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Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach to Eczema - Causes | Symptom | Types | Things to Take Note | Treatment

Eczema is a type of inflammatory skin reaction characterized by polymorphic skin lesions and a tendency to exude, caused by various internal and external factors. It often presents as skin erythema, papules, itching, erosion, and exudation, among other symptoms. According to the characteristics of skin lesions, the clinical classification includes acute, subacute, and chronic stages. The disease is known for its stubbornness, recurrent episodes, and prolonged non-healing characteristics. Traditional Chinese medicine has named it based on the morphology of skin lesions and their pathogenesis, such as "jin yin sores” and "wet sores" among others. Due to the uncertainty of the aetiology and the polymorphism of skin lesions, there is a diversity of opinions in traditional Chinese medicine regarding clinical differentiation and treatment.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach to Eczema - Causes | Symptom | Types | Things to Take Note | Treatment

At Kang Won Herbalist, our philosophy, as upheld by Mr. L, is to internally adjust while taking the pulse and listen to the body's signals, enabling us to understand the messages your body is sending us. Through this approach, we not only listen to the body's signals, but we can also assist you in addressing health issues and psychological conditions, providing a more precise diagnosis and tailored treatment plan for you.
Our traditional Chinese medicine practitioners possess extensive professional knowledge and experience, specializing in complex cases of cough, skin eczema, dizziness, gastric problems, and infertility. They can accurately diagnose patients' symptoms and the root causes of their illnesses, creating personalized traditional Chinese medicine treatment plans. These may include herbal therapies, acupuncture, dietary recommendations, and comprehensive adjustments, all designed to alleviate symptoms, promote recovery, and enhance quality of life.

Causes of Eczema

Currently, the exact pathogenesis of eczema is not fully understood, but it is often considered to be related to factors such as genetics, immune responses, and dysfunction of the skin barrier. The following are some of the common triggers:

  1. Genetics
    Eczema is closely associated with genetic factors, and individuals with a family history of eczema are more susceptible to the condition. Genetic factors may influence the immune system and the function of the skin barrier, increasing the risk of developing eczema.

  2. Digestive System Disorders
    Certain digestive system disorders, such as intestinal issues, may be related to the onset of eczema. Intestinal health plays a crucial role in the immune system and allergic reactions.

  3. Psychological Disorders
    The mental health condition may be linked to the development of eczema. Emotional issues like stress, anxiety, or depression could exacerbate eczema symptoms.

  4. Food Allergies
    Food allergies are common triggers for eczema. The consumption of specific foods may lead to allergic reactions, subsequently triggering eczema symptoms.

  5. Animal Fur
    Contact with animals, especially their fur, may trigger eczema. Proteins and other substances in animal fur can induce allergic reactions.

  6. Pollen
    Pollen is a common allergen that, when entering the respiratory system or skin, may trigger eczema. Seasonal eczema may be associated with pollen sensitivity.

  7. Sunlight Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation
    Sun exposure and UV radiation can worsen eczema symptoms. Exposure to sunlight may lead to skin dryness and irritation, triggering eczema flare-ups.

  8. Sweating
    Excessive sweating can stimulate the skin, especially in individuals sensitive to eczema. Eczema patients often need to be particularly mindful of keeping their skin cool and dry.

  9. Woolen Fabrics
    Woolen fabrics may irritate the skin of eczema patients. Choosing soft, breathable clothing is crucial for alleviating eczema symptoms.

Types of Eczema

Eczema is divided into 3 different types:

  1. Acute Eczema
    Acute eczema is a relatively rapid-onset skin disease. The dietary factors contributing to this condition are mainly a preference for spicy and stimulating foods, as well as rich and greasy foods, and the consumption of seafood. Acute eczema may also result from genetic and physical factors, with physical factors including drug irritation and the use of poor-quality cosmetics.

  2. Subacute Eczema
    Named for the tendency of the affected skin lesions to exude moisture. Subacute eczema is an intermediate stage between acute and chronic eczema. It occurs either after the inflammation in acute eczema has diminished or when acute symptoms are not promptly and appropriately treated, leading to a prolonged subacute stage. Skin lesions are characterized by small papules, scales, and crust formation, with only a few papules, small blisters, or erosions.

