Eczema

Eczema, also known a dermatitis, is a debilitating skin condition that affects 1 in 3 Australians (Eczema Association of Australia). Eczema can occur in any stages of life starting as young as early childhood from the ages of 2 to 6 months and in adulthood. In TCM Eczema is referred as 湿疹 Shi Zhen, where Shi 湿 = Dampness and Zhen疹 = Rash. Therefore its straightforward as the disease name, it is mostly caused by dampness accumulating on skin surface.

The common symptom of Eczema are:

• Moderate to severe itchy skin

• Red rash occupied by either dry, patchy, weepy, thickened, cracked skin, bleeding and/or scales

• Papules, vesicles, crusting

• Areas that are commonly found are on the flexors of the knees and arms; however, it can occur on the hands, feet, neck, face and any parts of the body

Accompanying symptoms are :

• Fatigue

• Stress, irritability and mood swings

• Depression and Anxiety

• Thirst

• Poor digestive and bowel function

• Insomnia

• Poor concentration and focus

TCM perspective

What causes eczema?

In Chinese medicine, any condition is an indication of an imbalance of YIN and YANG and energy distribution in the body. For Eczema, to most common differential diagnoses are:

Dampness, which is the biggest reason causing Eczema. Usually is caused by a deficiency in the Spleen, as the function of the Spleen weakens, it causes dampness to accumulate in the body. Spleen function is easily affected by diet.

Wind: mostly results in itchiness. This is where the symptoms draw the line; itchiness caused by wind is often caused by blood deficiency, which is another underlying reason for eczema.

Blood Deficiency: When the blood is not enough to nourish the skin, the skin will become dry and flaky.

Heat: causing the skin to become red and inflamed.

Toxic heat: the extra step from heat, causing the skin to fill with pus

The reason for eczema is often due to many factors, and with increasing years of the condition the cause it becomes increasingly complicated.

How do we approach eczema?

There is every one medicine fits all approach from a Chinese medicine perspective. Individual’s lifestyle, diet and environment are all different, thus the aetiology of the condition is never the same.

In TCM, there are different ways to target eczema:

Acupuncture: to relieve itchiness, regulate meridian and blood &energy distribution.

Herbal Medicine: The most effort is paid into this part, in order to resolve the internal hormone and disharmony of the organ functions.

Topical Herbal Ointment: using natural herbs to ease dry and itchiness, in order to replace the steroid creams.

When will I see some results?

Depending on the conditions, it's all different. If it is a new onset less than 2 months of symptoms, the treatment period will be looking at around 4-8weeks with weekly treatment. Improvement should be seen within 2 weeks of treatment.

However, long-term eczema lasting for more than 2 years will be much more complicated, especially in adults. Generally, it will take 3-6 months. The duration often depends on the severity of the eczema. However, the skin will see some form of improvement, such as reduction of flare-ups, itchiness and redness within 3 months of consistent acupuncture and herbal medicine. In addition, accompanying symptoms listed above will greatly improve as well.

In extreme cases, regular treatment and follow-ups will always be required, but the frequency will be significantly lowered (Fortnightly or monthly).

How does Chinese medicine help with getting off topical corticosteroids?

We would go through it very gently and slowly. Firstly, the potency of topical corticosteroids will be reduced while taking Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture to help manage the symptoms. Over time, the use of topical corticosteroids will be reduced and, be completely eliminated, and then replaced with Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Going off topical corticosteroids abruptly will cause an intense flare-up up therefore, to manage these flare-ups, a cautious and sensitive approach is adopted.

What can you do to help yourself?

The majority of eczema sufferers find that avoiding certain types of food and using a natural skin care product can help reduce the severity of their skin condition. Foods to consider avoiding are gluten, sugar, dairy, alcohol, processed food, deep-fried and greasy food. Warming spices such as turmeric, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom should be used minimally to avoid adding Heat to the body. Part of the approach and strategy to eczema in Chinese medicine is to clear Heat from the body. Redness and inflammation are seen as Heat. Heat can dry out fluids that moisturise the skin, therefore causing dry, cracked and itchy skin. Natural skin care is recommended to keep the skin moist. As there are many natural skin products available in the market today, it is important to read the ingredients used in the product. Ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oils are good at moisturising dry skin. Avoid any synthetic scent, which can cause irritation to the skin; this includes perfume and cologne. It is best to go scent-free if possible; however, some essential oils derived from plants such as chamomile and lavender can be added to sooth the skin, which also has a calming effect on the mind.

Where do we go from here?

The Chinese medicine approach and strategy to addressing eczema is to look at each presenting symptom individually. There is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. If you would like to find out more about how Chinese medicine and Acupuncture can help with your eczema, BOOK ONLINE for an initial consultation. We look forward to hearing from you.