Up-to-scratch TCM Rx for eczema

BEIJING, Jan. 15 -- We can always scratch an itch, but don't scratch a rash, as it may get worse, especially if it's very itchy eczema, sometimes called "the itch that rashes."

Eczema, a skin inflammation, is a very common nuisance; it can be acute, subacute or chronic; it can come and go, triggered by many factors, including sudden changes in temperature or humidity. It is often linked to dampness and sweating, both in winter and summer.

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) calls it shi zhen or damp itch, and according to TCM theory, it is caused by "pathogenic dampness." It can be aggravated by "pathogenic heat" and "pathogenic wind."

It can be dry and scaly, it can also ooze. It can be treated and TCM claims it can be cured. It is not contagious.

Eczema is one of the most common allergic skin diseases that easily become chronic nuisances. Red irritated skin with small fluid-filled bumps is the symptom in the early phase. The itchiness usually prompts scratching, which only makes the problem worse - the fluid oozes. The skin gets drier, scalier and thicker, with brownish areas appearing on the skin.

This is why eczema is often called the "itch that rashes" rather than the "rash that itches."

Western medicine identifies an "allergic constitution," while TCM theory says "insufficient natural endowment" with a weak spleen is the fundamental cause of eczema.

The spleen plays an important role in eliminating excessive fluid outside the body. A weak spleen can't accomplish the task, leading to accumulated internal "dampness" that blocks the flow of energy or qi.

A weakened liver means toxins cannot be effectively eliminated through defecation and urination. Thus, when toxins like pathogenic heat and dampness cannot be discharged naturally, they rise to the surface of the skin and the pores.

If they cannot be discharged through the pores, then eczema can occur, triggered by pathogenic wind, certain foods and substances (soap, detergents, etc), or stress.

A damp environment, such as rainy weather and sweating in tight clothes, may aggravate internal dampness due to the correspondence between human body and the universe. That's why eczema is common in rainy weather.

"Stimulus varies from person to person, and it is usually difficult to identify," says Dr Li Yongmei, director of the Dermatology Department of Longhua Hospital attached to Shanghai University of TCM. "But TCM believes that as long as we can relieve the internal heat and dampness while avoiding a damp environment, we can cure it."

Different treatments are applied to different phases of eczema. Removing pathogenic heat and dampness is the priority in the early phase with a rash and bumps. Chinese patent drug such as "Long Dan Xie Gan Wan" (gentian expelling liver heat pill) and "Shi Du Qing Jiao Nang" (clearing pathogenic dampness capsule) are frequently used.

Expelling pathogenic wind and clearing pathogenic heat is the principle in the second phase with itchy dry skin. "Fu Yang Chong Ji" (itchy skin medicinal granules) and "Qing Feng Zhi Yang Ke Li" (clearing pathogenic wind and relieving itching medicinal granules) are recommended.

Adding moisture and removing pathogenic wind are used in the third phase with thickened and brown skin. "Run Zao Zhi Yang Jiao Nang" (moistening dryness and relieving itching capsule) and "Wu Shao Zhi Yang Wan" (big-eyed rat snake relieving itch pill) can help.

Foods that benefit the spleen and dispel pathogenic dampness such as barley (Job's tears), yam and hyacinth bean are recommended.

Apart from taking medicine and eating beneficial foods, avoid irritating foods that can worsen the eczema, says Dr Li.

Avoid vegetables like leeks, garlic and chilies and proteins like seafood, beef and mutton. Avoid fried, pickled and uncooked foods, especially at the onset of eczema.

Do not scratch, don't wash with hot water or strong alkaline soap. Keep the affected area out of the sun, away from irritating ultraviolet rays.

"Eczema patients relapse a lot when they are in a low state or eat some irritating foods," says Dr Li. "Maintaining internal emotional balance and eating correctly is crucial, even after eczema goes away."

(Source: Shanghai Daily)