In TCM terms, eczema is usually caused by deficiencies in the spleen, kidney and liver, coupled with pathogenic factors of wind, heat and dampness. As per the previous section, where we explained that the onset of eczema could be due to various factors, similarly in TCM, how eczema occurs in patients are vastly different.
Firstly, let’s explore what is the pathogenic factor – Wind[1]. We may not be able to see wind, but like its moving characteristic, this pathogenic factor is often the reason why your eczema rashes are itchy, have sporadic occurrences and appear in different locations. Therefore using herbs with wind-clearing properties will be able to remove this pathogenic factor from our bodies. The wind is related to the liver, which is in turn linked to stress and emotional regulation. Hence, patients tend to observe flare-ups under stress or menstrual cycles. If you suffer from hay fever on top of your eczema or have allergic reactions to pollen, wind is likely a causation factor to your eczema as wind is a spring qi.
In TCM, wind does not travel alone and often brings along heat and/or dampness hand-in-hand. These 2 pathogenic factors could result from internal or external reasons. If you are often exposed to heat or humidity (like Singapore), it is difficult to prevent these pathogenic factors from entering your body. It is advisable to regulate your immunity and body constitution to reduce their impact.
According to TCM principles, the spleen is responsible for converting the food you eat into useful substances like qi and blood that nourishes our body. However, when the spleen is weakened by an imbalanced diet, excessive cold/cooling food or excessive worrying, nutrients are instead transformed into internal dampness, instead of qi and blood. Signs of internal dampness coupled with weakened spleen are presented as:
- lethargy,
- heavy limbs,
- brain fog,
- food coma,
- sticky or loose stools.
Eczema presentation are pus-filled blisters, swollen, often appear at creases of skin and takes a long time to heal.
Internal dampness will generate internal heat when it is accumulated in the body over a prolonged period. Patients who keep late nights, feast on fried/greasy foods tend to accumulate internal heat within the body. This internal heat is similar to chronic inflammation of the skin and presents with red/dusky rashes, cracked skin with flakes, burning sensation, blistering or with infected pus. Accompanied systemic symptoms include thirst, bad breath, constipation, yellow urine, sweat and scared of heat.
Herbal medication - Specific to eczema issues, herbs such as fang feng 防风 or bai ji li 白蒺藜 are added to the prescription to dispel wind. If the rashes are red and burning to the touch, we can use tu fu ling 土茯苓 or jin yin hua 金银花 to dissipate heat and fire as they help to calm down the inflammation.
Acupuncture - In one study regarding acupuncture and kidney functions, acupuncture was used to stimulate one point on the arm called ‘Large Intestine 11’ in one group of patients. A placebo treatment, which did not stimulate a significant point on the body, was used in another group. The researchers found that the patients who underwent the acupuncture treatment reported a significant reduction in itch, while the placebo group reported no significant change.
Not all eczema conditions have the same root cause so it is best to consult our physicians to get the diagnosis right! Hope this helps!
References
1. Hon K, Chan B, Leung P. Chinese herbal medicine research in eczema treatment. Chinese Medicine.
