What are the methods of traditional Chinese medicine for treating hand eczema

TCM treatment of hand eczema mainly includes external application of Chinese medicine, oral administration of Chinese medicine, acupuncture and moxibustion therapy, cupping therapy, diet conditioning and other methods. Hand eczema may be related to factors such as damp heat accumulation, blood deficiency, wind dryness, spleen deficiency, and excessive dampness. It usually manifests as symptoms such as skin redness, blisters, itching, and flaking.

1. External application of traditional Chinese medicine

External application of traditional Chinese medicine is a commonly used method for treating hand eczema in traditional Chinese medicine. It can be washed or wet applied with decoctions of Chinese herbs such as Phellodendron amurense, Sophora flavescens, and Difuzi. Huangbai has the effect of clearing heat and dampness, Sophora flavescens can clear heat, remove dampness and kill insects, and Kochia scoparia can dispel wind and relieve itching. Boil the above medicine and extract the juice. Soak or wet apply it to the affected area when the temperature is suitable, which can help relieve itching, reduce inflammation and kill bacteria. When applying externally, pay attention to the temperature of the medication to avoid burning the skin, while keeping the affected area clean and dry.

2. Oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine

The prescription for oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine should be selected according to the syndrome differentiation. For damp heat type, Longdan Xiegan Tang can be modified, for blood deficiency and wind dryness type, Danggui Yinzi can be modified, and for spleen deficiency and dampness excess type, Shenling Baizhu San can be modified. Longdan Xiegan Tang is composed of Gentiana scabra, Scutellaria baicalensis, Gardenia jasminoides, etc., and has the effect of clearing liver and gallbladder and solidifying fire. Danggui drink contains Danggui, Paeonia lactiflora, Chuanxiong, etc., which can nourish blood and moisten dryness. Shen Ling Bai Zhu San is composed of ginseng, Poria cocos, Atractylodes macrocephala, etc. It can strengthen the spleen, invigorate qi, and dispel dampness. Oral administration of traditional Chinese medicine should be carried out under the guidance of a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, and self medication is not allowed.

3. acupuncture and moxibustion therapy

acupuncture and moxibustion is often used to treat hand eczema at Quchi, Hegu, Xuehai, Zusanli and other acupoints. Quchi acupoint belongs to the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian and can clear heat and relieve external heat. Hegu acupoint can dispel wind, relieve external pressure, and activate meridians and collaterals. The Blood Sea acupoint belongs to the Foot Tai Yin Spleen Meridian and has the function of regulating meridians and unifying blood. Zusanli can invigorate the spleen and stomach, strengthen the body and nourish the body. Acupuncture and moxibustion can regulate the movement of qi and blood, improve local microcirculation and reduce inflammatory reaction by stimulating acupoints. During treatment, attention should be paid to disinfection to avoid infection. Pregnant women and those with weak constitutions should use it with caution.

4. Cupping therapy

Cupping therapy can be performed on acupoints around eczema in the hands, commonly using cupping or cupping techniques. Cupping can unblock meridians, promote qi circulation and blood circulation, dispel wind and dampness, promote local metabolism, and accelerate the elimination of toxins. Choose an appropriate size of cupping pot during operation, apply the technique to acupoints such as Quchi and Waiguan around the affected area, and leave the pot for 5-10 minutes. People with skin damage, bleeding tendency, and weak physical condition should not be cupped. After treatment, attention should be paid to keeping warm and avoiding catching a cold from the wind.

5. Dietary regulation

Dietary regulation should avoid spicy and stimulating, greasy and rich flavors, and seafood products. Moderate consumption of moisture reducing foods such as Job's tears, adzuki beans, winter melon, etc. Coix seed can invigorate the spleen and relieve dampness, adzuki beans can promote diuresis and reduce swelling, and winter melon has the effect of clearing heat and promoting diuresis. These ingredients can be cooked into Congee or soup. At the same time, one should maintain a light diet, consume more fresh vegetables and fruits, supplement vitamins and dietary fiber, which can help improve physical fitness and enhance skin resistance.

Patients with hand eczema should avoid contact with irritants such as detergents and chemicals, and apply moisturizer promptly after washing their hands. Maintain a regular schedule and avoid overexertion and mental stress. Wear loose and breathable cotton clothing to reduce skin friction. If the symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly and receive standardized treatment under the guidance of a doctor. Do not self medicate or interrupt treatment. During the treatment period, pay attention to observing changes in the skin, record the improvement of symptoms, and regularly follow up to adjust the treatment plan.