Eczema Flare-Ups Not Just Caused by Seafood! TCM Practitioners Reveal 'Two Dietary Traps' That May Worsen Redness and Oozing

Eczema is a broad term for various skin conditions—including atopic dermatitis, dyshidrotic eczema, contact dermatitis, and seborrheic dermatitis—that cause inflammation, redness, flaking, and oozing of tissue fluid. Eczema flare-ups can be triggered by both internal and external factors and are typically accompanied by intense itching.

Common external triggers include seafood, eggs, spicy foods, milk, pollen, animal fur, dust mites, and fabric friction. Internal factors such as emotional anxiety and psychological stress can also contribute to recurrent flare-ups.

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis are primarily categorized into four syndromes: 'Wind, Dampness, Heat, and Dryness.' Corresponding treatments focus on dispelling wind, eliminating dampness, clearing heat, and moistening dryness.

Damp-Heat Type Skin Conditions

Individuals with red, swollen, oozing, or eroded skin are diagnosed with a damp-heat type condition. Common dampness-removing foods include coix seed (yi ren), red beans, winter melon, white hyacinth beans, mung beans, bitter gourd, and cucumber. Heat-clearing foods include mung beans, lotus seeds, bitter gourd, cucumber, bamboo shoots, celery, and lotus root.

Patients with oozing, sticky, yellowish discharge should avoid fried foods, sweets, dairy products, and raw cold foods.

Wind-Dryness Type Skin Conditions

Those with dry, flaky, cracked skin and intense itching but no oozing are classified as having a wind-dryness type condition. Moisturizing foods such as black sesame seeds, walnuts, wood ear mushrooms, tremella fungus, lily bulbs, and sesame oil are recommended.

In addition to the above, patients with dry, flaky skin should avoid shellfish, crab, peanuts, chili peppers, and alcohol—common irritants that may worsen symptoms.

Self-Acupressure for Eczema Relief

- Damp-Wind Eczema: Fenglong (ST40) – Located on the front of the lower leg, lateral to the tibia, about eight finger-widths below the knee. - Wind-Heat Eczema: Quchi (LI11) – Found at the lateral end of the transverse elbow crease. - Damp-Heat Eczema: Zusanli (ST36) – Approximately four finger-widths below the outer edge of the knee, one finger-width lateral to the anterior border of the tibia. - Wind-Dryness Eczema: Sanyinjiao (SP6) – About four finger-widths above the inner ankle, along the posterior border of the tibia.

Daily Self-Care Tips

1. Gentle Cleansing - Cleansers: Use neutral, mildly acidic, or gentle body washes. Avoid harsh alkaline soaps. - Bathing Frequency: Bathe as usual; avoid excessive washing. - Post-Bath Care: Pat skin dry while still damp, then immediately apply moisturizer to lock in hydration.

2. Moisturize Regularly - Apply moisturizer: Use simple, fragrance-free lotions at least twice daily; increase frequency if skin is dry. - Avoid exfoliation: The stratum corneum acts as a protective barrier; over-exfoliation damages it and worsens dryness. - Cold compress: For flare-ups, apply a cold, damp towel or gauze to soothe redness and heat. - Avoid scratching: Scratching worsens eczema. Try cold compresses, proper topical treatments, or wearing gloves at night.

3. Wear Breathable Clothing - Fabric choice: Opt for sweat-absorbent, breathable cotton. Avoid wool and nylon, which may irritate the skin. - Sweat management: Wipe sweat immediately with a handkerchief or towel to prevent prolonged skin contact.

4. Mindful Eating - Avoid allergens: Steer clear of foods that have previously triggered reactions. - Limit irritants: Reduce intake of high-fat, fried, spicy, sugary drinks, artificial colors, and preservatives. - Eat anti-inflammatory foods: Include leafy greens, fruits, legumes, and fish in moderation.

5. Maintain a Clean Environment - Clean regularly: Dust and vacuum frequently to prevent allergen buildup. - Reduce allergens: Remove plush toys, carpets, and other dust mite-prone items. - Avoid irritants: Minimize use of perfumes, air fresheners, incense, and secondhand smoke. - Monitor new products: If eczema appears in a specific area, check if new cosmetics, skincare, or cleaning agents are the cause.

(Image credit: Ma-Kuang TCM)

Original article title: 'Skin Red Alert! How TCM Manages Stubborn Psoriasis and Atopic Dermatitis'

Editor: Wei Fu-Cheng