Skin Fissuresaccording to TCM

What are Skin Fissures?

Skin fissures are small, linear openings or cracks in the skin that often result from dry, chapped skin conditions. These painful openings can develop anywhere on the body but are most commonly found on the hands, feet, and lips where exposure to environmental factors exacerbates skin dryness. Synonyms include chapped skin, cracked skin, dry and cracked skin, and rough and fissured skin. Understanding the medical implications of skin fissures is crucial for identifying appropriate treatments and preventive measures to maintain skin integrity and comfort.

How Does TCM View Skin Fissures?

From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), skin fissures are not just superficial concerns but are indicative of deeper imbalances within the body. TCM teaches that such skin issues arise from disharmonies and imbalances in the body's fundamental energies.

Recognizing the specific pattern of disharmony causing the skin fissures is essential in TCM, as it guides the treatment strategy. This holistic approach looks beyond the symptoms to address the root cause, emphasizing the importance of internal balance for external health.

Causes of Skin Fissures According to TCM

TCM identifies several patterns that may contribute to the development of skin fissures, focusing primarily on internal disharmonies that manifest as skin issues. Among these, Blood Deficiency and Yin Deficiency are noteworthy. Blood Deficiency leads to inadequate nourishment of the skin, making it dry and prone to cracking.

On the other hand, Yin Deficiency can cause a lack of cooling and moistening fluids in the body, exacerbating skin dryness and fissure formation. These conditions underscore the importance of addressing not just the symptoms but the underlying imbalances through dietary adjustments, lifestyle changes, and targeted treatments.

TCM Herbs for Skin Fissures

In addressing skin fissures, TCM recommends both internal and external remedies to nourish the skin and restore balance. For external application, Propolis and Sesame Oil are highlighted for their properties that target the Liver and Large intestine, respectively. Propolis, with its pungent and warm qualities, is valued for healing and protective effects, while Sesame oil, being sweet and cool, is chosen for its ability to moisturize and soothe dry skin.

Additionally, Flax seeds are recommended as a gentle laxative to improve internal dryness, demonstrating the integrative approach of TCM in treating skin fissures by focusing on both internal causes and external manifestations.