Eczema

In Western medicine, Eczema is identified as a non-contagious inflammatory skin disorder, often classified under the broader term of dermatitis, which encompasses various skin conditions sharing similar clinical manifestations (Langan et al., JAMA Dermatology, 2017). The condition manifests in seven principal types, including five forms of dermatitis (Atopic, Contact, Neuro, Seborrheic, and Stasis), as well as Dyshidrotic and Nummular eczema, each with distinct symptoms such as rashes, blisters, and flaky skin (Williams et al., British Journal of Dermatology, 2017). In contrast, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) attributes Eczema to deficiencies in the liver, spleen, and kidneys, exacerbated by pathogenic factors such as wind, heat, and dampness (Lu and Zhao, Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2012). TCM further categorizes the condition under a common pattern of disharmony termed "toxic heat," which can either manifest as stagnation primarily affecting the skin or as an internal disorder impacting various organs. This TCM pattern often represents a chronic condition resulting from accumulated heat and fire.