  3. Chronic Eczema
    The disease course manifests as chronic and recurrent eczema. It is mainly characterized by dark red patches or plaque-like papules, skin thickening, itching, etc. The causes of chronic eczema are complex, and treatment primarily involves avoiding factors that may trigger chronic eczema, followed by symptomatic treatment.

Symptoms of Eczema

Eczema is also split into localized and generalized, and there are different treatments for each symptom. Here are some of the symptoms that you might encounter:

Localized Eczema

  1. Ear Eczema
    Symptoms – Common in infants, and the causes may be related to allergic reactions, psychological factors, endocrine imbalance, metabolic disorders, etc. Congenital allergic constitution is the main cause of onset.
  2. Breast Eczema
    Symptoms – Often seen in breastfeeding women and tends to heal after weaning. If it persists or occurs on one side, attention should be paid to excluding eczema-like cancer.
  3. Umbilical Eczema
    Symptoms – The surface is moist, has clear edges, rarely involves the skin around the navel, and the course is mostly chronic.
  4. Hand Eczema
    Symptoms – Due to frequent contact with external substances, hand eczema is often influenced by secondary factors regardless of its cause, making it generally persistent and challenging to treat.
  5. Leg Eczema
    Symptoms – A relatively common eczema symptom, often occurring on the front or sides of the shin, usually symmetric.
  6. Infectious Eczema
    Symptoms – Before the onset of this disease, there is usually a chronic bacterial infection focus near the affected area, such as otitis media, pressure sores, ulcers, and fistulas. These foci continuously discharge a large amount of secretions, irritating and sensitizing the surrounding skin, leading to the disease.

Generalized Eczema

  1. Autoimmune Sensitivity Eczema
    Symptoms – This eczema is caused by the patient's allergy to certain substances produced internally or by skin tissues. Before the onset, there is often eczematous lesions in a certain part of the skin. It generally takes about 7-10 days from the primary skin lesion to widespread systemic involvement.
  2. Nummular Eczema
    Symptoms – Unknown cause; psychological factors, alcohol consumption, and prolonged use of soap, hot water wash, and drug irritation can exacerbate the condition. Clinically presents as well-defined round lesions with a diameter of 1-3 cm, mostly on the dorsum of the hands and feet, extensor surfaces of the limbs, shoulders, buttocks, breasts, and nipples, with intense itching.
  3. Infantile Eczema
    Symptoms – This disease is a common skin condition in infants, also known as milk crust. It is an acute or subacute eczema that occurs on the head and face of infants.
  4. Asteatotic Eczema
    Symptoms – Mainly due to skin moisture loss, reduced sebum secretion, and dryness. The epidermis and stratum corneum have fine cracks, and the skin is pale red, with more pronounced redness at the cracks, resembling "broken porcelain." It is common on the limbs, especially the anterior part of the shin in older individuals. This condition is more common in dry air, reduced secretion, and is exacerbated by excessive hot water washing.

At the same time, your own emotions can also have an adverse impact on the symptoms of eczema, potentially worsening the condition. Feelings of stress and anxiety can lead to hormonal imbalances, triggering a series of reactions in the body that result in skin vascular constriction, dilation, and other conditions, ultimately inducing skin diseases. Hence it’s important to monitor your emotions if you’re experiencing eczema symptoms.

