Eczema patients were enthusiastic about medical cannabis but rarely discussed it with dermatologists | Research

The takeaway

Among 76 survey respondents with eczema, 100% supported medical cannabis use, 94% wanted to learn more, but 93% had never discussed it with their healthcare provider.

Dermatologists, eczema patients considering cannabinoid products, and researchers studying endocannabinoid system in skin health.

100% supported medical cannabis but 93% never discussed with provider

What the researchers found

100% of respondents supported medical cannabis use. 94% would be comfortable seeing a cannabis-recommending dermatologist. 94% were interested in learning about cannabis for eczema. 93% had never discussed it with their provider. 47% were unsure if OTC cannabis products were FDA-regulated. Most commonly used OTC products without medical guidance.

Why it matters

The endocannabinoid system plays a role in skin health, making cannabinoid therapies a plausible area of research. But the massive gap between patient interest and medical guidance means patients are experimenting without clinical support.

The numbers in context

76 respondents. 36% most commonly used OTC products without dermatologist recommendation. Only 3.1% used medical cannabis recommended by a dermatologist. 100% supported medical cannabis. 93% never discussed with provider. 47% unsure about FDA regulation of OTC products.

How the study worked

Online survey distributed by the National Eczema Association via social media. 76 respondents (69 with eczema, 7 caregivers). Assessed cannabis product use, knowledge, attitudes, and healthcare provider interactions.

What this study cannot tell us

Very small sample (76). Self-selected from National Eczema Association, likely overrepresenting cannabis-interested patients. No clinical outcome data on cannabis use for eczema.

How to read the evidence

Preliminary: very small, self-selected sample from advocacy organization with no clinical outcomes.

When this study was published

Published in 2022.

The bigger picture

As cannabinoid-containing skin products proliferate, dermatologists are being outpaced by consumer interest and the cannabis industry. This study highlights the urgent need for evidence-based guidance.

Questions still open

Do cannabinoid products actually help eczema? Which cannabinoids and formulations are most relevant for skin conditions? Would dermatologist education about cannabis change prescribing patterns?

Common questions

Does cannabis help eczema?

Research supports the theoretical potential of targeting the skin's endocannabinoid system for eczema, but clinical evidence is limited. Many patients are using OTC cannabis products without evidence of efficacy.

Why have so few discussed it with their dermatologist?

The study did not explore specific reasons, but it mirrors patterns seen in other conditions where patients feel uncertain about broaching cannabis use with physicians, and physicians may lack knowledge about cannabinoid therapies.

Are OTC cannabis skin products regulated?

Many are not. Nearly half (47%) of respondents were unsure whether OTC cannabis-derived products were FDA-regulated, reflecting widespread consumer confusion about product oversight.

Read the original research

Evaluation of Cannabis and Cannabinoid Product Use, Knowledge, and Attitudes in the Eczema Community.

Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 21(4), 413-419

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Whiting, Cleo; Duan, Xuejing; Friedman, Adam. (2022). Evaluation of Cannabis and Cannabinoid Product Use, Knowledge, and Attitudes in the Eczema Community.. Journal of drugs in dermatology : JDD, 21(4), 413-419. https://doi.org/10.36849/JDD.6615