Recurrent eczema affects many people, sometimes causing intense, unbearable itching that can significantly diminish quality of life. On NTDTV’s “Health 1+1” program, Lai Ruixin, director of Han Ming Tang Chinese Medicine Clinic in Taiwan, shared effective strategies for rapid itch relief and offered guidance on managing eczema through holistic adjustments to body constitution, environmental factors, and diet.

Symptoms and Triggers of Eczema

Eczema is a common chronic skin condition characterized by dry, itchy skin prone to infection.

Eczema can be classified into different types. In the summer, when the weather is hot and humid, excessive sweating often increases the prevalence of heat rash and dyshidrotic eczema. Heat rash typically appears as red, itchy bumps that may develop into blisters. Dyshidrotic eczema, on the other hand, is most commonly seen on the fingers or toes, presenting as small, intensely itchy blisters.

People at higher risk of developing dyshidrotic eczema include those who sweat excessively or wash their hands frequently, such as homemakers and cleaning staff.

The causes of eczema are complex, but in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), they are primarily influenced by three factors: body constitution, environment, and diet, Lai said. Failing to address these three factors and relying solely on ointments for itch relief or steroids to reduce inflammation will only provide temporary symptom relief, leaving the root cause untreated and increasing the likelihood of eczema returning.

Groups at Higher Risk of Eczema

According to TCM, the body’s inability to metabolize or eliminate oils and waste properly can disrupt fluid metabolism, resulting in the buildup of internal dampness, a body constitution. Grilled, roasted, deep-fried, or spicy dishes, along with iced drinks and desserts, are believed to exacerbate this condition.

Excessive internal dampness can be classified into two types: damp-heat and cold-damp. People with these constitutions are more prone to eczema.

Damp-Heat Constitution

People with a damp-heat constitution are more sensitive to heat and often feel heavy or sluggish. Their skin is usually oily and prone to acne, and they may experience bad breath. Stools tend to be loose, foul-smelling, and frequent—up to three times a day—sometimes accompanied by an urge to defecate immediately after eating. In women, vaginal discharge is often yellow, sticky, and has an unpleasant odor.

Common herbs used to dispel dampness include Coix seed (yi yi ren), poria mushroom (fu ling), Atractylodes macrocephala (bai zhu), and plantain seed (che qian zi), Lai noted. One review highlighted that Coix seed not only helps eliminate dampness and promote urination but also possesses analgesic, endocrine-regulating, neuroprotective, and anticancer properties.

For people with this type of constitution, herbs such as gentian root (long dan cao), sophora root (ku shen), phellodendron (huang bai), and coptis (huang lian) are also often used. Pharmacological studies have shown that Cortex phellodendri (huang bai) can clear damp-heat and possesses properties that alleviate itching, reduce allergies, and fight inflammation.

Cold-Damp Constitution

People with a cold-damp constitution are more sensitive to cold and may develop diarrhea after consuming cold foods. They often feel fatigued, and their stools are soft, unformed, and not particularly foul-smelling. In women, vaginal discharge is typically thin, clear, and odorless.

People with a cold-damp constitution can use aromatic herbs such as amomum (sha ren), magnolia bark (hou po), atractylodes rhizome (cang zhu), patchouli (huo xiang), herba eupatorii (pei lan), and cardamom (bai dou kou) to dispel dampness, Lai noted.

Strategies for Preventing and Managing Eczema

Chinese herbal medicine can effectively improve eczema, but it should be paired with dietary adjustments to help regulate the body’s constitution, Lai said. For recurrent skin conditions, addressing external environmental factors and the patient’s mental health is essential.

Dietary Influences

People with a damp-heat constitution should avoid processed and stimulating foods, especially deep-fried, grilled, spicy, and high-sugar foods. They should also limit their intake of cold desserts, chilled beverages, alcohol, milk, and cheese.

For those with a cold-damp constitution, consuming fewer salads, cold foods, and chilled beverages is advisable.

Lai shared the story of a male patient with a damp-heat constitution who successfully managed his eczema with Chinese herbal medicine, strict dietary control, and a healthy lifestyle. However, his eczema flared up again when he loosened his dietary restrictions by consuming cold beverages and potato chips.

Another patient of Lai’s, who loved eating french fries and cheese, experienced inconsistent progress during the early stages of treatment. Not until he removed these favorite foods from his diet did his eczema significantly improve.

These cases highlight the critical role of dietary adjustments in effectively managing and treating eczema.

Environmental Influences

In high-humidity environments, using a dehumidifier or air conditioning can help reduce the risk of eczema flare-ups, Lai noted.

After sweating, dry off promptly to minimize sweat-induced skin irritation. Drying off will help prevent eczema and lower the risk of catching a cold.

Emotional Influences

Maintaining emotional stability is equally important for preventing and managing eczema. Excessive emotional swings or prolonged stress can disrupt the immune system or heighten its sensitivity, leading to skin inflammation.

The recurrence of skin conditions in many patients is often closely linked to stress and emotional factors, Lai said. A focus group study revealed that psychological stress—particularly chronic stress—can worsen atopic dermatitis and aggravate itching symptoms. Poor sleep quality can also contribute to skin issues such as eczema, hives, and atopic dermatitis.

In such cases, in addition to using TCM to dispel dampness, it is recommended to incorporate herbs that calm the mind and support better sleep.

Lai emphasized that patients who follow their doctor’s recommendations—avoiding trigger foods, incorporating Chinese herbal medicine, maintaining a routine, adopting early bedtimes and wake-up times, and engaging in moderate exercise—often see significant improvements in their skin health.

Ways to Relieve Itching Quickly

Scratching can damage the skin in eczema patients, weakening the skin’s natural defenses and increasing the risk of infection. It can also cause the skin to become rough and dry, potentially leading to more severe dermatitis.

Lai said the quickest way to relieve itching is by using a cold compress. When the skin becomes itchy and red, the microvasculature expands. A cold compress helps constrict the blood vessels and offers relief from itching. However, it is important to avoid prolonged use to prevent frostbite.

Rinse the affected area with cold water or apply a damp towel soaked in cold water. Make sure not to leave it on for too long. While the skin is still slightly moist, apply a moisturizer. Some moisturizers contain natural anti-itch ingredients, such as menthol. Research has shown that moisturizers can help soothe itching, hydrate the skin, and reduce inflammation.

Prolonged sun exposure can damage the skin and worsen eczema, especially during flare-ups. Tailoring protective measures to suit outdoor activities is essential. For shorter periods, lightweight clothing that covers the skin is usually sufficient. For extended exposure, applying sunscreen can help protect the skin from further damage.

Herbs mentioned in this article may be unfamiliar, but many are available in health food stores and Asian grocery stores. It is important to note that treatment methods may vary depending on the individual. Please consult a health care professional for a specific treatment plan.