Chronic skin conditions such as eczema, atopic dermatitis, acne, psoriasis, and hives are not life-threatening, but they can cause significant distress in terms of appearance and daily comfort. Persistent itching can interfere with concentration at school or work and lead to poor sleep quality, often making life miserable for sufferers.
Western medicine typically relies on topical steroid creams for short-term relief. However, symptoms tend to recur quickly after stopping steroids, and in many cases, the recurrence becomes even more severe.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), skin disorders are seen as external manifestations of internal organ imbalances. When toxins accumulate in the body and cannot be released through normal physiological channels, they may appear on the skin.
TCM approaches stubborn skin issues by focusing on restoring internal balance. Once the body’s systems are regulated, toxins can be naturally broken down and eliminated, which helps resolve the skin condition at its root. Treatments such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, and topical herbal ointments often provide effective and long-lasting relief for skin problems.
According to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in Frontiers in Pharmacology in 2022, a research team analyzed 24 randomized controlled trials involving a total of 1,618 patients with eczema (atopic dermatitis) to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in treating this condition.
The results showed that Chinese herbal medicine (both oral and topical) was significantly more effective than control treatments in improving symptoms, reducing itching, alleviating inflammation, and lowering recurrence rates. Statistically, the overall clinical effectiveness rate of TCM was notably higher (RR 1.26, p < 0.00001), and the recurrence rate after treatment was significantly lower (RR 0.33, p < 0.00001). Importantly, no serious adverse effectswere reported, demonstrating good safety.
This study supports the clinical value of TCM in treating eczema and confirms that by harmonizing internal organs and improving body constitution, TCM can address both the root cause and surface symptoms. For patients suffering from chronic, recurring eczema, TCM offers a natural, safe, and scientifically supported therapeutic option.
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