Vitiligo
AliasLeukoderma
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
White Spot Disease, known as "Bai Mo Feng" in traditional Chinese medicine, is a dermatological condition. According to the records of internal medicine in traditional Chinese medicine, white spot disease is caused by disharmony of Qi and blood, leading to malnourishment of the skin, resulting in localized white spots on the skin. The characteristics of these spots include distinct boundaries, smooth surfaces, and absence of subjective symptoms, which can occur anywhere on the body.
In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the core pathogenesis of white spot disease is the disharmony of Qi and blood, and the malnourishment of the skin. Common precipitating factors include emotional disturbances, liver and kidney deficiencies, and external wind invasion. During the differentiation of symptoms, attention should be paid to the following key points: liver depression and Qi stagnation is manifested by white spots changing with emotional fluctuations, and the treatment approach is to soothe the liver and regulate Qi, harmonize Qi and blood; liver and kidney deficiency is manifested by clear boundaries of white spots, long course of illness, soreness in the lower back and knees, and the treatment approach is to nourish the liver and kidneys, nourish the blood and expel the wind. The overall direction of treatment suggests focusing on harmonizing Qi and blood, nourishing the liver and kidneys, and expelling wind and relieving itching. In the treatment process, it is necessary to combine the specific condition of the patient with flexible application of both internal and external treatment methods in traditional Chinese medicine, in order to achieve the goal of improving symptoms and delaying the progression of the disease.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Liver depression and Qi stagnation syndrome
Main Manifestations: White spots change with emotional fluctuations
Management Approach: Drain Liver and Regulate Qi, Harmonize Qi and Blood
Insufficiency of Liver and Kidney Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Clear boundary of leukoplakia, long course of disease, soreness and weakness of the loins and knees
Management Approach: Nourish Liver and Kidneys, Tonify Blood and Dispel Wind
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
For patients with white spot disease, the differentiation of symptoms is often liver and kidney deficiency. Nourishing the liver and kidneys may promote the regeneration of pigmentation.
— Fan Li Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Practitioner Assistant Physician
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)