Vulvar Eczemaaccording to TCM

What is Vulvar Eczema?

Vulvar eczema, a manifestation of the common skin condition eczema, specifically affects the vulval region in females. Characterized by inflammation, itching, and discomfort, it is a sensitive and often distressing condition. Synonyms include eczema of the vulva, female genital eczema, vulval dermatitis, and vulvar dermatitis.

As a localized form of eczema, it presents challenges distinct from more general eczematous conditions, demanding careful and discrete management due to the sensitivity of the affected area.

How Does TCM View Vulvar Eczema?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches vulvar eczema as a reflection of internal imbalances rather than merely a skin disorder. TCM posits that such symptoms are outward signs of deeper disharmony within the body's energy systems.

It is seen as a manifestation of imbalances in Qi (energy), Blood, Yin and Yang, and the harmony of internal organs. TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying the underlying pattern of disharmony to effectively treat vulvar eczema, focusing on holistic healing rather than just symptom relief.

Root Causes of Vulvar Eczema in TCM

In TCM, vulvar eczema is often attributed to specific patterns of imbalance within the body. One common cause is Damp-Heat in the Liver, which manifests as a combination of Heat and Dampness affecting the Liver's function. This pattern can lead to symptoms like a feeling of fullness and warmth in the hypochondrial region, a sticky or bitter taste in the mouth, nausea, and a general feeling of heaviness.

These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the disorder in TCM's understanding, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to treatment that addresses the root cause rather than just the external manifestation.

Explore below more details about what might cause Vulvar eczema 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 Vulvar Eczema

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Liver	Vulvar eczema, 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 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 Vulvar Eczema

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Liver	Vulvar eczema, 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 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

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 Vulvar Eczema

Pattern Name	Relevant Symptoms	Relevant Formulas
Damp-Heat in the Liver	Vulvar eczema, 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 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 Vulvar Eczema

To address vulvar eczema, TCM practitioners often prescribe specific herbal formulas based on the identified pattern of disharmony. For instances of Damp-Heat in the Liver, formulas like Long Dan Xie Gan Tang, which includes Chinese Gentian, and Yin Chen Hao Tang, featuring Virgate wormwood, are commonly used.

These formulas aim to clear heat and expel dampness, targeting the specific TCM patterns associated with vulvar eczema. The choice of formula and herbs is tailored to each individual's specific presentation and pattern, underlining TCM's personalized approach to treatment.

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

Top Formula for Dampness:
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang

Suitable for Dampness patterns that may cause vulvar eczema, such as Damp-Heat in the Liver

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Vulvar Eczema Caused by Dampness

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang	Damp-Heat in the Liver
Yin Chen Hao Tang	Damp-Heat in the Liver

Top Formula for Heat:
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang

Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause vulvar eczema, such as Damp-Heat in the Liver

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Vulvar Eczema Caused by Heat

Formula	Patterns Suitable For
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang	Damp-Heat in the Liver
Yin Chen Hao Tang	Damp-Heat in the Liver

TCM Herbs for Vulvar Eczema

Explore below some TCM herbs used to address vulvar eczema, organized by herb category.