As you may know, the immune system protects our body from harmful invaders.
One of the weapons used by the immune system to fight an invader is inflammation. When we get an infection, a type of immune cell called a T cell begins to act, as these T cells recognized something as an invader (also referred to as an antigen). The T cells then begin an inflammatory attack against the invader. The attack is carried out by a type of proteins, called cytokines. Cytokines trigger inflammation, which causes the blood vessels to expand and send more immune cells to different parts of the body. This is how the immune system works when it functions properly.
People with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis have a problem with their immune system. The problem is that if you suffer from psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, your immune system will go into action even if there are no actual invaders. This results in your immune system attacking your body's own tissues, as the immune system mistakes certain substances inside the body for antigens. It is still not entirely clear what kind of substances cause the immune system to respond, although there are a few assumptions. One possibility could be certain kinds of bacteria, such as streptococcal infection (known as strep throat), or antimicrobial peptides (molecules that are a part of the immune system and work as the body’s own antibiotics).
When the inflammation occurs in people with psoriasis, it happens on the skin, this is why you experience red, itchy and scaly patches known as plaques. In psoriatic arthritis, this inflammation happens inside the body, which may cause suffering from swollen and painful joints.
As psoriasis is an autoimmune disease, the immune system is the key to its cause. Researchers assume, that if psoriasis is caused because of the immune system, then treating the immune system may suppresses the disease. Based on that assumption, many treatments directed toward the immune system have been developed for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis.
Researchers continue to investigate the complicated connection between the immune system and psoriasis. Current studies are working on identifying the antigens that trigger the autoimmune response in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, in order to understand how certain immune cells act in psoriatic disease and to develop new treatments. Though a variety of medications for treating the disease exist, many have serious side effects and others lose their effectiveness when your body builds up a resistance to them.
Given both the physical and emotional impact of psoriasis, there is a constant need for new and improved formulas to fight the disease.
The unique healing properties of Cannabis opens up new possibilities into the treatment of psoriasis, with research into the effectiveness of cannabis addressing different aspects of the disease. Cannabis is thought to interact with the endocannabinoid receptor system located throughout the body and responsible for overseeing the immune response among other body functionalities. Researchers believe that by acting on our endocannabinoid system, Cannabis may be useful in boosting our protective shield, slowing the rapid growth of keratinocytes (scaly & flaky skin) seen in psoriasis as well as reducing the severity of inflammation associated with autoimmune disorders like psoriasis.
DermaZor® harnesses the unique healing properties of Cannabis, alongside the clinically proven ingredients of Salicylic acid, Zinc and other natural essential oils and flower extracts, to improve the efficacy of psoriasis treatment.