Traditional Chinese Medicine Diagnosis and Treatment of Eczema

The traditional Chinese medicine diagnosis and treatment of eczema mainly includes types such as damp heat accumulation syndrome, spleen deficiency damp accumulation syndrome, blood deficiency wind dryness syndrome, wind heat accumulation syndrome, liver and gallbladder damp heat syndrome, etc. Eczema is a common allergic inflammatory skin disease, and traditional Chinese medicine believes that its onset is related to factors such as dampness, heat, wind, and blood deficiency. Corresponding treatment methods should be adopted according to specific syndrome types.

1. Damp heat accumulation syndrome

Damp heat accumulation syndrome is more common in acute eczema, characterized by skin redness, dense papules, obvious exudation, accompanied by itching, burning sensation, and red tongue with yellow and greasy coating. The treatment mainly focuses on clearing heat and dampness, and can be modified with Longdan Xiegan Tang. Commonly used drugs include Longdan Xiegan Wan, Danggui Kushen Wan, Ermiao Wan, etc. External treatment can use herbal decoctions such as Huangbai, Sophora flavescens, and Difuzi for wet compress, which can help alleviate symptoms. Patients should avoid spicy and irritating foods and keep their skin clean and dry.

2. Spleen deficiency and dampness accumulation syndrome

Spleen deficiency and dampness accumulation syndrome is commonly seen in subacute eczema, characterized by pale red skin, scattered papules, less exudate, accompanied by loss of appetite, thin stools, and pale and greasy tongue coating. The treatment mainly focuses on strengthening the spleen and removing dampness, and can be modified with Shenling Baizhu powder. Commonly used drugs include Shenling Baizhu granules, Jianpi pills, Xiangsha Liujun pills, etc. For external treatment, traditional Chinese medicine decoctions such as Poria cocos, atractylodes macrocephala, and Coix seed can be washed externally. Patients should pay attention to dietary regulation, avoid raw, cold, greasy foods, and exercise appropriately to enhance spleen and stomach function.

3. Blood deficiency and wind dryness syndrome

Blood deficiency and wind dryness syndrome is more common in chronic eczema, characterized by dry, rough, and flaky skin, accompanied by severe itching and light tongue coating. The treatment mainly focuses on nourishing blood and moistening dryness, and can be modified with Danggui Yinzi. Commonly used drugs include Danggui Buxue Oral Liquid, Runzao Zhiyang Capsules, Siwu Heji, etc. For external treatment, traditional Chinese medicine decoctions such as Angelica sinensis, Rehmannia glutinosa, and Paeonia lactiflora can be washed or made into ointments for external use. Patients should avoid excessive scratching, keep their skin moist, and supplement foods rich in vitamins appropriately.

4. Wind heat accumulation syndrome

The manifestation of wind heat accumulation syndrome is skin erythema, papules, severe itching, aggravated by heat, may be accompanied by fever, thirst, and red tongue with thin yellow coating. The treatment mainly focuses on dispelling wind and clearing heat, and can be modified with Xiaofeng Powder. Commonly used drugs include Xiaofeng Zhiyang Granules, Yinqiao Jiedu Tablets, Fangfeng Tongsheng Pills, etc. For external treatment, traditional Chinese medicine decoctions such as honeysuckle, forsythia suspensa, and mint can be used for washing. Patients should avoid high temperature environments, reduce the intake of spicy and irritating foods, and maintain indoor ventilation.

5. Liver and gallbladder damp heat syndrome

Liver and gallbladder damp heat syndrome is characterized by skin redness, swelling, exudation, scabbing, severe itching, and may be accompanied by bitter mouth and rib pain. The tongue is red, yellow, and greasy. The treatment mainly focuses on clearing liver and gallbladder dampness heat, and can be modified with Longdan Xiegan Tang. Commonly used drugs include Longdan Xiegan Soft Capsules, Yinzhihuang Oral Liquid, Chaihu Shugan San, etc. For external treatment, herbal decoctions such as gentian grass, gardenia, and scutellaria can be used for wet compress. Patients need to maintain emotional stability, avoid staying up late, and quit bad habits such as smoking and drinking. Eczema patients should pay attention to keeping their skin clean, avoiding excessive bathing and the use of irritating toiletries. Wear loose and breathable cotton clothing to avoid scratching the affected area. Diet should be light, consume more fresh vegetables and fruits, and avoid allergenic foods such as seafood, beef and mutton. Maintain a regular schedule to avoid mental stress and excessive fatigue. If the symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly and receive diagnosis and treatment under the guidance of a professional traditional Chinese medicine practitioner. Do not self medicate. Proper physical exercise can enhance physical fitness, improve immunity, and aid in the recovery and prevention of recurrence of eczema.