Chinese Medicine for Eczema
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is one of the conditions where traditional Chinese medicine has its strongest evidence base. The combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine has been the subject of numerous clinical trials, several of which have shown results comparable to topical steroids — without the skin-thinning and systemic side effects associated with prolonged steroid use. Many of my patients with eczema have tried multiple conventional treatments before turning to TCM, and in most cases they see a meaningful improvement.
The TCM Understanding of Eczema
In traditional Chinese medicine, eczema is understood as a skin manifestation of internal disharmony rather than a purely local condition. The most common patterns are:
- Wind-heat — the acute, intensely itchy, red, weeping form. Often triggered or worsened by heat, stress, and contact with irritants. Most common in children and in acute flares.
- Damp-heat — oozing, crusting lesions with significant inflammation. Often involves the limb flexures and is worsened by heat and humidity. Associated with digestive imbalance and spleen qi deficiency.
- Blood deficiency with wind — the chronic, dry, thickened, scaly form. The skin is parched and itchy without weeping. Common in adults with long-standing eczema, particularly those who are thin or fatigued.
- Kidney yin deficiency with empty heat — dry, hot, itchy skin that worsens at night. Associated with other signs of yin deficiency including night sweats and disturbed sleep.
Chinese Herbal Medicine for Eczema
Chinese herbal medicine is the most effective TCM treatment for eczema and is typically used both internally (as a prescribed formula) and externally (as a wash or cream). The classical formula most studied for eczema is based on modifications of Xiao Feng San (Xiao Feng San) — a formula that disperses wind, clears heat, and resolves dampness. For dry, blood-deficient patterns, blood-nourishing and wind-extinguishing herbs are combined. All treatment is individualised to the specific pattern present. I prescribe pharmaceutical-grade granules from Sun Ten in Taiwan.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture reduces the inflammatory response and itching associated with eczema, modulates the immune system, and addresses the underlying pattern. Points on the large intestine, spleen, and lung meridians — including LI 11 (Quchi), SP 10 (Xuehai), and SP 6 (Sanyinjiao) — are among the most commonly used. Research has confirmed that acupuncture reduces itch intensity comparable to antihistamines in some studies.
Dietary Advice
For damp-heat patterns, eliminating or greatly reducing dairy, wheat, alcohol, and sugar — all considered damp-producing in TCM — often produces rapid improvement. Identifying and avoiding individual food triggers (eggs, nuts, and shellfish are common) through an elimination protocol can be helpful. Increasing omega-3-rich foods reduces systemic inflammation. For blood-deficient patterns, blood-nourishing foods (dark leafy greens, beetroot, black sesame) are emphasised.
To discuss eczema treatment, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.
