Symptom family: Eczema, Dermatitis and Itchy Conditions of the Skin
Neurodermatitis, also known as lichen simplex chronicus, is a chronic skin condition characterized by an intense itch-scratch cycle. This condition manifests as thickened, leathery patches of skin, often resulting from prolonged scratching or rubbing.
Neurodermatitis commonly appears on areas easily accessible by hands, like the neck, scalp, shoulders, wrists, or ankles. The persistent scratching leads to skin changes, including raised, rough patches that can be discolored. The condition can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, significantly impacting the quality of life.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), neurodermatitis is seen through a holistic lens, focusing on the balance of internal energies and bodily functions. TCM interprets neurodermatitis as a manifestation of underlying disharmonies within the body's Qi (energy), Blood, and organ systems.
These imbalances may involve factors such as Wind, Dampness, or Heat. The goal of TCM treatment is to identify and correct these imbalances, addressing both the root causes and the symptoms. This approach is different from Western medicine, which typically focuses on treating the symptoms directly.
TCM identifies several patterns that can lead to neurodermatitis. One such pattern is Blood Deficiency with External Wind, where a lack of nourishing blood leads to skin vulnerability, allowing external factors like Wind to aggravate the skin. This pattern is marked by symptoms such as dry, itchy skin, and general fatigue.
Understanding the patterns is crucial in TCM, as they guide the choice of treatment.
Explore below more details about what might cause Neurodermatitis according to TCM.
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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Blood Deficiency with External Wind | Neurodermatitis, Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights, Flaking skin... see more | Dang Gui Yin Zi |
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
Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
---|---|---|
Blood Deficiency with External Wind | Neurodermatitis, Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Itching worsen at nights, Flaking skin... see more | Dang Gui Yin Zi |
TCM treatment for neurodermatitis involves using specific formulas and herbs tailored to the individual's pattern of disharmony. For instance, in the case of Blood Deficiency with External Wind, a formula like Dang Gui Yin Zi is recommended. This formula, containing herbs like Japanese catnip (Jing Jie), works to nourish the Blood and dispel Wind, addressing the root cause of skin irritation.
Herbs are chosen for their properties that correlate with the underlying imbalances, aiming to restore harmony and alleviate symptoms. It's important to remember that the best treatment plan in TCM is always personalized, based on the individual's unique pattern of symptoms and constitution.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address neurodermatitis, organized by cause and by formula type.
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause neurodermatitis, such as Blood Deficiency with External Wind
Learn moreSuitable for Wind patterns that may cause neurodermatitis, such as Blood Deficiency with External Wind
Learn moreThese formulas are suitable for some neurodermatitis-causing patterns like Blood Deficiency with External Wind.
One such formula is Dang Gui Yin Zi, with japanese catnip as a key herb.
Neurodermatitis can be treated by these formulas if it is related to internal heat causing abscesses and sores.
One such formula is Yi Yi Fu Zi Bai Jiang San, with job's tears as a key herb.
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address neurodermatitis, organized by herb category.
Neurodermatitis can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neurodermatitis, like Dang Gui Yin Zi.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
---|---|
Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) | Dang Gui Yin Zi |
Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) | Dang Gui Yin Zi |
Neurodermatitis can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Job's Tears (Yi Yi Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for neurodermatitis, like Yi Yi Fu Zi Bai Jiang San.