Acute Phase: Dispelling Dampness, Clearing Heat, and Relieving Itchiness
Chronic Phase: Nourishing Blood, Promoting Circulation, and Moisturizing Dryness
Eczema is a common allergic skin disease, known in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as "Shi Chuang" (Damp Sores). Its primary symptoms include moist red rashes accompanied by intense itching. The condition tends to recur, often causing significant distress to patients. TCM believes that eczema is mostly caused by Spleen and Stomach weakness, internal accumulation of damp-heat, and the invasion of external "wind" pathogens. Patients typically present with skin redness and itching; in severe cases, weeping (exudation) or crusting may occur.
Our senior physician will conduct an individualized treatment plan based on each patient's specific constitution through syndrome differentiation, combining acupuncture with internal and external herbal medicine.
Common Causes of Eczema
Many people mistakenly believe eczema is only a skin problem, but it is actually closely related to the body's internal constitution and immune system. TCM identifies the following causes:
- Improper Diet & Spleen Damage: Leads to internal damp-heat, preventing the skin from detoxifying properly.
- Congenital Allergic Constitution: Individuals with nasal sensitivities, asthma, or allergies to dust mites, pollen, and seafood are more prone to eczema.
- Emotional Stress & Anxiety: Mood swings, long-term anxiety, and insomnia can worsen itching, creating a vicious cycle.
- Contact with Irritants: Cosmetics, detergents, dyes, and animal fur can also trigger outbreaks.
How Does TCM Treat Eczema?
TCM treatment for eczema emphasizes "Syndrome Differentiation"—formulating a personalized plan based on current symptoms and body type.
Acute Phase: Clearing Heat, Draining Dampness, and Relieving Itch
When the skin is red, swollen, and weeping, TCM adopts methods to clear heat, detoxify, and drain dampness. This is highly effective when combining acupuncture with internal herbal medicine.
Chronic Phase: Nourishing Blood, Moisturizing Dryness, and Harmonizing Organs
For patients with dry skin, thickening (lichenification), and pigmentation, the focus shifts to nourishing blood, promoting circulation, and moisturizing dryness. This harmonizes the Spleen, Stomach, Liver, and Kidney functions to reduce recurrence.
Daily Precautions and Care Advice
To enhance the efficacy of TCM treatment, patients should cooperate in their daily lives:
- Clean Diet, Avoid "Trigger" Foods: During acute phases, avoid spicy foods, seafood, beef, and mutton.
- Avoid Scratching and Scalding: Scratching can lead to secondary infections, and very hot water can aggravate the inflammation.
- Maintain Emotional Stability: Avoid overwork and maintain a positive mood.
- Avoid Irritating Products: Be cautious with harsh cosmetics and cleaning supplies.
- Regular Routine & Exercise: Strengthen the body and improve immune function through proper rest and movement.
TCM Recommended Dietary Recipes for Eczema
1. Imperata Root and Job’s Tears Congee (Maogen Yiren Zhou)
Ingredients: 30g Fresh Imperata Root (Xian Mao Gen), 300g Raw Job’s Tears (Sheng Yi Ren).
Method: Boil Imperata root in water for 30 minutes, remove residue, add Job’s tears to the juice and cook into congee.
Efficacy: Clears heat and drains dampness; suitable for those with heavy internal damp-heat.
2. Mung Bean, Lily Bulb, and Job’s Tears Soup
Ingredients: 30g Mung Beans, 30g Lily Bulbs, 15g Job’s Tears, 15g Gorgon Fruit (Qian Shi), 15g Chinese Yam, rock sugar to taste.
Method: Boil all ingredients until soft and add rock sugar.
Efficacy: Clears heat, moisturizes dryness, and strengthens the Spleen; suitable for chronic eczema and those with weaker constitutions.
Eczema is a chronic condition that requires patient conditioning. Dr Li Rui has over 30 years of clinical experience in treating eczema. Through a comprehensive adjustment of acupuncture, herbal medicine, diet, and lifestyle, she addresses the root of the constitution to help the skin regain its health. If you are troubled by eczema, you are welcome to book an appointment with Dr Li Rui for a comprehensive TCM consultation.
