At present, Western medicine generally uses steroids to treat eczema, but long-term use of steroids in patients may cause substance use disorders and side effects. Hong Kong-registered traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner Dr. Yuen Oi-lin has successfully treated many cases of severe eczema without the use of steroids.
A Severe Eczema Case Treated by Dr. Yuen
Yuen said she had a young, male patient suffering from severe eczema for six months presenting with red, swollen, and ulcerated cheeks. His mother, a former rosacea sufferer, was reluctant to use steroids to treat him, so she sought help from TCM.Three Types of Eczema That Flaring-up Winter and Summer
Yuen said that eczema is a manifestation of dry skin, and attacks in conditions of winter, humid summer, and when the seasons alter. Symptoms include dryness, allergies, redness, inflamed skin, and other serious symptoms such as itching, dark red skin on the affected area, rough skin like leather, peeling, oozing fluid, scabs, lumps, and partial swelling.Four Causes of Eczema
- Weakened immune system.
- Genetics.
- Environment: Viruses, dust mites, pollen, mold, wool.
- Diet: Fried foods, seafood, liquid protein such as eggs, and drinking frozen drinks.
Eczema Is an Immune System Disorder
According to the classification of Western medicine, eczema is divided into atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, neurodermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, oily dermatitis, and others. However, according to the point of view of TCM, any skin inflammation is called eczema.In TCM, skin problems are usually attributed to the immune system. Yuen pointed out that the main treatment for eczema is to nourish yin, clear heat, and detoxify while strengthening the spleen function which if deficient, can generate phlegm and heavier dampness in the body. A deteriorating immune system can also lead to eczema.
In TCM, qi, blood, and body fluids are essential substances for life activities. Ensuring these essential substances are sufficient and circulating throughout the body is very important for health and well-being. If the qi or the spleen (which is the main organ connected with the production of qi) is weak, fluids don’t get properly transformed and transported, and “dampness” accumulates. The dampness congeals into phlegm when it sticks around too long.
Chinese Medicine for Itching
Oral or topical steroids are the most common ways to treat eczema in Western medicine. Although steroids can have a soothing effect, some patients are prone to drug dependence. In addition, drug residues are not easily excreted from the body, and long-term usage may even cause side effects such as an accumulation of fat on the back of the neck known as “buffalo hump.”- Acupoint therapy: Acupuncture at Greater Hammer GV14: Improve the immune system. The acupoint is located in the mid-line of the back, in the depression below the seventh cervical vertebra. The 7th cervical vertebra is the large vertebra that sticks out when the patient tilts the head forward.
- External application of herbal medicine: Boil Houttuynia cordata for external application to soothe itchy skin.
- Dietary therapy: Poria cocos (a type of mushroom), candied dates, spare ribs, lean meat or chicken, and raw coix seed cereal. Boil the raw seeds in twelve cups of water for one to two hours, then drink.
Correct Eczema Causing Habits
- Avoid the use of shower gel or soap, as these may increase skin irritation.
- Eat a light diet: Avoid fried foods, seafood, and excessive meat.
- Avoid cold drinks.
- Go to bed early.
- Avoid places with high temperatures.
- Wear gloves in the winter.
- Relieve stress: Yuen said that the skin diseases of urban people are mostly related to stress, “80 percent of diseases are caused by stress. The brain controls the human internal organs through nerves. When one is under great pressure, it can cause disease, insomnia, and irritability, and sleeping quality and appetite will be affected. It will further cause eating and gastrointestinal disorders and lower immunity.”