Traditional Chinese Medicine Internal Treatment of Vitiligo

The main traditional Chinese medicine internal treatment methods for vitiligo include soothing the liver and relieving depression, promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis, nourishing the liver and kidneys, dispelling wind and dampness, and strengthening the spleen and qi. Vitiligo is a chronic disease mainly characterized by depigmentation of the skin. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that its onset is related to factors such as emotional disorders, disharmony of qi and blood, and insufficient liver and kidney function, and requires differentiation and treatment.

1. The method of soothing the liver and relieving depression

is suitable for vitiligo caused by emotional disorders, which often manifests as rapid development of skin lesions, accompanied by rib pain or emotional depression. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that liver qi stagnation can affect the circulation of qi and blood, leading to skin malnutrition. Commonly used formulas include modified Xiaoyao San, which includes Chaihu Shugan San granules, Danzhi Xiaoyao pills, Shugan Jieyu capsules, etc. Treatment should be accompanied by emotional counseling to avoid mental stress.

2. The method of promoting blood circulation and removing blood stasis

is aimed at vitiligo of qi and blood stasis type, where the edges of the skin lesions are clear and dark red, and the tongue is purple dark or has bruising spots. Blood stasis blocking the meridians can cause abnormal local pigment metabolism. The representative formula is Taohong Siwu Tang, and commonly used herbal medicines include Xuefu Zhuyu Oral Liquid, Compound Danshen Tablets, Sanqi Powder, etc. During treatment, external trauma should be avoided to stimulate the affected area.

3. The method of nourishing the liver and kidneys

is suitable for patients with liver and kidney deficiency who have a long course of illness and are accompanied by soreness and weakness in the waist and knees. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that insufficient liver and kidney essence and blood can cause the skin to lose nourishment. The classic formula uses Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, and commonly used drugs include Qi Ju Di Huang Wan, Zuo Gui Wan, Shu Di Huang Qi granules, etc. Pay attention to regular sleep patterns and avoid overexertion that can damage the essence and blood.

4. Removing wind and dampness

is aimed at vitiligo of the rheumatic skin type, which is common in residents living in humid environments and often occurs on the flexed side of joints. Rheumatism can block the skin and affect the circulation of qi and blood. The representative formula is Xiaofeng San, and commonly used drugs include Fengshi Qutong Capsules, Qianghuo Shengshi Tang Granules, Duhuo Parasitic Pills, etc. During treatment, it is necessary to keep the skin dry and clean.

5. Jianpi Yiqi Method

is suitable for patients with spleen and stomach weakness, often accompanied by loss of appetite, fatigue, and pale skin lesions. The spleen and stomach are the source of qi and blood biochemistry, and functional disorders can lead to skin loss of nourishment. The representative formula is Shen Ling Bai Zhu San, and commonly used drugs include Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan, Si Jun Zi Granules, Huangqi Jing Oral Liquid, etc. Daily diet should be light and easy to digest, avoiding raw and cold foods.

Vitiligo patients should pay attention to sun protection in the affected area, except for traditional Chinese medicine, to avoid aggravating depigmentation caused by exposure to sunlight. Maintain a regular daily routine and emotional stability, and it is advisable to eat foods rich in trace elements such as black sesame and walnuts. Regular follow-up visits during treatment to adjust medication and avoid self medication changes. When the skin lesions progress rapidly or have a large area, it is recommended to combine modern medical methods such as phototherapy for comprehensive treatment.