Seborrheic Dermatitisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Eczema, Dermatitis and Itchy Conditions of the Skin
Did you mean? Dandruff
What is Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Seborrheic dermatitis is a common, chronic skin condition characterized by red, scaly, and itchy patches, often affecting the scalp but also seen in oily areas of the body. This skin disorder is known by various names including seborrheic eczema, sebaceous dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp. It's particularly notable for its flaky, dandruff-like appearance. The condition, often chronic, tends to fluctuate in severity and may be exacerbated by stress, hormonal changes, or weather.
How does TCM View Seborrheic Dermatitis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches seborrheic dermatitis differently from Western medicine. TCM views this condition as a manifestation of internal imbalances in the body's natural energies and identifies it as related to patterns of disharmony, such as Damp-Wind or Toxic-Heat.
In TCM, the skin is a reflection of internal health, and seborrheic dermatitis signals an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Treatment focuses on restoring balance and harmony within the body, using a holistic approach.
Causes of Seborrheic Dermatitis According to TCM
TCM recognizes several potential causes for seborrheic dermatitis. One common pattern involves Damp-Wind, where Dampness accumulates in the body, creating an environment conducive to skin issues. This pattern often manifests with symptoms like itchiness and visible inflammation.
Another pattern, Toxic-Heat, suggests an accumulation of heat and toxins in the body, leading to red, inflamed, and itchy skin, characteristic of seborrheic dermatitis. These patterns are indicative of an imbalance in the body's Yin and Yang energies, and treatment is aimed at restoring this balance.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Seborrheic Dermatitis
In treating seborrheic dermatitis, TCM relies on various herbal formulas and treatments. For conditions arising from Damp-Wind, the Ku Shen Tang formula, containing Sophora Roots, is beneficial for its bitter and cold properties, helping to alleviate symptoms.
For Toxic-Heat patterns, Zi Dang Gao, which includes Lithospermum Roots, offers relief. This formula targets the heat and toxicity that exacerbate the condition. Additionally, Shi Wei Bai Du San, with Saposhnikovia Roots, is effective for Toxic-Heat, and Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, featuring Peach Kernels, is used for more severe cases involving Blood Stagnation. These treatments are tailored to the individual's specific pattern of disharmony, underlining TCM's personalized approach to healthcare.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address seborrheic dermatitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
External formulas for External disorders
Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by external factors like wind, cold, or heat leading to symptoms on the body's surface.
One such formula is Ku Shen Tang, with sophora root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "external formulas for external disorders" recommended for seborrheic dermatitis
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Ku Shen Tang | Sophora Roots (Ku Shen) |
| Zi Dang Gao | Lithospermum Roots (Zi Cao), Dong Quai (Dang Gui) |
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated by formulas that clear external abscesses and sores if it is due to localized infections or inflammations on the skin.
One such formula is Shi Wei Bai Du San, with saposhnikovia root as a key herb.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Seborrheic Dermatitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address seborrheic dermatitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng), a key herb in some formulas recommended for seborrheic dermatitis, like Shi Wei Bai Du San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for seborrheic dermatitis
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) | Shi Wei Bai Du San |
| Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) | Shi Wei Bai Du San |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Sophora Roots (Ku Shen), a key herb in some formulas recommended for seborrheic dermatitis, like Ku Shen Tang.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for seborrheic dermatitis, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for seborrheic dermatitis, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Lithospermum Roots (Zi Cao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for seborrheic dermatitis, like Zi Dang Gao.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Seborrheic dermatitis can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Dong Quai (Dang Gui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for seborrheic dermatitis, like Zi Dang Gao.