About Eczema.
Eczema, or 'Atopic Dermatitis' describes chronic inflammatory rashes and itchiness of the skin. Eczema is one of the most common skin diseases, affecting roughly 20% of children, and 3% of adults. Eczema is often accompanied by conditions such as hayfever or asthma, forming what is known as the ‘Atopic Triad’.
Causes of Eczema.
Eczema is not contagious, nor is it life-threatening. However, the relentless nature of the condition can be debilitating. Itching throughout the night can occur, causing severe lack of sleep, and the appearance of the rashes can be distressing for the sufferer. Stress is considered a trigger of eczema, and the stress associated with the disease can often further perpetuate the condition.
From infancy to adulthood, the appearance, location and severity of the rashes may vary. Itch is common in all cases, and can lead to intense scratching, causing the skin to thicken, and alter in appearance.
While the exact cause of eczema is unknown, certain triggers may include:
- A family history of eczema, asthma or hayfever
- Foods - dairy, wheat, citrus, eggs, seafood, nuts, alcohol and certain food additives
- Stress
- Allergens, such as dust mites, grasses and pollens, foods, animal fur, soaps and moulds
- Irritants: chemicals, air conditioning, hot and humid or cold and dry weather conditions and cigarette smoke
Chinese Medicine considers the cause of eczema to have both internal and external factors. Internal factors often include deficiencies and weaknesses in the body, which can be due to genetic influences, emotional disharmony or dietary and lifestyle indiscretions. External factors include Wind (causing itch), Damp (non-healing sores that may ooze or crust), and Heat (inflammation). These pathogens invade the body, and when combined with the pre-existing internal vulnerabilities, they form a condition of both excess and deficiency. Over time, these conditions can deplete the body’s resources, leading to conditions of chronic dryness, often seen in Eczema.
What Can Chinese Medicine Do?
The treatment approach will vary according to the constitution of the individual patient, and whether they are experiencing an acute flare up of eczema, or are in the chronic
phase. Chinese Medical treatment methods for eczema may include acupuncture,
herbal medicine, external herbal washes and ointments and dietary and lifestyle guidance. Each patient is treated as an individual, and therefore herbal formulas will often differ and be modified according to the needs of the patient.
A 2014 study investigated the use of Chinese Herbal medicine as an adjunct
to corticosteroid therapy in children with Eczema. The results demonstrated
that after one year, the use of Chinese Medicine significantly reduced exposure to both topical and systemic corticosteroid use among these children. The most commonly prescribed herbal formula in this study was ‘Xiao Feng San’, or ‘Eliminate Wind Powder’, which is effective in eliminating wind, damp and heat to resolve the itch and redness associated with eczema.
(Chen et al, 2014, pp.189-194)
What Can You Do?
Together with visiting the clinic for acupuncture and herbal treatments, there are certain things a patient can do to aid in the successful healing of their condition. During a Chinese Medicine consultation, the practitioner will take the client through a detailed analysis of potential lifestyle changes that can positively alter the patient’s disease condition. Living a balanced lifestyle, without excess in any form (partying, working, unhealthy eating) can aid in self-healing by giving the body the space and time to repair. As Chinese Medicine takes an individualised approach to each patient’s condition, achievable self-healing techniques and lifestyle alterations will be developed during the treatment.
References:
Chen, H., Lin, Y., Wu, C., Hu, S., Yang, S., Chen, J., Chen, Y., Lo, S. (2014). Use of
traditional Chinese medicine reduces exposure to corticosteroid among atopic
dermatitis children: A 1-year follow-up cohort study. Journal of
Ethnopharmacology. (159) 189-196.