In my outpatient experience, I have encountered many patients who are troubled by eczema. Eczema, a seemingly innocuous but unpleasant skin problem, is not only physically uncomfortable, but also a psychological burden. Especially in the summer months, the high temperature and humidity make the symptoms worse for many patients, leaving them feeling extremely distressed.
I remember one time, a middle-aged lady came to my office in a hurry, her hands were red and swollen, her skin was dry and cracked, and the itching was so severe that she could barely sit quietly. She told me that this condition had been going on for several weeks and that the various creams and treatments she had used had not worked. After learning more about her lifestyle and diet, I found that the problem may not be simply the inflammation on the surface of the skin, but also related to her eating habits and lifestyle.
Based on the treatment concept of TCM, we should not only solve the problems on the surface of the skin, but also regulate it from the body to improve its overall health. I developed a comprehensive treatment plan for her that included dietary modifications, Chinese herbal treatments, and lifestyle changes. After a few weeks of hard work, her eczema symptoms have improved significantly, which not only allowed her to regain her joy in life, but also strengthened my belief that TCM still has its unique therapeutic value and significance in modern society.
The basic principles of TCM in the treatment of eczema
In traditional Chinese medicine, eczema is considered to be a skin condition caused by a combination of internal and external factors, mainly involving diseases such as wind, dampness, heat and blood stasis. The basic principle of TCM in the treatment of eczema is to cure and alleviate the symptoms by adjusting the qi and blood in the body and removing the disease.
1. Etiological understanding
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that eczema is mainly caused by the combination of wind, dampness and heat in the body, which damages the skin. Wind evil makes the lesion easy to occur and spreads rapidly, dampness causes moist and itchy skin, and heat evil causes red, swollen and painful skin. In addition, mood swings, poor diet, or changes in the environment can aggravate eczema.
2. Principles of treatment
The treatment of eczema in TCM is mainly based on "syndrome differentiation treatment", that is, according to the specific symptoms and constitution of the patient, the appropriate treatment plan is selected:
Harmonize the internal organs: By regulating the function of the internal organs, it improves the flow of qi and blood in the body, and fundamentally adjusts the state of the body, such as strengthening the spleen and dissipating dampness, clearing heat and detoxifying, etc.
Relieve the surface of the wind: use drugs that have the effect of dispelling the wind and relieving the surface, such as cicada molting, parsnip, etc., to relieve itching and erythema of the skin.
Clearing heat and dampness: For eczema with damp-heat syndrome, herbs such as Coptis chinensis and Phellodendron phellodendron are used to reduce the inflammatory response and skin secretion of eczema.
3. Practical application
In practice, TCM practitioners may combine a variety of treatments, such as internal medication, topical ointment, acupuncture or cupping, etc., to enhance the treatment effect. For example, internal drugs can adjust the function of internal organs and overall qi and blood, while topical drugs can directly act on the lesion site to relieve local symptoms.
Practical Skincare Advice: Eczema Management from a TCM Perspective
Eczema is a common skin problem that manifests as dry, itchy, erythema, and even blisters. The right skincare approach will not only reduce symptoms but also prevent the recurrence of eczema. Here are some practical skincare tips based on TCM theories to help you manage your eczema more effectively.
1. Choose the right skincare products
Avoid harsh products: Use gentle, fragrance-free skincare products and avoid products containing alcohol, fragrances, and colorings, which may irritate the skin and aggravate eczema symptoms.
Hydration is key: Choose skincare products that contain natural moisturizing factors, such as those containing glycerin, natural oils (e.g., coconut oil, olive oil), which can help keep your skin hydrated and reduce dryness and itching.
2. Dietary modifications
Light diet: Increase your intake of vegetables and fruits and cut back on spicy, greasy, and fried foods. These foods may aggravate the damp heat in the body, which can irritate eczema.
Drink water in moderation: Drink plenty of water to help remove toxins from the body and improve the skin's moisture status.
3. Utilization of Chinese herbal medicines
Dihuzi: It has the effect of clearing heat and detoxifying and relieving dampness. It can be washed with decoction or made into a plaster to help reduce the symptoms of eczema.
Phellodendron phellodendron is cool, can clear away heat and dampness, and is used to treat skin problems caused by dampness and heat. It is usually used in conjunction with other medicinal herbs, such as the combination of Dihuzi seeds, to enhance the effect.
4. Adjustment of lifestyle habits
Keep your skin clean: Bathe daily with warm water and avoid overheated water temperatures, which may irritate the skin and increase itchiness and erythema.
Dress appropriately: Choose loose, soft clothing from natural fibers, such as cotton or bamboo, and avoid synthetic clothing that can cause friction and irritation.
5. Pay attention to the details of your daily care
Avoid scratching: Try not to scratch the affected area to avoid breaking the skin and causing infection. A cold compress can be used to relieve the itching.
Regular check-ups: Observe skin changes regularly, seek medical attention if there are signs of aggravation, and avoid changing medications or skin care products at will.