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Eczema (湿疹), also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin disorder that causes itchy, red, inflamed and scaling skin. It is estimated that 10% of the adult population in Singapore suffers from eczema of various severity.
Being a complex skin condition, eczema is influenced by various factors. Some of these include:
Research suggests a link between eczema and genetic variations affecting the skin’s barrier function. For instance, a deficiency in the protein filaggrin, essential for retaining skin moisture and providing a barrier against bacteria and allergens, can make individuals more susceptible to eczema.
Eczema flare-ups can also be triggered by different types of environmental elements like airborne allergens, pollutants, and synthetic materials that irritate the skin. External conditions like extreme temperatures and low humidity levels can also dry out the skin, increasing itchiness and discomfort.
Some cases of eczema may also involve an overactive immune response that disrupts the skin’s natural barrier. This disruption may result in dryness, itching, and inflammation.
Eczema manifests in various stages, each characterised by distinct characteristics and symptoms that affect treatment approaches—be it medication or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
The acute stage of eczema marks the onset of the condition, where individuals typically experience their first symptoms. These initial signs often include a noticeable itchy rash that may appear suddenly.
As eczema transitions to the subacute phase, the skin might start showing signs of persistent irritation with less severe but ongoing itchiness, and the rash may begin to dry out, leading to possible peeling and flaking.
In its chronic phase, eczema becomes a long-standing issue, often leading to more pronounced and persistent symptoms. The skin may thicken and develop cracks while scaling becomes extensive. Additionally, areas of hyperpigmentation can occur, and despite occasional decreases in itching, the condition can intensify and spread, affecting larger areas of the skin.
The discomfort of eczema symptoms can greatly affect patients’ quality of life. Early diagnosis and intervention with TCM, based on the diagnosis of the physician, may help manage the symptoms while addressing the root cause of eczema.
In TCM, eczema is thought to be caused by an accumulation of wind and dampness due to a weakened Spleen and Stomach (脾胃). Certain diet and lifestyle choices are more likely to weaken the Spleen and digestive system, leading to poor removal of dampness from the body. The accumulation of dampness under the skin, coupled with exterior factors such as Wind pathogens, affects the natural balance of the skin.
TCM treatment follows the principle of clearing dampness and wind to potentially relieve the itch to some level while addressing the underlying issue by improving Spleen and Stomach functions. Topical herbal medication can be applied to affected skin areas to manage the itch and help with the healing of skin lesions.
Eczema presents with chronic itching, varied skin lesions, and symmetrical distribution, often linked to imbalances identified by TCM. The main symptoms of eczema includes:
In TCM, these symptoms may indicate:
These patterns help tailor specific treatment alternatives based on the principles of TCM, aimed at restoring internal balance and addressing skin symptoms.
Many individuals with eczema rely on over-the-counter topical steroid creams to manage their symptoms. These corticosteroid treatments help to reduce inflammation and control flare-ups but do not cure the underlying condition.
Beyond that, dependency on topical steroids could potentially lead to complications if usage is abruptly discontinued after long-term reliance. This cessation can trigger a condition known as Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW). The symptoms of TSW are typically more severe than the original eczema symptoms and can affect areas of the skin previously uninvolved with eczema.
Symptoms of TSW may include:
Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a holistic approach to addressing eczema and managing symptoms of topical steroid withdrawal. Some of the therapy options include:
Tailored to individual needs, TCM may leverage herbs to harmonise body functions and potentially restore balance. These herbs, targeting aspects like blood cooling, wind elimination, heat reduction, and dampness drying, address eczema symptoms and underlying causes. Their strategic combination could also promote skin healing and inflammation reduction.
Dietary adjustments, alongside herbal treatments, are often recommended by TCM practitioners for eczema management. These may include adding cooling and moisturising foods such as green leafy vegetables and specific fruits while avoiding spicy, oily, or allergenic foods like shellfish, helping to maintain internal balance and address symptoms.
TCM may offer customised topical treatments for eczema, including herbal soaks and ointments designed to manage itching, hydrate the skin, and possibly improve its barrier function. These are typically tailored to the condition’s stage and severity, utilising a blend of herbs selected to cool heat, soothe the skin, and clear dampness.
At ENOK TCM Clinic, we specialise in addressing eczema and other skin conditions using Traditional Chinese Medicine. Be it TCM for hives or eczema, our approach includes acupuncture and tailored herbal medications based on a physician’s diagnostic assessments. These non-invasive treatments aim to deliver effective some form of relief for those dealing with eczema without the use of steroids.
