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What Is Eczema?

Eczema (also known as dermatitis) is characterised by “an itchy red rash that typically tends to involve the skin creases (e.g. behind the knees, folds of elbows, around the neck), and is usually relatively mild” (Emerson 1998). 

Types of Eczema

·         Atopic – genetic and environmental factors play a part in its development

·         Contact – occurs due to contact with irritants or allergens

·         Seborrhoeic – affecting the scalp, face, torso and flexures in adults, children and babies

·         Discoid- exhibiting ‘coin shaped’ discs of eczema

·         Varicose - common in later life, particularly in women, but can occur from teenage years

·         Asteatotic – generally affecting the over 60s

·         Pompholyx – displays blistering that is restricted to the hands and feet

(National Eczema Society, 2015)

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Eczema

TCM states that eczema is caused by three pathogenic elements; wind, dampness and heat.  Skin conditions caused by wind are characterised by sudden onset and development, itching and also movement of the condition from one part of the body to another.  Dampness tends to manifest itself as skin puffiness or as papules that can discharge fluid.  The third element of heat generally appears as redness, swelling or as a burning sensation.  According to TCM principles, various combinations of these pathogens produce different types of eczema.

How TCM Dr Dong Can Help with Eczema

 

TCM diagnosis will provide Dr Dong with a clear insight in to the cause of your eczema.  The treatment will focus on the root cause as well as addressing the presenting symptoms using a bespoke combination of acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies.

 

Acupuncture

 

Overall, acupuncture is believed to stimulate the nervous system, which causes the release of neurochemical messengers.  The resulting biochemical changes influence the body's homeostatic systems, consequently promoting physical and emotional well-being (Hui, 2010).

 

Acupuncture can also help relieve eczema symptoms by:

• Reducing inflammation, by promoting the release of vascular and immunomodulatory factors (Zijlstra 2003; Kavoussi 2007)
• Regulating the allergic response to external allergens (Okumura 2002)(Pfab 2011)
• Enhancing natural killer cell activities and controlling the number and ratio of immune cell types (Kawakita 2008)
• Increasing local circulation of blood in the smallest blood vessels, (Komori 2009), which aids dispersal of swelling.

Herbal Remedies

Depending on your diagnosis, TCM Dr Dong will prescribe herbal remedies, to eliminate wind, clear heat and dispel damp whist nourishing the blood, thus helping to relieve your eczema symptoms.