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

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.