Understanding Eczema: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by itchy, recurrent, and often symmetrical rashes. It falls under a broader category of skin disorders, with Atopic Dermatitis being the most common type. Symptoms include redness, swelling, dryness, scaling, and in severe cases, bleeding or pain. Eczema progresses through three stages: acute, subacute, and chronic. It can affect individuals of all ages and genders, making it a widespread concern.
How Eczema Affects Your Skin and Overall Health
Your skin is your body’s largest organ, serving as a protective barrier against external threats. It regulates temperature, provides sensation, and aids in absorption and excretion. Healthy skin can repair itself, but eczema disrupts this natural process. The condition causes dryness, cracking, and inflammation, weakening the skin’s barrier function and making it more susceptible to infections.
The intense itchiness of eczema often leads to scratching, which further damages the skin and creates a vicious cycle: itch → scratch → itch. Over time, this cycle can result in skin discoloration, thickening, and loss of elasticity. Beyond physical discomfort, eczema can also impact mental health, causing sleep disturbances, stress, and even depression, significantly reducing quality of life.
Why Eczema is Challenging to Self-Heal
Both Western and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) agree that eczema stems from internal imbalances rather than external triggers alone. This means avoiding irritants or allergens may not fully resolve the condition. Additionally, the recurring nature of eczema weakens the skin’s self-healing abilities, making it harder for the body to recover on its own.
Common Treatments for Eczema in Western Medicine
The exact cause of eczema remains unclear in Western Medicine, though it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors. Instead of a “cure”, treatment focuses on symptom management during flare-ups. Common approaches include:
- Moisturize: use a moisturizing lotion, such as petroleum jelly, to relieve dryness and itchiness.
- Steroid Creams: Topical hydrocortisones that reduce inflammation by suppressing the immune response.
- Antihistamines: Oral medications that are often used to relieve symptoms of allergies.
How Traditional Chinese Medicine Can Help
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) takes a natural approach to treating eczema, addressing both the symptoms and root causes of the condition. Using acupuncture and herbal therapy, TCM works to:
- Reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin.
- Strengthen the skin’s natural barrier to improve healing and protection.
- Break the itch-scratch cycle to prevent further damage.
- Target the underlying root cause to eliminate the condition entirely.
Instead of providing temporary relief, TCM focuses on achieving a thorough resolution of eczema while minimizing the chance of recurrences. The natural, non-toxic treatments are safe for individuals of all ages and can be tailored to each person’s unique health needs.
Learn more about eczema treatment at Zhi Health Clinic.