is free of wheat, soy, corn, lentils, potato flour, and pea flour.

What customers are saying:

My 13yr old bow-legged Pekingese actually has spunk again since Ive been using this on his food. I have tried other similar products but he has either disliked the taste or they didnt help him

Petlys CBD treats for dogs are another great option for the picky pups of the world. Coming in a bacon flavor, these treats will have your pups begging for more.

Each treat contains 2mg of broad-spectrum CBD, so these are the perfect way to get your dog to take their daily dose of CBD. Petlys CBD dog treats are also perfectly healthy for your pet, as they are grain-free, soy-free, corn-free, and free of preservatives and pesticides.

What customers are saying:

My dog has so much anxiety when we travel or when there are fireworks. CBD treats really seem to help her

My dog, Min Pin, had a couple of seizures during COVID times. I wanted to try CBD before putting him on a daily seizure med. So far the CBD treats have helped him be seizure-free. He also has some separation anxiety when I leave him at home and the treats have helped with that, too. They give him a little pep and help him to chill out when its time for bed

Overall, Petlys proprietary formula is truly top-notch and one of the best in the business. With a variety of products to choose from, there is something for every dogs needs. All of their products are made using safe ingredients and customers are very happy with their products. With the 30-day money-back guarantee, you can easily test out Petlys products to see if they are the right fit for your furry family member.

Get some Petly CBD for your dog today! Save 15% on your entire order with the discount code OBSERVER15.

Continue reading here:

CBD for Dogs: Why Petly CBD Is the Paw-fect Choice - Observer

Posted in Cbd Oil | Comments Off on CBD for Dogs: Why Petly CBD Is the Paw-fect Choice – Observer

The Best New CBD Skincare Products Of 2021 (So Far) – Forbes

Posted: at 12:17 pm

Nature of Things launched the Elemental Skincare collection in April, which features a complete ... [+] four-step facial routine.

As the summer season winds down, now is the perfect time to start thinking about how to streamline your skincare routine to keep that sun-kissed glow and stay protected from the elements all year long.

I might be biased (and, yes, I test cannabis products as part of my job) but over the past few years, Ive transitioned to an all-CBD-based face and body regimen (with the exception of Biologique RechercheLotion P50 and EltaMD sunscreen). The result? My clearest and healthiest complexion to date.

With BDSAs recent trend report forecasting the CBD beauty segment of the market to reach $720 million this year alone a 60% increase over 2020 and representing just 10% of the total CBD market the number of new brands and product launches to consider buying often at a high price tag is overwhelming.

Whether you are looking to make a complete switch to CBD or want to try just one step at a time, here are the nine best cannabis beauty launches of 2021 (so far) to help narrow your search each tried-and-tested in the challenging and drying environment of the high alpine.

*Note: This list is in alphabetical order, not ranked and will continue to get updated with new product launches through December 2021.

Vitamin C + Squalane + CBD Skin Elixir

This antioxidant-rich formula combines three superstar ingredients vitamin C, squalane and CBD to create a natural skin brightener, which targets dark spots and reduces signs of aging. Best used after moisturizer and under makeup in your morning routine, Botanika Lifes newest serum is infused with 1,000 milligrams of full-spectrum CBD extract, which helps with hydration and restore natural radiance. And dont forget to layer with sunscreen after you apply to improve sun protection.$95, botanikalife.com

Look Alive Face Moisturizer

For celebrity co-founder Kristen Bell, the havoc wreaked on her skin from the normal stresses of the day was the inspiration in creating Happy Dances debut face moisturizer. Formulated as a first line of defense barrier, this whipped, hydrating creme is light on skin, but heavy on hydration. Infused with 150 milligrams of CBD extract, its also powered by avocado oil, bisabolol with a ginger blend andfour types of hyaluronic acid. Plus, its been ophthalmologist-tested (for safe use around the eyes) and available at a more accessible price point than most CBD-based moisturizers on the market.$29, doahappydance.com

Bleu Body Wax

Khus + Khus founder Kristi Blustein is an Ayurvedic specialist, aromatherapist and herbalist experience that makes her modern herbal fusion mission stand apart among the crowded CBD beauty product space.Released earlier this year, the Bleu Body Wax is a concentrated pomade thats solid at room temperature and when warmed up in your hands, liquifies for smooth application. Each jar is packed with 225 milligrams of broad-spectrum CBD complemented by coconut, baobab seed, Marla and beeswax with essential oils like tiara flower and blue yarrow to perfume the body naturally. $77, khus-khus.com

The Rose Absolute Oil

So its not technically a CBD product pick, but Lab to Beauty turned to another cannabis compound for a second skincare collection. CBG (cannabigerol) is just one of more than 120 identified cannabinoid compounds found in the plant genus. It is known to calm inflammation, reduce blemishes, purify pores, balance sebum production and assist with cellular turnover. Concocted with Bulgarian rose extract, golden jojoba oil, moringa, immortelle and rosehip oil, this luxurious and healing formula works to fight aging, improve elasticity and deliver a youthful plump. Use The Rose Absolute Oil nightly after cleansing and toning or under your favorite foundation to boost brightness. $145, labtobeauty.com

