TCM Dermatology (Eczema, Psoriasis, Acne)

About this therapy

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) dermatology in major Chinese hospitals provides a holistic approach for chronic skin conditions including eczema, psoriasis, acne, and urticaria. It suits foreign patients and tourists with recurrent or treatment-resistant symptoms seeking natural options or complementary care. TCM sees these as external signs of internal imbalances such as damp-heat, blood heat, wind invasion, or toxins. Personalized treatments use herbal medicine to clear heat, damp, and toxins while harmonizing qi and blood, combined with acupuncture and herbal fumigation to restore balance, reduce inflammation, relieve itch, and support skin healing. National key specialties offer integrated care with extensive clinical experience.

How it works

TCM dermatology uses pattern differentiation via tongue, pulse, and symptoms to identify imbalances. Internal herbal formulas clear heat, damp, or toxins and nourish blood. External applications soothe lesions. Herbal fumigation expels damp-heat; acupuncture regulates qi and immunity; pricking blood with cupping removes stasis. National key departments combine these for individualized care supported by hospital preparations.

What to expect

A visit starts with TCM consultation including pulse and tongue diagnosis and symptom review. This is followed by acupuncture with deqi sensation, herbal fumigation or wet compress, topical ointments, and a customized herbal prescription. Sessions last 45-90 minutes. Cupping or pricking may cause temporary bruising. For chronic conditions like psoriasis or eczema, treatment over weeks to months is typical. Foreign patients can complete initial assessment, treatment, and take-home formulas during a visit; ongoing care may involve remote follow-up or return trips. The experience is generally comfortable with mild sensations.

Typical programme

Sessions last 45-90 minutes; duration arranged individually.

Cautions

• Potential allergic reactions or herb-medication interactions; disclose all current treatments.
• Long-term herbal use may require liver and kidney function monitoring.
• Not suitable as sole treatment for severe acute infections, systemic diseases, or medical emergencies.
• Individual constitution varies; treatment outcomes differ and are not guaranteed.
• Avoid self-prescribing TCM herbs without professional diagnosis.
• Pregnant, breastfeeding, or those with severe organ impairment should consult specialists first.

Often used for

• EczemaVery low-quality evidence from Cochrane for itch reduction; strong TCM clinical use.
• PsoriasisLimited high-quality Western evidence; supported by Chinese studies and guidelines.
• AcneLow-quality evidence from reviews; common in TCM clinics with symptom improvement.
• UrticariaVariable quality evidence from reviews for benefits; strong clinical experience.
• Atopic DermatitisPotential symptom relief but evidence not conclusive per reviews.
• NeurodermatitisLimited Western evidence; effective in TCM specialist reports.
• Postherpetic NeuralgiaSupportive observational data; needs more RCTs.
• PruritusImprovements in systematic reviews for itch; clinical advantage in TCM.