Things to take note of

Traditional Chinese medicine believes that eczema is mainly caused by internal accumulation of dampness. Patients often experience abdominal bloating, loose stools, fatigue, or exhaustion. Tongue examination may reveal a swollen and large tongue with a white and greasy coating, and the pulse may be slippery and slow. Therefore, the main treatment principle is to strengthen the spleen and eliminate dampness. Patients can follow these considerations to alleviate their eczema symptoms:
  1. Opt for a light diet, avoid spicy foods, and limit the consumption of seafood, especially fish and shellfish. Pay special attention to foods that may trigger personal allergies.
  2. Choose soft, light-coloured cotton clothing. Wear loose-fitting garments, remove clothing labels to prevent friction and irritation, and avoid environments with excessive dust or pollen.
  3. Avoid environments with excessive dust or pollen.
  4. Avoid contact with chemical products in daily life, such as detergents, floor polish, nail polish, etc.
  5. Pay special attention to rebuilding the skin barrier function. Keep the skin moisturized and use skincare creams.
  6. During the use of antiallergic medications, try to avoid occupations with potential risks, such as climbing heights or driving.
  7. Proper use of topical medications for eczema is crucial. For oozing skin lesions, use paste or zinc oxide ointment 3-4 times daily. When applying for the second time, clean the affected area gently with vegetable oil, avoiding water washing.
  8. Use low to moderately potent steroid creams for facial and genital lesions. Discontinue use when improvement is observed, and avoid prolonged use.
  9. If an increase in skin lesions or worsening of oozing occurs during the medication process, promptly seek a follow-up appointment to adjust the treatment plan.
  10. For patients taking oral Chinese herbal medicine, a face-to-face consultation is recommended during follow-up. The doctor needs to perform pulse diagnosis and make adjustments to the herbal formula based on the patient's condition.
  11. Notes for Pediatric Eczema:
    1. In terms of diet, breastfeeding is encouraged. For infants unable to breastfeed, choose regular formula, hypoallergenic formula, or amino acid-based formula as appropriate.
    2. Dress children in loose-fitting, soft cotton clothes, slightly thinner than those worn by peers. Maintain a cool, ventilated, and clean living environment. Use a damp cloth to clean the living space to avoid inhaling allergens such as house dust, mites, and animal fur.
    3. Limit bath time to 5-10 minutes, with water temperature between 30-40 degrees Celsius. Use a mild bath soap, and apply a suitable moisturizer immediately after bathing.
  12. For eczema caused by psychological factors, it is recommended to seek assistance from a psychiatrist or psychologist. Regular psychological counseling may be needed, and in severe cases, medication may be prescribed to relax the mind. For milder symptoms, self-help techniques, distraction, and confiding in family and friends can help alleviate the condition.

Often, eczema and unhealthy dietary habits are closely related. Therefore, when eczema occurs, the first thing patients should pay attention to is their diet – opting for a bland diet, avoiding tobacco and alcohol, spicy foods, and personal allergens. Taking such measures can help to some extent in suppressing the deterioration of eczema symptoms, but it is still advisable to seek medical attention promptly when symptoms arise. After symptom relief, it is also essential to pay attention to diet to prevent eczema recurrence and avoid entering an endless cycle of treatment.

How Traditional Chinese Medicine Treats Eczema

Seeking the assistance and treatment of a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner can effectively alleviate the symptoms and discomfort of eczema. The following are various therapies tailored to different symptoms, compiled by physicians at Kang Won Herbalist:

  1. Oral Administration of Chinese Herbal Medicine
  2. Topical Application of Patent Chinese Medicine
  3. External Application of Chinese Herbal Medicine
  4. Acupuncture Therapy
  5. Moxibustion Therapy
  6. Fire Needle Therapy
  7. Bloodletting Therapy

Kontea Herbal Paste

Patients can also take the Nourishing Blood and Calming Skin Paste during the period of illness to achieve the effects of nourishing blood, replenishing qi, dispelling air, relieving itching, and repairing allergic skin. This paste is particularly suitable for individuals with chronic eczema, dry skin, peeling, and itching. Kang Won Herbalists physicians recommend taking 2 tablespoons at a time, 2 to 3 times a day, continuously for one month to achieve the best results.
Kontea 养血宁肤膏 Skin Soothing Paste

Skin Soothing Paste

Suitable for:People with chronic eczema, peeling and itching dry skin.

Successful Cases of Eczema Treatment

Our TCM practitioners at Kang Won Herbalists have extensive experience in treating eczema, achieving maximum relief of eczema symptoms for patients. Due to the diverse triggers and complex nature of eczema's causes, achieving a complete cure can be challenging. Therefore, we highly recommend individuals troubled by eczema to visit Kang Won Herbalists for a consultation or seek more information. This way, we can tailor the most effective treatment plan based on your specific symptoms. Below are some more severe but successfully treated cases. Please be cautious as the images may be unsettling.
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