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.

Dr Clancy is the Senior Acupuncturist at DCNMC. If you are wanting to learn more about how Clancy can help you on your healing journey, she offers Complimentary Discovery Calls. Clancy is available for appointments on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday.