A study published today by the British Journal of Dermatology has found that cannabidiol (CBD) can significantly reduce pain and itching in children with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a rare genetic disorder that causes fragile skin and chronic wounds.

The study followed 10 patients between the ages of 2 and 17, all of whom had persistent pruritus and pain despite conventional treatments. Participants received Epidyolex, an oral CBD solution, starting at 5 mg/kg per day, with gradual increases up to 20 mg/kg per day depending on tolerance and response.

After 30 days, 7 out of 10 patients (70%) experienced at least a two-point improvement on the visual analogue scale for itching. Secondary benefits included reductions in acute pain, improved sleep, and better quality of life. Notably, one patient was able to discontinue conventional antipruritic treatment by the end of the trial.

CBD treatment was generally well tolerated, with no serious adverse effects reported. Plasma CBD concentrations were monitored, and safety assessments, including liver function tests, showed no concerning abnormalities.

These findings suggest CBD may provide an effective option for easing the severe and often treatment-resistant symptoms of RDEB. Researchers noted that larger and longer-term trials are needed to confirm these results and to establish standardized dosing guidelines.