Eczema From A Chinese Medicine Perspective

Atopic eczema is a type I allergic reaction is associated with the IgE antibody production and is most common in patients with a history of other allergic conditions (e.g., Asthma, Hay fever).

 Eczema (or Dermatitis) refers to a group of chronic skin disorders that primarily involve the epidermis.  It is a chronic, superficial inflammation of the skin that can present with other co-morbidities.  There are several types of Eczema with varying presentations and exacerbating factors.

• Contact Eczema: localized rash where offending agent touched skin; caused by allergens, irritants, light, chemicals, perfumes, metals.

• Atopic Eczema: this Type I allergic reaction is associated with the IgE antibody production and is most common in patients with a history of other allergic conditions (e.g., Asthma, Hay fever).

• Seborrheic Eczema: this chronic skin condition is associated with excessive seborrhoea production and greasy scales on the scalp, eyelids and/or other parts of the skin on face.

• Nummular Eczema: chronic skin condition characterised by round red spots that crust and scale; accompanies dry skin in Winter; often associated with emotional stress; usually found in people over the age of 35.

• Stasis Eczema: this form of eczema develops over the lower legs and is associated with poor venous return (e.g. varicose veins).  The skin turns brown and flakes and itches.

• Neurodermatitis: this term is used to describe Eczematoid rashes that seem to have a major stress-related component.

Common signs and symptoms of Eczema include the following:

• Dry, red, inflamed skin lesions that appear on face, neck, trunk and particularly flexures of elbows and knees.

• Itching and/or oozing and crusting of lesions.

• Blistering of skin, particularly on the hands and feet.

• Scaling of areas of skin that are scratched frequently

 Eczema sufferers have some or all of the following causative factors and triggers;

• Family history of allergies

• Personal history of allergies

• Digestive disorders

• Dysbiosis and/or liver toxicity

• Exposure to environmental allergens and/or toxic compounds

• Nutritional deficiencies

• Dietary

• Stress, anxiety or underlying emotional imbalance

 As a mother of an Eczema sufferer, I have a special interest in this condition.

Over the course of my clinical experience I have found that it usually is a 3 step treatment process in ‘getting on top of’ Eczema flares. This usually takes 3-9 months.

I start with using Chinese herbal medicine to reduce the presenting symptoms such as the ‘itchiness’ and discomfort. This allows for better sleep outcomes and a more relaxed emotional state.

I would then move onto identifying dietary, environmental, and emotional triggers. Working with the individual or parents of a child, discussing allergy testing options, gastrointestinal testing options, Vitamin D levels, sun exposure, stress management, and sleep hygiene to name a few. This may take several weeks to several months to gain momentum/change.

The final aspect of the treatment course is to supplement the Eczema sufferer with a specific strain of probiotic, nutrients to maintains skin barrier integrity, a Chinese herbal medicine to address the ‘branch and root cause’, a topical #Dermaviduals (if required – restores skin cell function from the outside in), and LED Light therapy – if the Eczema effects the face.