Eczema
AliasDyshidrosis
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
Eczema, known as "Shi Chuang" in traditional Chinese medicine, is a dermatological disease syndrome. As recorded in the classical text "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," "Shi Chuang is characterized by itchy, moist skin that may ooze when scratched, appearing as millet-sized or bean-sized spots, red or white in color, with persistent itching that may lead to rough skin over time, and in severe cases, to scaly patches." Eczema primarily presents with symptoms such as itching, erythema, vesicles, erosion, and exudation.
In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the core pathogenesis of eczema is the internal retention of dampness, with external invasion of wind, leading to malnutrition of the skin. Common triggers include irregular diet, emotional disturbances, and damp living conditions. During differentiation of symptoms, attention should be paid to distinguishing the properties of cold, heat, deficiency, and excess:
1. Damp-heat invasion syndrome: characterized by an acute onset, erythema and burning sensation of the skin, vesicles with erosion and exudation, accompanied by symptoms such as bitter taste in the mouth and yellow urine.
2. Spleen deficiency and damp retention syndrome: with a prolonged course, dark-colored skin lesions, less exudation but sticky in nature, accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal distension and loose stools.
3. Blood deficiency and wind-dryness syndrome: with dry, rough skin that peels and itches more severely at night, accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue.
Overall treatment approach: In the clinical management of eczema, traditional Chinese medicine follows the principles of clearing heat and dampness, strengthening the spleen and draining dampness, nourishing blood and moistening dryness, and expelling wind and stopping itching. By adjusting the internal and external environment of the body, the normal physiological function of the skin is restored to achieve therapeutic goals.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Invasion of Damp-Heat
Main Manifestations: Acute onset, skin redness and burning sensation, vesicles, erosion, and exudate
Management Approach: Qing Re Li Shi, Liang Xue Jie Du
Spleen Deficiency and Damp Retention Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Long course of illness, dark skin lesions, less and sticky exudate, abdominal distension
Management Approach: Jian Pi Li Shi, Qing Re Zhi Yang
Blood Deficiency and Wind Dryness Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Dry, rough skin with peeling, itching more severe at night
Management Approach: Yang Xue Run Zao, Qu Feng Zhi Yang
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
The recurrence of skin rashes in eczema patients requires both internal and external treatment, with a focus on removing dampness and stopping itching.
— Tang Yulan Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (Apprentice)
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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)