Eczema is a common inflammatory skin disease of the epidermis and superficial dermis. The clinical manifestations are symmetrical, exudative, pruritic, polymorphous and recurrent. It can occur at any age, in any location and at any time of year, but frequently in winter. It usually takes a chronic course and is prone to relapses.
Symptoms
Dry, scaly skin
Increased hornification of the skin
Itching
Pain in cracked areas
It is generally believed that the occurrence of eczema is closely related to genetic factors and the body's immune function. external (exogenous) or internal (endogenous) influences play some role in pathogenesis.
Exogenous eczema occurs as an allergic reaction or as irritation to a toxic or irritating substance.
Endogenous eczema is based on a hereditary predisposition. The most common endogenous eczema is atopic dermatitis.
The treatment of eczema in conventional medicine is mainly to dampen the rash and stop the itching, generally using hormones and topical hormone ointments. These treatments have some effect but cannot solve the underlying problem. Once the medication is stopped, there is a great risk of a relapse. The hormones also have many side effects that can lead to buffalo backs or thigh osteoporosis.
Chinese medicine believes that this disease is mainly related to dampness; internal dampness can increase internal heat, leading to the development of damp-heat syndrome. Dampness over a long period of time damages the spleen, heat damages the yin and blood, leading to a mixed syndrome of deficiency and fullness. Acute eczema usually occurs with a damp-heat syndrome, chronic eczema usually with a mixed deficiency and fullness syndrome. Treatment involves both oral and external application of Chinese herbs.
In the acute phase, the main treatment is a combination of acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine with external rinses and cream applications. Most cases can be brought under control within a month; in the chronic stage, treatment usually takes more than three months.