Figure 2.
ECS-targeted approaches in skin diseases. Modulations of the fine-tuned tone of the cutaneous endocannabinoid system (ECS) could have therapeutic values in the management of a large variety of human skin diseases. For example, suppression of the skin ECS tone (using e.g. CB antagonists and/or agents that attenuate the local production of endocannabinoids) could be used in the therapy of certain hair growth (e.g. forms of alopecia, effluvium) and sebaceous gland disorders (e.g. acne, seborrhea). Conversely, augmentation of the tone of the cutaneous ECS (using e.g. CB agonists and/or agents that stimulate the local production of endocannabinoids) could be beneficial in the treatment of various benign and malignant skin tumors, hyperproliferative skin diseases (e.g. psoriasis), excessive hair growth (e.g. hirsutism), different forms of dermatitis, dry skin conditions and sensory phenomena (e.g. pain, itch).