My child suffered from eczema in Feb 2023 and has seen western doctor, skin specialist at government hospital and TCM before we went to Enok Clinic. We found Enok clinic through google search and decided to give it a try. Our first visit to the clinic was 31 Jan 2024 and after seeing Dr Wang for 2.5 months, my child’s eczema is under control. Dr Wang’s medicine and cream is really effective plus following her advice to keep to a strict diet and lifestyle really helps a lot. We are glad that we made the right decision to visit Enok Clinic. The only regret we have is not discovering Enok Clinic earlier so we will not have wasted 1 year in seeing various doctors and ways to cure my child’s eczema.
First found Dr Wang via Google search back in 2019 as a desperate measure after having no luck with western medicine for months. I had a sorethroat and cough that no western medicine could fully get rid of. Having seen Dr Wang, she gave me lifestyle tips to correct contributing factors, and her medicine was very effective. Since going to her, I have never gone to see a Western doctor. Her medicine is always effective and she gives useful tips to prevent problems from recurring. It has been 5 years and she’s still my go to doctor for everything. She has treated my sprained ankle, seasonal flu, eczema and strained muscle problems. Have referred her to my friends.
The condition of my eczema improved significantly after few weeks of medication and proper diet. Condition is well under control.
I’ve suffered from Hives for more than 10yrs, snd was on daily antihistamine. (2 tabs 3x daily). My dermatologist even suggested biologics to control my condition which i declined.
Sometimes, my condition got so severe that people around me will ask what happened to my face/ body even after taking antihistamines
1month ago, my friend recommended me to Enok TCM. She shared that her teenage son has eczema and has seen improvements after seeing Dr Enoch.
I’m one who dislike the smell and taste of tcm but the condition irritated me so much that i decided to give TCM a shot
Dr Noah and Dr Esther are wonderful! They were very patient to explain my condition and share treatment plans.
As a nurse, i understand that TCM works differently from western medicine. Unlike western medicine which does more symptomatic relieve. TCM take time to see full effect where it focuses on “servicing” the overhauled body back to working condition through use of herbs.
My hives condition has improved tremendously! It’s no longer as itchy and occurrence of red, angry wheals have decreased significantly. The treatment has benefited me in other ways as well, i feel more energetic and my chronic constipation (since childhood) has also improved.
The cost of treatment is quite reasonable too. My visit to a dermatologist specialist easily cost $200 including medication which could only provide symptomatic itch relieve, but wheals remain. For the similar price, i have observed significant itch relieve and reduction of wheals occurrence.
So i highly recommend Enok for anyone who wish to seek TCM treatment.
I was having eczema for few weeks which i never had before, it was on my face, very itchy and I couldn’t sleep well. Have seen western doctor for two weeks but was not able to find the cause. Got recommended by a friend to ENOK, doctor is very friendly and nice, explained to me what might be the root cause, advise me on my diet and lifestyle. I recovered fully in three days after taking the medicine, now I’m being more careful not to take my allergy cause.
I had rashes on my face and arms that did not go away for more than one year. Steroid and tacrolimus creams that dermatologists prescribed did not resolve root problem of my rashes and itch; I often get flare ups and redness during this period. Was very thankful to have found Enok TCM clinic and Physician Liu. Besides the meds he prescribed, he also gave a lot of advices on changes that I need to make in my lifestyle. I was ‘discharged’ after 3 visits. Totally recommend people with skin/eczema issue to check them out.
At TCM clinics, like ENOK TCM Clinic, TCM approaches are tailored to individual needs based on the physician's diagnosis. This way, the holistic approach leveraged not only addresses the symptoms of eczema but also seeks to resolve underlying imbalances, employing a mix of customised herbal treatments designed with the aim of maintaining skin health.
Results from TCM eczema treatments at ENOK TCM Clinic vary from person to person as each treatment is customised to the individual's unique needs and the complexity of their condition. Improvement timelines can differ based on a variety of factors, including the duration and severity of the eczema, as well as the patient's overall health and adherence to the treatment regimen. As such, it is best to speak to a professional prior to making commitments.
In general, the non-invasive treatments for eczema offered at ENOK TCM Clinic, including herbal medicine and acupuncture, are well-tolerated. However, as with any treatment, individual responses can vary. Some patients may experience mild digestive changes due to herbal treatments, depending on their body's unique reactions.
To prepare for your first TCM consultation, compile a detailed history of your eczema symptoms, any treatments tried, and their outcomes. Consider any lifestyle factors or dietary habits that may influence your condition. Please bring any relevant medical records or test results to help us understand your health background more comprehensively.
Yes, TCM treatments at our clinic can be effectively combined with conventional eczema treatments. This approach allows individuals to benefit from both systems, enhancing the overall effectiveness of treatment while managing symptoms and working towards long-term relief. It's important to discuss all your current treatments with your health professional and TCM practitioner to ensure a coordinated and safe care plan.
