Psoriasis and Eczema: A TCM Perspective
In the previous blog, we discussed eczema—its causes, symptoms, and treatment through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Eczema and psoriasis are two of the most common chronic skin conditions. They both cause redness, itching, and inflammation—but they are distinct disorders with different causes, appearances, and treatment approaches.
While modern medicine focuses on managing symptoms with creams and medications, Traditional Medicine (TCM) takes a deeper view—working to restore internal balance, clear Heat, resolve Dampness, and nourish the Blood and Yin for lasting relief.
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
Where it shows: Face (around the eyes), neck, inner elbows, chest, arms, and scalp
What it looks like: Red, inflamed patches that may ooze or crust; over time, the skin becomes dry, cracked, or thickened
How it feels: Very itchy, sometimes burning, tight, or dry
Triggers: Heat, sweat, stress, cosmetics, certain foods, and allergens
Background: Often linked to allergies, asthma, or food sensitivities
Steroid response: Improves temporarily with topical steroids, but flare-ups may return when treatment stops
Psoriasis
Where it shows: Outer elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, nails, and sometimes joints
What it looks like: Thick, raised, sharply defined plaques covered with silvery-white scales
How it feels: Mild to moderate itching or tightness
Triggers: Cold weather, infections, stress, alcohol, and certain medications
Background: Autoimmune in nature; sometimes linked to psoriatic arthritis or nail pitting
Steroid response: May improve temporarily, but plaques often return after discontinuation
Western Medicine Overview
Traditional Medicine View of Eczema and Psoriasis
In Traditional Medicine, the skin reflects the health of internal organs—especially the Lung, Spleen, and Liver.
Both eczema and psoriasis involve Heat, Dampness, and Wind, but their internal patterns differ.
Eczema in Traditional Medicine
Acute phase: Wind-Damp-Heat causing red, oozing, itchy rashes
Chronic phase: Blood or Yin deficiency leading to dryness and persistent itching
Key organs: Lung and Spleen
Main principles:
Clear Damp-Heat
Nourish Yin and Blood
Strengthen Spleen and Lung
Dispel Wind to stop itching
Common holistic treatments:
Acupuncture: LI-11, SP-9, ST-36, LU-5, and local points to clear Damp-Heat and support skin health
Traditional herbal formulas: Xiao Feng San (Eliminate Wind Powder) for acute itching; Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) for chronic dryness; external herbal washes (e.g., Sophora, Cnidium) to calm irritation
Psoriasis in Traditional Medicine
Acute phase: Toxic Heat in the Blood → bright-red lesions with silvery scales
Chronic phase: Blood Heat, Dryness, and Stasis → thick, dark, stubborn plaques
Key organs: Liver and Spleen
Main principles:
Clear Heat and cool Blood
Invigorate Blood and move stagnation
Moisten dryness and nourish Yin
Calm the mind and reduce stress
Common holistic treatments:
Acupuncture: LI-11, SP-10, BL-17, GV-14, and local points to cool Blood and move stagnation
Traditional herbal formulas: Xiao Feng San for itching, Si Wu Tang or Qing Ying Tang for Blood deficiency, Qing Dai Gao (Indigo ointment) topically for plaques
Steroids vs. Traditional Medicine: Short-Term Relief vs. Root-Cause Healing
Psoriasis vs. Eczema in Traditional Medicine (At a Glance)
Psoriasis and Eczema FAQs (From a Traditional Medicine Perspective)
1. Can acupuncture cure these conditions?
Not a permanent “cure,” but acupuncture helps regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and lessen flare frequency and intensity.
2. How does traditional herbal medicine help?
Herbal formulas work from within—clearing Heat, nourishing Blood, and moisturizing dryness to support long-term skin balance.
3. How do Traditional Medicine approaches differ between psoriasis and eczema?
Eczema stems from Damp-Heat and affects the skin’s surface; psoriasis involves deeper Blood Heat and Stasis. Treatment is tailored to each condition’s root imbalance.
4. Can stress make symptoms worse?
Yes. Emotional tension affects the Liver, increasing internal Heat and triggering flare-ups. Calming acupuncture and relaxation practices help reduce stress-related flares.
5. What role does diet play?
A balanced, cooling diet helps both conditions. Avoid alcohol, greasy, and spicy foods; choose vegetables, pears, cucumbers, and mung beans to reduce internal Heat.
6. How long before results appear?
Mild cases may improve in weeks, while chronic conditions require months of steady care. Consistency is key for restoring lasting balance.
Key Takeaway
Though eczema and psoriasis may appear similar, Traditional Medicine views them as distinct conditions with unique internal imbalances.
Eczema: Damp-Heat and Wind, involving the Lung and Spleen
Psoriasis: Blood Heat, Dryness, and Stasis, often linked to Liver stress
By treating both the branch (symptoms) and the root (internal cause) through acupuncture, traditional herbal medicine, and lifestyle support, Traditional Medicine offers a holistic way to calm inflammation and restore healthy, resilient skin.
Psoriasis FAQ (from a TCM Perspective)
Q1. Can acupuncture cure psoriasis?
Acupuncture is not a “cure” for psoriasis, but it can significantly reduce symptoms such as itching, scaling, and stress-related flare-ups. By regulating the immune system, cooling the Blood, and reducing inflammation, acupuncture helps restore balance and lessen flare severity and frequency.
Q2. How does Chinese herbal medicine help psoriasis?
Herbal medicine works internally to address the root causes TCM associates with psoriasis—Heat in the Blood, Dryness, and Stasis. Classic formulas like Xiao Feng San (to clear Wind and Heat) or Blood-nourishing prescriptions (to moisten dryness and soften plaques) are often customized. Topical herbal ointments such as Qing Dai Gao (Indigo ointment) can help reduce scaling and redness.
Q3. What is the difference between psoriasis and eczema in TCM?
Eczema usually stems from Dampness and Heat that inflame the skin, while psoriasis involves Heat in the Blood and stagnation leading to thick, scaly plaques. Both involve itching and redness, but their underlying imbalances differ, which means the treatment approach is also different.
Q4. Can stress make psoriasis worse?
Yes. Stress strongly affects the Liver in TCM, and Liver Qi stagnation can trigger or worsen psoriasis flare-ups. Acupuncture points that calm the mind and regulate the Liver, along with stress-reducing practices, often make a big difference.
Q5. Is diet important for psoriasis in TCM?
Definitely. Foods that increase internal Heat or Dampness—like alcohol, greasy or spicy foods, and excess red meat—may worsen psoriasis. A diet rich in vegetables, cooling foods (like cucumber, pear, and mung beans), and moderate whole grains supports smoother skin recovery.
Q6. How long does it take to see results with TCM treatment for psoriasis?
It depends on the stage and severity. Acute flare-ups may improve within weeks, while chronic psoriasis often requires several months of steady treatment. Because psoriasis is recurrent, long-term balance and prevention are key goals in TCM.