Bump & Smooth CBD Body Serum

Lord Jones recent release is the answer to one of the most common skin issues: those mysterious mini-bumps and rough patches often inflicted by too much time in the sun. This potent resurfacing serum delivers a non-abrasive chemical exfoliation experience that reduces bumpiness and reveals smoother, brighter-looking skin thanks to 200 milligrams of full-spectrum CBD extract blended with bisabolol, hyaluronic acid, ceramides and squalane. Whether you suffer from Keratosis Pilaris (KP) or are just looking for a refresh to dull skin, Lord Jones Bump & Smooth CBD Body Serum gently removes dead cells to reveal whats underneath. $60, lordjones.com

Facial Essence

Beloved for its body care and bath immersion portfolio of products, Nature of Things introduced a skincare line earlier this year featuring a cleanser, toner, moisturizer and mask (face stone optional). While the entire four-step routine is remarkable, the Balancing Facial Essence has remained in my medicine cabinet because of its soothing, hydrating and dewy result from pure ingredient extracts like broad-spectrum CBD, Swiss apple stem cells, Korean kombu algae and French thermal water. Bonus benefits include new skin cell growth, refined pores and free radical protection. $95, natureofthings.com

Beyond Body Oil

Supercharged with 600 milligrams of hemp CBD oil per generous-sized bottle, Primas latest addition to its lineup goes way beyond your average body oil. Plant actives including omegas, phenols, antioxidants and fatty acids are meticulously combined with magnesium and helichrysum in this soothing, therapeutic formula, which actually repairs and restores the skin while also improving tone and texture. Pro-tip: Keep it in your shower for application to breathe in the aromatic blend of clove, geranium and citrus and lock in most moisture just before getting out. $56, prima.co

Hydrating Petal Cream

Best-selling CBD beauty brand Saint Jane has done it again with its first-ever face cream (previous award-winning releases in the category include The C-Drops, Bright Repair Eye Cream and Luxury Beauty Serum). Founder Casey Georgeson spent more than a year searching for the flower thats best for skin hydration and hibiscus, known as natures Botox, was ultimately selected for its efficacy in firming and restoring elasticity to the skin. Blended with 1% pure hyaluronic acid, the lightweight Hydrating Petal Cream is a joy to apply, absorbing quickly into the skin and leaving the face with a dewy finish that lasts all day. $68, saintjanebeauty.com

Glow Drops

They say beauty comes from within, so incorporating a CBD-based tincture into your regimen is a secret weapon in supercharging your skin. As the first-to-market beauty-focused elixir, Undefined Beautys Glow Drops can also be mixed into any moisturizer to achieve an extra shine. Paired with adaptogens ranging from mucuna (mood-boosting) and cordyceps (anti-inflammatory) to guava leaf (immunity-boosting) and astaxanthin (antioxidant), the tasty tangerine formula is an easy way to simplify your daily dose whether taken under the tongue or added to a beverage. Each full-size bottle includes over 600 milligrams of CBD, CBD and CBC (cannabichromene) sourced from a certified-organic, female-founded regenerative hemp farm. $48, undefinedco.com

Follow this link:

The Best New CBD Skincare Products Of 2021 (So Far) - Forbes

Posted in Cbd Oil | Comments Off on The Best New CBD Skincare Products Of 2021 (So Far) – Forbes

Things to do in the Hudson Valley this weekend – Albany Times Union

Posted: at 12:17 pm

Every week we scour events calendars to find the best things to do that are especially worthyour time and attention, and we share them here.

Photos clockwise from top: Gregory Grice via Getty, Jennys Green Garden, Lionsgate Home Entertainment.

GO: Upstate Art WeekendMore than 60 arts venues are participating in this years roving exhibition featuring world-class art across the Hudson Valley. Too overwhelming? Weve lasered in on 8 of the best.Friday through Sunday, Aug. 27-28, multiple venues

WATCH: Dirty Dancing at the drive-inRevisit the most unlikely Catskills couple Baby (Jennifer Grey) and Johnny (Patrick Swayze) as they fall in love at Kellermans resort, based on Borscht Belt hotel Grossingers. Come thirsty for one of the Greenville Drive-Ins signature cocktails.Friday and Saturday, Aug. 27-28, 7:30 p.m., Greenville

PEACE OUT: Hemp DayUnwind at Hudson Valley #HempDay, where a cornucopia of CBD-infused activities like hemp-oil massages and a hemp-infused dinner are on the menu. To really unplug, guests can glamp overnight.Saturday, Aug. 28, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Stuyvesant

SEE: Parachuters and pilots at air showWatch West Point cadets freefall and vintage and modern aircraft fly in formation during the New York International Air Show at the Orange County Airport. Tickets start at $32, with VIP options for reserved seating, lunch and drinks.Saturday and Sunday Aug. 28-29, beginning at 11:30 a.m. both days, Montgomery

HEAR: Opera in the parkLast summer the Phoenicia Festival of the Voice had to pivot to a drive-in opera. This year the outdoor performances are back and feature a different opera company each night, including the New York City Opera. Tickets start at $40, BYOB picnic fixings.Friday - Sunday, Aug. 27-29, 8:30 p.m., Phoenicia

ADMIRE: Fireworks over the HudsonStill checking those summer-only experiences off your bucket list? Make room for Walkway Over the Hudsons fireworks show, where you get to see the pyrotechnics at eye level. General admission is $20, kids under 10 are free.Sunday, Aug. 29, 6: 30 p.m., Poughkeepsie and Highland

See the original post:

Things to do in the Hudson Valley this weekend - Albany Times Union

Posted in Cbd Oil | Comments Off on Things to do in the Hudson Valley this weekend – Albany Times Union