Developing… not on the market yet

A recently-tested new topical goo for atopic dermatitis (AD) suggests that a combination of cannabidiol (CBD) and aspartame applied regularly to the itchy, inflamed, scaley skin of AD alleviates or clears all those symptoms in a satisfying sort of way.  The trial included 57 people who were randomized to control group, CBD cream alone, or the new combo.  Researchers used the ISGA score (investigator’s static global score) to record baseline symptom assessment compared to change after 2 weeks of use. ISGA scores range from 0 (no trouble at all) to 4 (a hot mess of skin misery).  After 14 days, 50% of the group receiving CBD/aspartame scored 0-1, down 2-3 points from the start of the trial whereas the CBD and control group participants scored the satisfying ISGA 0-1 in just 20% and 15% respectively.

CBD-enriched creams have proven success in multiple dermatological problems including AD, acne, psoriasis, skin cancer, pruritus, and pain.  But who thought aspartame was an effective dermal soother? 

Aspartame apparently has analgesic functions that are similar to those of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin and ibuprofen. A rodent trial in 2015 exposed the mice to topical 2, 4-dinitrofluorobenzene thus creating the mousy version of AD. Sucrose in the mice’s drinking water did nothing to soothe the itch and inflammation whereas drinking aspartame in water inhibited ear swelling and skin eruptions.  Please note, the International Sweeteners Association does not recommend adding aspartame to your drinking water based on other not-so-successful animal studies.