Psoriasis
AliasPsoriasis
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
In traditional Chinese medicine, psoriasis is known as "psoriasis" (Bái Pi), a common chronic and recurrent dermatological condition. As recorded in "Traditional Chinese Internal Medicine," the pathogenesis is attributed to either endogenous blood heat or blood deficiency with dryness and wind, presenting with symptoms such as red rashes and scales on the skin.
In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the core pathogenesis of psoriasis is often related to endogenous blood heat or blood deficiency with dryness and wind. The endogenous blood heat pattern is commonly characterized by fresh, red skin lesions with rapid progression and pruritus; while the blood deficiency with dryness and wind pattern manifests as a longer course with pale red, dry skin lesions and thick scales. Common precipitating factors in clinical settings include emotional disturbances, irregular diet, and overexertion. During the differential diagnosis, attention should be paid to distinguishing cold, heat, deficiency, and excess. The treatment approach for the endogenous blood heat pattern focuses on clearing heat, cooling the blood, detoxifying, and resolving rashes. For the blood deficiency with dryness and wind pattern, the primary focus is on nourishing the blood, moistening the dryness, expelling wind, and stopping itching. The overall treatment direction suggests harmonizing the nutrient and blood, expelling wind, and stopping itching to improve the quality of life of patients.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Blood Heat and Internal Retention Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Skin lesions bright red with rapid progression, abundant scales, and itching
Management Approach: Clear Heat and Cool Blood, Detoxify and Remove Spots
Blood Deficiency and Wind Dryness Syndrome
Main Manifestations: Long course of disease, pale and dry skin lesions, thick scales
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
Physicians' Insights: Patients with psoriasis often exhibit symptoms of blood heat. In clinical observation, attention should be paid to the manifestation of blood stasis, and the use of blood-activating and blood-removing herbs may yield beneficial effects.
— Wang Zhengxiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
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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)