Melasma
AliasLivedo reticularis
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
The disease is known as Chloasma (also known as Melasma in Chinese medicine), which is categorized under "Face Dust" and "Black Spots" in classical Chinese medical texts. According to internal medicine in traditional Chinese medicine, Chloasma is often caused by insufficient liver and kidney function, disharmony of Qi and blood, Qi stagnation and blood stasis, or spleen deficiency with excessive dampness, leading to malnourishment of the skin. The pathological mechanism primarily involves liver and kidney deficiency and Qi and blood stasis, manifesting as pale to dark brown spots on the face with clear borders and symmetrical distribution.
In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the core pathogenesis of Chloasma is liver and kidney deficiency and Qi and blood stasis. Common precipitating factors include emotional disturbances, irregular diet, and imbalance between work and rest. During differentiation of symptoms, attention should be paid to the following key points:
1. Liver Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Syndrome: The spots are deep brown with clear borders, often accompanied by emotional disturbances such as irritability and depression.
2. Spleen Deficiency and Dampness Excess Syndrome: The spots are brownish yellow, with a sallow complexion, accompanied by loose stools and heavy limbs.
During the process of differentiation, it is important to distinguish between cold and heat, deficiency and excess, to determine the direction of treatment. In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the main directions for the treatment of Chloasma include soothing the liver and regulating Qi, activating blood and removing spots, as well as strengthening the spleen and promoting diuresis to eliminate dampness and spots. Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the treatment of Chloasma should focus on harmonizing Qi and blood, nourishing the liver and kidneys, while also considering strengthening the spleen and promoting diuresis to achieve the goal of improving skin color.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Liver Stagnation and Blood Stasis Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Deep brown patches, clear boundaries, emotional discomfort
Management Approach: Relieve Liver Qi, promote blood circulation and remove spots
Spleen deficiency and dampness excess syndrome
Main Manifestations: Brownish spots, sallow complexion, loose stools
Management Approach: Strengthen the Spleen and drain dampness, transform turbidity and remove spots
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
Patients with Chloasma are often related to liver and kidney Yin deficiency and Qi and blood stasis. Regulating the liver and kidneys, and activating blood to resolve stasis are the key points in treatment.
— Wang Zhengxiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
Related Popular Articles
Related Practicing Physicians
Related TCM Treatment Programs
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)