Eczema in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different eczema patterns according to TCM theory

Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice

Condition Categories

Dermatological Conditions & Symptoms Eczema, Dermatitis and Itchy Conditions of the Skin Skin Inflammation & Swelling
5
TCM Patterns
38
Formulas
Overview
What causes it 5 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each eczema pattern
Classical remedies 38 herbal formulas documented
Related conditions

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on eczema, contrasting with Western medicine's focus on external triggers and immune responses. TCM sees eczema as a manifestation of internal imbalances in the body, particularly involving the Liver, Spleen, and Lung systems.

It emphasizes that the root causes of eczema are as crucial as the visible symptoms, and it focuses on restoring the body's overall balance to treat the condition. TCM practitioners identify specific patterns of disharmony within the body, determining treatment based on these patterns.

TCM Patterns for Eczema

Heat

Intense, ascending pathogenic force that consumes body fluids, disturbs the mind, and accelerates all physiological processes

Causes: Eczema, Vulvar eczema

4 variations documented
Onset Can be sudden
Location Can be local or systemic
Features Red face/eyes • Thirst for cold drinks • Restlessness • Yellow/dark secretions

Heat is a major pathogenic factor in Traditional Chinese Medicine that can arise from external invasion or internal generation. Heat has the characteristics of burning intensity, rising upward, consuming qi and fluids, and generating wind and disturbing blood. In TCM philosophy, normal physiological warmth is called "minor fire" (少火) which maintains life functions, while pathological heat is "major fire" (壮火) which damages the body.

Heat in the Blood
How it presents with eczema

Eczema

Along with: Feeling of heat, Red skin eruptions, Thirst, Frequent bleeding, Bloody sputum, Hematochezia,

Toxic-Heat
How it presents with eczema

Eczema

Along with: Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Pustule,

Toxic-Heat Stagnation
How it presents with eczema

Eczema

Along with: Pustule, Carbuncles, Fever, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Throat pain,

Damp-Heat in the Liver
How it presents with eczema

Vulvar eczema

Along with: Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Loss of appetite,

Dampness

Heavy, sticky moisture that obstructs body functions and creates sluggishness

Causes: Eczema, Vulvar eczema

2 variations documented
Onset Gradual
Location Systemic, especially digestive
Features Heavy/foggy feeling • Sticky/turbid discharges • Poor appetite • Bloating

Dampness manifests as swelling, bloating, a feeling of heaviness in the head and limbs, and digestive issues. It's like having waterlogged tissues that make everything feel heavy and slow. Common signs include a thick, greasy tongue coating, sticky mouth sensation, and stools that are difficult to flush.

Damp-Cold
How it presents with eczema

Eczema

Along with: Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain,

Traditional Herbal Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Liver
How it presents with eczema

Vulvar eczema

Along with: Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Loss of appetite,

Blood Deficiency

Insufficient blood to nourish the body, causing paleness, dizziness, and dryness throughout the system

Causes: Eczema

1 variation documented
Onset Gradual
Location Systemic
Features Pale face/lips/nails • Blurred vision • Dizziness • Scanty menses • Numbness

Blood Deficiency represents a fundamental lack of blood volume or quality in the body, resulting in organs, tissues, and the mind being undernourished. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, blood not only refers to the red fluid in our vessels but encompasses the body's entire nourishing and moistening functions.

Blood Deficiency with External Wind
How it presents with eczema

Eczema

Along with: Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Wind

Causes sudden symptoms, movement disorders, and serves as the vehicle for other pathogens

Causes: Eczema

1 variation documented
Onset Sudden
Location Often upper body/exterior
Features Rapid onset • Moving/migrating symptoms • Itching • Symptoms change location

Wind is the predominant pathogenic factor of spring in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is considered the leader of the six external pathogens. Wind is described as "the leader of the hundred diseases" (百病之长), serving as the primary factor in external pathogenic invasions. Wind represents a pathogen characterized by constant movement, changeability, and a tendency to affect the upper and outer portions of the body.

Blood Deficiency with External Wind
How it presents with eczema

Eczema

Along with: Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Cold

Congeals body fluids, damages Yang Qi, and causes pain with fixed location

Causes: Eczema

1 variation documented
Onset Sudden
Location Can be local or systemic
Features Aversion to cold • Prefers warmth • Pain relieved by heat • Tight/contracted feeling

Cold is the predominant pathogenic factor of winter in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Cold represents an environmental pathogen that, when excessive, causes disease characterized by its cold, congealing, and contracting nature. While Cold is the main pathogen of winter, it can cause illness in any season through exposure to cold temperatures, getting caught in rain, sweating followed by wind exposure, or excessive air conditioning.

Damp-Cold
How it presents with eczema

Eczema

Along with: Mouth ulcers, White and watery sputum, Nasal discharge, Sneezing, Chills, Abdominal pain,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Herbal Formulas for Eczema

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address eczema

Huang Lian Jie Du Tang

Addresses these eczema patterns:

Heat

Long Dan Xie Gan Tang

Addresses these eczema patterns:

Heat Dampness

Qing Ying Tang

Addresses these eczema patterns:

Heat

Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang

Addresses these eczema patterns:

Heat

Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin

Addresses these eczema patterns:

Heat

Bai He Di Huang Tang

Addresses these eczema patterns:

Heat

Bai Hu Tang

Addresses these eczema patterns:

Heat

Bing Peng San

Addresses these eczema patterns:

Heat

Dang Gui Yin Zi

Addresses these eczema patterns:

Blood Deficiency Wind