Skin Rashesaccording to TCM
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What is Skin Rashes?
Skin rashes encompass a range of conditions where areas of the skin become red, inflamed, and often itchy. They can manifest as itchy rashes, winter rash, macular rash, and may worsen at night.
These rashes can vary in appearance – from small, discrete bumps to extensive areas of red, swollen skin. While some rashes are benign and transient, others may indicate underlying health issues. They can be caused by various factors, including allergies, infections, autoimmune disorders, or environmental factors, making accurate diagnosis important for effective treatment.
How does TCM view Skin Rashes?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on skin rashes, diverging from Western medicine's focus on external causes. TCM views skin rashes as external manifestations of internal imbalances within the body.
According to TCM principles, the condition of the skin is closely related to the balance of Qi (energy) and Blood within the body, as well as the harmonious function of internal organs. TCM practitioners emphasize identifying and treating the underlying disharmony rather than just alleviating the surface symptoms.
Root Causes of Skin Rashes in TCM
In TCM, skin rashes are often associated with the pattern of Blood Deficiency with External Wind. This pattern is characterized by a deficiency in Blood, leading to inadequate nourishment of the skin, combined with the invasion of External Wind, which aggravates the skin condition.
Symptoms typically include dry, itchy rashes that may appear and disappear suddenly. The concept of Blood Deficiency in TCM encompasses more than just the physical aspect of blood; it also refers to the vital substances that nourish and moisten the body, including the skin. When these substances are deficient, and External Wind invades, skin rashes are likely to occur.
Explore below more details about what might cause Skin rashes according to TCM.
Dampness
"Dampness" in TCM is a concept that describes a pattern of disharmony where the body accumulates excess moisture. Imagine the heavy, sticky feeling you get on a very humid day; that's similar to what dampness feels like internally. It can manifest as a sense of heaviness, bloating, sluggishness, or even a foggy mind. This condition is often thought to arise from environmental factors like living in a damp place, dietary habits that promote moisture in the body, or internal imbalances that hinder the body's ability to process fluids properly. In TCM, dampness can obstruct the normal flow of energy and fluids in the body, leading to various symptoms.... see more
Dampness Patterns That Can Lead to Skin Rashes
Common Symptoms: Lack Of Appetite Feeling Of Heaviness Bitter Taste In The Mouth Dry Mouth Without Desire To Drink Nausea Or Vomiting Malodorous Diarrhea Anal Burning Feeling Of Heat
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Heat invading the Spleen | Itchy skin and skin eruptions, Lack of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning, Feeling of heat, Scanty and dark urine, Low grade fever, Dull headache, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow sclera, Oily sweat, Itchy rashes, Bitter taste in the mouth, Upper abdominal fullness, Upper abdominal pain... see more | Lian Po Yin |
| Damp-Heat in the Liver | Vesicular skin rashes and itching, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Lack of appetite, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Vulvar sores, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine... see more | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Yin Chen Hao Tang |
Heat
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Skin Rashes
Common Symptoms: Lack Of Appetite Feeling Of Heaviness Bitter Taste In The Mouth Dry Mouth Without Desire To Drink Nausea Or Vomiting Malodorous Diarrhea Anal Burning Feeling Of Heat
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Heat invading the Spleen | Itchy skin and skin eruptions, Lack of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning, Feeling of heat, Scanty and dark urine, Low grade fever, Dull headache, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow sclera, Oily sweat, Itchy rashes, Bitter taste in the mouth, Upper abdominal fullness, Upper abdominal pain... see more | Lian Po Yin |
| Damp-Heat in the Liver | Vesicular skin rashes and itching, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Lack of appetite, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Vulvar sores, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine... see more | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Yin Chen Hao Tang |
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 Skin Rashes
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Deficiency with External Wind | Itching worsen at nights, Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, 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 Skin Rashes
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Blood Deficiency with External Wind | Itching worsen at nights, Eczema, Red skin eruptions, Urticaria, Neurodermatitis, Ichthyosis, Psoriasis, Measles, Contact dermatitis, Itchy skin, Hair loss, Carbuncles, Boils, Drug rash, Skin dryness, Flaking skin... see more | Dang Gui Yin Zi |
Spleen
