TCM Solutions for Hives and Eczema

Skin conditions such as hives (urticaria), eczema (atopic dermatitis), and dyshidrosis, a type of eczema involving blisters, are troubling for many people. In severe cases, they affect people’s mood, sleep, and quality of life.
An acute case of hives is generally related to infection, certain drugs, or food and usually lasts no more than six weeks. Chronic hives are mostly related to work pressure, anxiety, and irritability. It can be spontaneous or induced and usually continues for over six weeks. Most of these cases could last more than a year.
If a child has eczema, prickly heat powder can help relieve itchiness. It absorbs water, keeps the skin dry, and has a particularly favorable effect on alleviating symptoms such as itchy skin and allergies.
TCM proposes that eczema is caused mainly by toxins originating from excessive “heat,” as too much heat can overstimulate the immune system and cause abnormal reactions. To survive, internal organs and their cells will try to move the toxins caused by heat accumulated in the body to the surface, and the skin, as the end receptor, will react vigorously.
TCM holds that a weak spleen and stomach will result in food not being fully digested and absorbed. When that happens, the heat and moisture in the body are not discharged properly, which can lead to eczema.
The herbs mentioned above can be purchased at health-food stores and Asian grocery stores, but since everyone’s constitution is different, please consult a professional physician for specific treatment options.