Eczema and Skin Inflammation

Eczema and skin inflammation are chronic conditions that can cause redness, itching, dryness, and irritation. These symptoms often flare up with stress, allergies, weather changes, or internal imbalances, affecting both comfort and confidence.

Understanding Eczema and Skin Inflammation in TCM

In TCM, skin conditions are often related to:

• Heat and Dampness accumulation in the body
• Blood Heat causing redness and itching
• Wind invasion triggering sudden flare-ups
• Spleen Qi deficiency impairing fluid metabolism
• Lung and Kidney imbalances affecting skin health

Treatment focuses on clearing Heat, resolving Dampness, nourishing Blood, and supporting the Lung and Spleen systems.

How Acupuncture Helps with Eczema and Skin Conditions

Acupuncture supports skin health by:

• Regulating immune function to reduce hypersensitivity
• Clearing internal Heat and Dampness
• Calming inflammation and promoting tissue repair
• Balancing the Liver, Lung, and Spleen functions

Key acupuncture points along the Lung, Large Intestine, Spleen, Stomach, and Liver meridians are selected based on the root cause and location of skin symptoms.

Recent research published in the Journal of Dermatological Acupuncture (2022) confirms that acupuncture reduces eczema severity, improves itching, and enhances skin barrier function.

How Chinese Herbal Medicine Supports Skin Healing

Chinese herbal therapy complements acupuncture by:

• Clearing Heat and Dampness from the body
• Cooling the Blood and relieving itching
• Nourishing Yin and fluids to hydrate dry skin
• Strengthening the Lung and Spleen to prevent recurrences

Commonly used herbs include:

• Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root): Clears Heat and reduces inflammation
• Ku Shen (Sophora Root): Relieves itching and dries Dampness
• Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Root): Cools Blood and nourishes Yin
• Fang Feng (Siler Root): Expels Wind and alleviates itching

Herbal formulas are tailored to match the type of eczema—whether it is more Damp, Hot, Dry, or Wind-dominant.

Different Patterns of Eczema in TCM

Damp-Heat Eczema

Symptoms include:

• Red, weepy, itchy skin
• Sticky or oozing discharge
• Worsening in hot, humid conditions

Treatment focuses on clearing Damp-Heat and drying moisture.

Blood Heat Eczema

Symptoms include:

• Bright red rashes
• Severe itching
• Irritability or heat sensations

Treatment cools Blood, clears Heat, and calms the mind.

Wind-Dryness Eczema

Symptoms include:

• Dry, flaky, rough patches
• Mild itching
• Worse in cold, dry climates

Treatment nourishes Yin, hydrates the skin, and dispels Wind.

Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations for Healthier Skin

Supporting skin health requires daily habits. At Vital Duo, we recommend:

• Avoiding spicy, fried, and greasy foods that generate internal Heat
• Eating cooling, hydrating foods like cucumber, watermelon, and pear
• Drinking adequate warm water to support skin hydration
• Managing stress through breathing exercises, meditation, or Tai Chi
• Moisturising the skin with natural, fragrance-free products
• Wearing loose, breathable clothing to prevent irritation

Identifying and avoiding individual food or environmental triggers also helps prevent flare-ups.

Final Thoughts

Eczema and skin inflammation can be deeply frustrating, but lasting healing is possible. With Traditional Chinese Medicine, you can address the root causes, strengthen your body, and enjoy healthier, more resilient skin.