Chinese Medicine for Ezcema, Psoriasis, Acne in Sydney CBD

Lesley has a strong focus on treating auto-immune skin conditions such as atopic eczema, dyshidrotic eczema, perioral dermatitis, contact dermatitis that is resistance to western treatment, eczema that is worsen by steroid withdrawal, neuro-dermatitis and psoriasis.   

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), eczema and psoriasis are often seen as an internal imbalance that shows up on the skin.  Treatment is to focus on treating the root cause of various issues such as poor circulation, stagnation, excessive internal heat or dampness, poor diet and lifestyles.  

Eczema

Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a disease of the whole body that manifests in the skin. 

The causes are complicated.  It can be external related (food allergies, environmental, skin infection etc ) and / or internal related (emotion, stress, hormone etc).   Atopy refers to the tendency to asthma, eczema and hay fever.  Flares may also occur with or without obvious provocation and can be very frustrating.  For anyone wants to know more about the western medical information about the causes and symptoms, here are some links that Lesley finds very useful and reputable:

https://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/causes-of-atopic-dermatitis/ 

https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/eczema

Many eczema sufferers had probably tried steroids, different types of moisturiser and oil, and restricted diet to try to keep their eczema under control.   In Lesley's treatment of eczema, she would use acupuncture and herbs to clear the internal heat; reduce symptoms of eczema such as itchiness and redness.   

As psoriasis is related to the imbalance of the immune system, treatment is to focus on treating the root of the imbalance, clearing the toxin and internal heat.  TCM treatment of psoriasis and eczema is quite similar, the aim is to clear internal dampness and heat.  Patients may be advised to have diet and lifestyle change as well.  

In TCM's view, Ance can be related to improper diet (too much dairy food, sugar or chilly food), hormonal changes (such as PCOS), or lifestyle changes (lack of sleep or too much stress).   Lesley often uses herbal treatment for this condition.  Acupuncture on the other hand may help to improve sleep pattern and reduce stress level. 

In traditional Chinese medicine, shingles (herpes zoster) was called "Belt of Fire", a burning itchy painful rash, occurs like a belt shape on their body.  Most of the time shingles  will resolve on its own in 2-4 weeks.  However,  complications of Shingles such as post-herpetic neuralgia can last for months to years.   In Lesley's experience, itchy rash and pain that developed within a few months will respond well to TCM treatment (Herb & Acupuncture).   Prolong post shingle pain that is more than one year may not response to TCM treatment for some patients.  Therefore, it is important to education the patient to seek immediate treatment of this condition to prevent complications. Patients should start antiviral therapy (western pharmaceutical) within 72 hours of the first signs of the rash erupting as this can prevent post shingle complications.  

Fungal skin infection is often caused by yeasts, tinea fungi groups, and malassezia.  Chinese medicine has a long history to treat fungal skin infection using herbs.  External herbs are often used to treat this skin condition.  

Candida infection (thrush) can occur after antibiotic used.  Most women response well to conventional candidiasis treatment.  Unfortunately, some developed persistent candidiasis and they may not respond well to conventional treatment.   In this case, Chinese medicine may first try to clear the "damp heat" in the body and then tonify the body after the symptoms resolved to prevent it from coming back.