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
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:
- 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. - 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. - 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. - Food Allergies
Food allergies are common triggers for eczema. The consumption of specific foods may lead to allergic reactions, subsequently triggering eczema symptoms. - Animal Fur
Contact with animals, especially their fur, may trigger eczema. Proteins and other substances in animal fur can induce allergic reactions. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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：
- 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. - 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. - 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
- 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. - 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. - Umbilical Eczema
Symptoms – The surface is moist, has clear edges, rarely involves the skin around the navel, and the course is mostly chronic. - 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. - Leg Eczema
Symptoms – A relatively common eczema symptom, often occurring on the front or sides of the shin, usually symmetric. - 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
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Avoid environments with excessive dust or pollen.
- Avoid contact with chemical products in daily life, such as detergents, floor polish, nail polish, etc.
- Pay special attention to rebuilding the skin barrier function. Keep the skin moisturized and use skincare creams.
- During the use of antiallergic medications, try to avoid occupations with potential risks, such as climbing heights or driving.
- 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.
- Use low to moderately potent steroid creams for facial and genital lesions. Discontinue use when improvement is observed, and avoid prolonged use.
- 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.
- 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.
- Notes for Pediatric Eczema：
- In terms of diet, breastfeeding is encouraged. For infants unable to breastfeed, choose regular formula, hypoallergenic formula, or amino acid-based formula as appropriate.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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:
- Oral Administration of Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Topical Application of Patent Chinese Medicine
- External Application of Chinese Herbal Medicine
- Acupuncture Therapy
- Moxibustion Therapy
- Fire Needle Therapy
- Bloodletting Therapy
Kontea Herbal Paste
Successful Cases of Eczema Treatment
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