Chinese Medicine for Eczema: A Holistic Approach to Skin Health

 Tiejun Tang

Eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by dry, itchy, and inflamed skin, is a growing concern in the UK. According to the National Eczema Society, over 15 million people in the UK suffer from eczema, with 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults affected.^[1] The condition not only impacts physical health but also significantly affects mental well-being and quality of life. While Western medicine offers various treatments, many patients seek alternative therapies, such as Chinese medicine, to manage their symptoms effectively and holistically.

Western Medicine for Eczema: Challenges and Limitations

Western medicine primarily treats eczema with topical corticosteroids, emollients, and antihistamines to reduce inflammation, moisturize the skin, and relieve itching. In severe cases, systemic immunosuppressants or biologics may be prescribed. While these treatments can be effective, they often come with limitations and side effects. Prolonged use of topical steroids, for example, can lead to skin thinning, discoloration, and tolerance, while systemic treatments may carry risks of immune suppression or organ toxicity.^[2] These challenges have led many patients to explore complementary and alternative therapies, especially traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Chinese Medicine’s Understanding of Eczema

In Chinese medicine, eczema is often attributed to an imbalance in the body’s internal environment, particularly involving the Lung, Spleen, and Liver systems. According to TCM theory, eczema is caused by a combination of factors, including:

• Wind, Heat, and Dampness: External pathogens like wind and heat, combined with internal dampness, are believed to contribute to skin inflammation and itching.
• Blood Deficiency: Chronic eczema is often linked to blood deficiency, which leads to dry skin and poor nourishment of the skin.
• Emotional Factors: Stress and emotional imbalances are thought to exacerbate symptoms by disrupting the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood.

Chinese Medicine Treatment Methods

Chinese medicine employs a holistic approach to treat eczema, focusing on addressing the root cause of the imbalance rather than just alleviating symptoms. Common treatment modalities include:

1. Herbal Medicine: Customized herbal formulas are prescribed based on the patient’s specific pattern of imbalance. For example:
• Wind-Heat Pattern: Herbs like Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) and Lian Qiao (Forsythia) are used to clear heat and expel wind.
• Damp-Heat Pattern: Herbs such as Huang Qin (Scutellaria) and Fu Ling (Poria) help resolve dampness and heat.
• Blood Deficiency Pattern: Herbs like Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) and Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia) nourish the blood and moisten the skin.

Commonly used formulas include Xiao Feng San (Wind-Dispelling Powder) for acute eczema and Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) for chronic cases.

2. Acupuncture: Acupuncture is used to regulate Qi and blood flow, reduce inflammation, and relieve itching. Specific points, such as LI11 (Quchi) and SP10 (Xuehai), are often targeted for skin conditions.
3. Dietary Therapy: TCM emphasizes the role of diet in managing eczema. Patients are advised to avoid damp-producing foods like dairy and sugar while incorporating nourishing foods such as leafy greens and lean proteins.
4. Topical Herbal Applications: Herbal creams or washes made from ingredients like Ku Shen (Sophora) and Huang Bai (Phellodendron) can soothe itching and reduce inflammation.

Efficacy of Chinese Medicine for Eczema

A Clinical study showed that Xiaofeng San can reduce in total lesion scores in the treatment group of eczema patients. It was significantly better than that in the placebo group at 8 weeks. There were also statistically significant differences between the treatment group and the placebo group in terms of erythema, skin surface damage, itching, and sleep scores. Patients reported no side effects of the treatment.^[3]

A meta-analysis study included a total of 662 patients with eczema were included (322 in the experimental group and 340 in the control group). The area and severity index and the remission rate of the treatment group were better than those of the placebo group. The atopic dermatitis score, surface damage score, and sleep score of the treatment group were all improved.^[4]

Modern Pharmacological Research on Chinese Medicine

Modern research has begun to validate the mechanisms behind TCM’s efficacy. For example:

• Huang Qin (Scutellaria) has been found to contain baicalein, a compound with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.^[5]
• Ku Shen (Sophora) contains matrine, which has been shown to inhibit histamine release and reduce itching.^[6]
• Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) promotes blood circulation and skin repair through its active compounds, such as ferulic acid.^[7]

These findings bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern science, providing a scientific basis for the use of Chinese medicine in eczema treatment.

Conclusion

Eczema is a complex condition that requires a multifaceted approach to management. While Western medicine provides effective symptom relief, its limitations and side effects have led many patients to explore Chinese medicine as a complementary or alternative therapy. With its holistic approach, personalized treatments, and growing body of scientific evidence, Chinese medicine offers a promising option for those seeking to manage eczema naturally and effectively.

References:

1. National Eczema Society. (2023). Eczema Facts and Figures. Retrieved from www.eczema.org
2. Muhammad Yasir. Corticosteroid Adverse Effects. StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-.
3. Hui-Man Cheng. The efficacy and safety of a Chinese herbal product (Xiao-Feng-San) for the treatment of refractory atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Int Arch Allergy Immunol . 2011;155(2):141-8.
4. Xiaoce Cai. Efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine for atopic dermatitis: Evidence from eight high-quality randomized placebo-controlled trials. Front Pharmacol. 2022 Sep 27:13:927304.
5. Yongqiang Wen. The Pharmacological Efficacy of Baicalin in Inflammatory Diseases. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 May 26;24(11):9317
6. Zhe Zhang. Oxymatrine screened from Sophora flavescens by cell membrane immobilized chromatography relieves histamine-independent itch. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2021 Dec 7;73(12):1617-1629
7. Kamila Zduńska .Antioxidant Properties of Ferulic Acid and Its Possible Application. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2018;31(6):332-336.