Contact Dermatitisaccording to TCM

What is Contact Dermatitis?

Contact dermatitis is a form of skin inflammation that arises when the skin comes into contact with certain substances. It manifests as red, itchy, and sometimes painful rashes, typically appearing on the areas of skin exposed to the irritant or allergen.

Contact dermatitis can be categorized into two types: allergic contact dermatitis, triggered by an immune reaction to a substance, and irritant contact dermatitis, caused by direct damage to the skin by harsh substances. Symptoms and severity can vary, depending on the causative agent and individual sensitivity.

How does TCM view Contact Dermatitis?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets contact dermatitis as a manifestation of internal disharmony and imbalance in the body. Unlike Western medicine, which focuses on the external allergens or irritants, TCM delves into the underlying patterns of disharmony that lead to skin reactions.

It emphasizes the importance of identifying and addressing the root causes, whether they are related to imbalances in Qi (vital energy), Blood, Yin and Yang, or disruptions in organ systems. Treatment in TCM is holistic, aiming to restore the body's natural balance and heal the skin from within.

Root Causes of Contact Dermatitis in TCM

In TCM, contact dermatitis is often linked to two primary patterns: Blood Deficiency and Damp-Heat. Blood Deficiency with External Wind indicates a weakness in the body's defensive Qi, making the skin vulnerable to external factors. Symptoms include dry, itchy skin and a propensity for eczema. To address this, TCM practitioners might recommend formulas that nourish the blood and fend off external irritants.

On the other hand, Damp-Heat in the Skin manifests as red, inflamed, and weepy lesions, often accompanied by intense itching. This pattern indicates an internal accumulation of dampness and heat, often treated with formulas that clear heat and dry dampness.

Explore below more details about what might cause Contact dermatitis according to TCM.

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Contact Dermatitis

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Blood Deficiency with External Wind	Contact dermatitis, Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights, Flaking skin... see more	Dang Gui Yin Zi

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Contact Dermatitis

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Blood Deficiency with External Wind	Contact dermatitis, Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights, Flaking skin... see more	Dang Gui Yin Zi

TCM Herbal Formulas for Contact Dermatitis

For managing contact dermatitis, TCM utilizes a variety of formulas and herbs tailored to the underlying disharmony. In cases of Blood Deficiency with External Wind, the Dang Gui Yin Zi formula, enriched with Japanese catnip, is commonly used. This formula works to nourish the Blood and dispel Wind, addressing the root cause of skin sensitivity.

The treatments are holistic, considering the individual's entire health profile to ensure a balanced and effective approach to healing.

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address contact dermatitis, organized by cause and by formula type.

Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Dang Gui Yin Zi

Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause contact dermatitis, such as Blood Deficiency with External Wind

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Top Formula for Wind:
Dang Gui Yin Zi

Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause contact dermatitis, such as Blood Deficiency with External Wind

Learn more

TCM Herbs for Contact Dermatitis

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address contact dermatitis, organized by herb category.