In TCM the Spleen plays a vital role in digestion and transformation, converting food into energy and nutrients, and overseeing the distribution of Qi and Blood. It's also crucial in maintaining the health of muscles and limbs and ensuring the blood remains within the vessels. When the Spleen malfunctions in TCM, it can lead to a variety of issues such as digestive disorders, fatigue, weak muscles, bloating, and a feeling of heaviness. It can also cause a pale complexion, poor appetite, and a tendency to bruise easily. Emotionally, a Spleen imbalance is often associated with excessive worry or overthinking, reflecting its role in the interplay between physical and mental health.... see more
Spleen Patterns That Can Lead to Skin Rashes
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Heat invading the Spleen | Itchy skin and skin eruptions, Lack of appetite, Feeling of heaviness, Dry mouth without desire to drink, Nausea or vomiting, Malodorous diarrhea, Anal burning, Feeling of heat, Scanty and dark urine, Low grade fever, Dull headache, Dull yellow complexion, Yellow sclera, Oily sweat, Itchy rashes, Bitter taste in the mouth, Upper abdominal fullness, Upper abdominal pain... see more | Lian Po Yin |
Liver
In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more
Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Skin Rashes
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Heat in the Liver | Vesicular skin rashes and itching, Hypochondrial fullness and distention with pain alleviated by warmth, Abdominal fullness, Lower abdominal fullness, Bitter taste in the mouth, Sticky taste in the mouth, Lack of appetite, Nausea, Feeling of heaviness, Yellow vaginal discharge, Vaginal itching, Vulvar eczema, Vulvar sores, Bleeding between periods, Midcycle bleeding pain, Red and swollen scrotum, Red and swelling genital, Papules, Itchy vesicular rashes, Urinary dysfunction, Urinary burning, Dark urine... see more | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Yin Chen Hao Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Skin Rashes
In treating skin rashes within the context of Blood Deficiency with External Wind, TCM relies on specific herbal formulas to nourish Blood and dispel Wind. A prominent formula used in such cases is Dang Gui Yin Zi.
This formula contains Japanese catnip (Jing Jie) and other herbs that work synergistically to address the root causes of the rashes. Jing Jie is particularly effective in releasing the exterior and dispelling Wind, which is crucial in alleviating itchiness and inflammation associated with rashes. By addressing both the Blood Deficiency and the External Wind, this formula helps restore the skin's health and balance from within.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address skin rashes, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Dampness
- Heat
- Blood Deficiency
- Wind
- View More Causes
- Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that clear heat from qi and blood
Top Formula for Dampness:
Lian Po Yin
Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause skin rashes, such as Damp-Heat invading the Spleen
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Skin Rashes Caused by Dampness
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Lian Po Yin | Damp-Heat invading the Spleen |
| Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Damp-Heat in the Liver |
| Yin Chen Hao Tang | Damp-Heat in the Liver |
Top Formula for Heat:
Lian Po Yin
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause skin rashes, such as Damp-Heat invading the Spleen
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Skin Rashes Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Lian Po Yin | Damp-Heat invading the Spleen |
| Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Damp-Heat in the Liver |
| Yin Chen Hao Tang | Damp-Heat in the Liver |
Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
Dang Gui Yin Zi
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause skin rashes, such as Blood Deficiency with External Wind
Learn more
Top Formula for Wind:
Dang Gui Yin Zi
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause skin rashes, such as Blood Deficiency with External Wind
Learn moreFormulas that clear Heat and expel dampness
These formulas are suitable for some skin rashes-causing patterns like Damp-Heat invading the Spleen.
One such formula is Lian Po Yin, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat and expel dampness" recommended for skin rashes
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Lian Po Yin | Damp-Heat invading the Spleen |
| Yin Chen Hao Tang | Damp-Heat in the Liver |
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
These formulas are suitable for some skin rashes-causing patterns like Blood Deficiency with External Wind.
One such formula is Dang Gui Yin Zi, with japanese catnip as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
These formulas are suitable for some skin rashes-causing patterns like Damp-Heat in the Liver.
One such formula is Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, with chinese gentian as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat from Qi and Blood
Skin rashes can be treated by these formulas when it arises from an accumulation of pathogenic heat affecting the body's qi and blood.
One such formula is Hua Ban Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
Acupoints for Skin Rashes
Explore below some acupoints used to address skin rashes, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Large Intestine Channel
- Extra Points: Lower Extremities (EX-LE)
Quchi LI-11
When the elbow is flexed, Quchi LI-11 is in the depression at the lateral end of the cubital crease, midway between Chize LU-5 and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.
Baichongwo EX-LE-3
It is in a small depression on the vastus medialis muscle, 3 cun superior to the upper medial border of the patella. It is also 1 cun superior to Xuehai SP-10.