What is Eczema?

Eczema is the most common inflammatory skin condition.   Although commonly believed to be a disease, eczema is better understood as a group of skin conditions that have similar types of inflammation.  Eczema rashes are often scaly, itchy, and red.  They may have small fluid filled blisters, called vesicles.

Chronic types of eczema lead to long term discomfort and itching. Atopic eczema is the most common type of chronic eczema.  Dyshdrotic eczema on the hands and feet, stasis eczema, and nummular eczema are other types of eczema.

What causes eczema?

The exact cause of eczema is not known.  It is probably related to an overactive inflammatory response.   Atopic eczema is probably inherited.  It is commonly found in individuals with a family history of asthma and allergies.

The Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine Categories of Eczema

Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach to diagnosing eczema, considering physical, emotional, and environmental factors. The primary diagnosis is made by looking at the skin.  This is combined with information from taking the pulse, observing the tongue and the skin, and asking in depth questions.

In Chinese medicine, too much heat is a common cause of eczema, which leads to the itch, redness, and irritation.  Other imbalances called dampness can result in swelling and vesicles. Another possible imbalance is too little energy, or what we call “qi deficiency.”  The acupuncture and herbs help to clear the heat from the body or to boost the body’s energy

If you have questions about acupuncture and Chinese herbs for eczema, please e-mail or call us 917-887-4946 to make an appointment.

Read More:

• Acupuncture for Atopic Eczema
• Acupuncture for Allergies
• Resetting the Immune System with Acupuncture