Atopic Dermatitis

Often associated with itchy, patchy, and irritated skin, eczema causes patients both psychological and physical distress. It is such a stressful condition to live with that many turn to conventional medicine to ease the discomfort. But, like any other drug, medications such as these often result in side effects.

As a result, over the past few years, more and more people have decided to try traditional Chinese medicine to manage the condition. The question is, will it work for you? Is it more effective than topical medication? We’ve decided to answer all the questions for you and whether or not this form of treatment will be a worthwhile investment. So, let’s get right to it.

What Is Atopic Dermatitis?

Eczema is a group of very itchy skin conditions that trigger irritated, blotchy, rough, and cracked skin. The affected area changes in color and becomes very red. In some cases, the condition can result in blisters, which can be highly uncomfortable.

Atopic Dermatitis is the most frequently diagnosed type of eczema. According to Mayo Clinic, it’s a chronic problem that has the potential to trigger random flares from time to time. For some patients, the condition can be followed by seasonal rhinitis (hay fever) and asthma.

Symptoms

Every person can develop a wide range of different symptoms, some of which are:

• Scaly, cracked or thick skin
• Swollen areas from too much scratching
• Severe and draining itchiness, particularly at night
• Gray, red, or brown skin patches in different areas of the body
• Tiny bumps packed with fluid
• Dryness

For most patients, the condition appears in toddlers younger than five years and can remain into adulthood. For others, however, the flares and inflammation clear up after a while, and the skin problem dissipates.

Conventional Treatment

The go-to options for managing moderate to mild dermatitis are a mix of moisturization and corticosteroids. The treatment options include:

• Pharmaceutical drugs
• Topical creams
• Antihistamines
• Corticosteroids
• Immunosuppressants

These meds possess potent anti-inflammatory compounds that provide quick relief. However, the longer they are used, the higher the chance of developing stretch marks, spider veins, skin atrophy, and discoloration abnormalities, stated Primer Research.

The reason for that is relatively simple. Immunosuppressants drastically affect the immune system and put the body out of balance. Since there is no cure, the primary purpose of these medications is to slow down the progression of the condition to help patients live a comfortable life.

But, because of the numerous side effects, people are willing to try other more natural treatment alternatives. That’s where traditional Chinese medicine comes into play.

How Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help?

Chinese medicine is completely different. Instead of weakening the immune system, it nourishes the skin and restores the proper balance in the body.

 

Chinese Herbal Medicines at Sunrise Neuro-Acupuncture Integrative Clinic:

Sunrise Neuro-Acupuncture Integrative Clinic takes a holistic approach to treat atopic dermatitis, addressing both the underlying causes and the symptoms. Chinese herbal medicines are a cornerstone of this treatment.

An individualized strategy to atopic dermatitis treatment with Chinese herbal medicine involves selecting herbs based on the specific patterns and imbalances observed in each patient. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), atopic dermatitis is often associated with different patterns of disharmony, such as heat, dampness, blood deficiency, or Qi stagnation. Below, we’ll delve deeper into the herbal treatments and their role in addressing these patterns, promoting skin regeneration, and restoring gut microbiota:

1. Internal Teas for Atopic Dermatitis:

Chinese herbal teas, when consumed as part of a customized treatment plan, can help address the internal imbalances that contribute to atopic dermatitis. These teas are prepared from a combination of herbs carefully selected by experienced practitioners at Sunrise Neuro-Acupuncture Integrative Clinic. Common herbs used in these teas include:

2. Herbal Treatment Based on Pattern Differentiation:

Heat-Clearing Herbs: If there is heat and inflammation in the body, herbs like Huang Qin (Scutellaria Baicalensis) and Bai Xian Pi (Dictamnus Dasycarpus) may be used to cool and clear heat, reducing redness and itching. Huang Bai (Phellodendron Bark): Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps reduce skin inflammation.

Dampness-Resolving Herbs: Herbs such as Ze Xie (Alisma) and Fu Ling (Poria) are employed to eliminate dampness in the body. Dampness can contribute to the development of eczema lesions. By addressing dampness, these herbs help reduce oozing and promote drying of the affected areas.

Blood-Nourishing Herbs: To address blood deficiency, herbs like Dang Gui (Chinese Angelica) and Shu Di Huang (Rehmannia) can be used to nourish the blood, nourishing the skin, supports blood circulation and soothes dry, itchy skin.

Qi-Regulating Herbs: If there is Qi stagnation, herbs like Chai Hu (Bupleurum) and Xiang Fu (Cyperus) may be utilized to regulate Qi flow, reducing itchiness and discomfort.

3. Herbs for Skin Regeneration:

Centella Asiatica (Gotu Kola): This herb is known for its wound-healing properties. It helps to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and promotes the regeneration of healthy skin cells.

Calendula (Marigold): Calendula has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, making it effective in soothing irritated skin and supporting the healing process.

Aloe Vera: Aloe vera gel is well-known for its ability to moisturize and soothe the skin. It can also aid in skin repair and regeneration.

4.Herbs for Gut Health and Skin Healing:

TCM places great emphasis on the connection between gut health and skin conditions. The gut-skin axis theory suggests that an imbalanced gut microbiome can contribute to skin issues like atopic dermatitis. To restore gut health and subsequently promote skin healing, certain herbs and dietary recommendations may be considered:

Herbs for Digestive Health: Herbs such as Huang Qi (Astragalus) and Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) can support digestive function and help address any underlying issues contributing to skin problems.

5. External Ointments for Atopic Dermatitis:

In addition to internal teas, the clinic offers specialized Chinese herbal ointments for external application. These ointments contain a blend of herbs chosen for their ability to soothe irritated skin, reduce itching, and promote healing.

These ointments are carefully formulated to address the specific needs of each patient, providing targeted relief, and aiding in the healing of affected skin.

Atopic dermatitis can be a challenging condition to manage, but Sunrise Neuro-Acupuncture Integrative Clinic in Ottawa, ON, offers a unique approach to treatment through the use of Chinese herbal medicines.

It’s important to emphasize that an individualized approach to herbal treatment is crucial in TCM. The selection of herbs and their formulations should be tailored to the patient’s unique presentation and health history. Therefore, consulting with an experienced TCM practitioner at Sunrise Neuro-Acupuncture Integrative Clinic in Ottawa, ON, will ensure a personalized and effective treatment plan for atopic dermatitis, considering both the skin condition and its underlying factors.

Sunrise Neuro-Acupuncture Integrative clinic is an acupuncture and Chinese medicine clinic in Westboro. We provides care for  atopic dermatitis. If you would like to receive more information about this treatment or to book an appointment, you can call us at 613-853-9099