What Can You Do To Help Yourself
Majority of eczema sufferers find that by avoiding certain types of food and using a natural skin care product can help reduce the severity of their skin condition.
Foods to consider avoiding are gluten, sugar, dairy, alcohol, processed food, deep fried and greasy food. Warming spices such as turmeric, ginger, cloves, cinnamon, cardamon should be used minimally to avoid adding Heat to the body. Part of the approach and strategy to eczema in Chinese medicine is to clear Heat from the body. Redness and inflammation are seen as Heat. Heat can dry out fluids that moisturise the skin, therefore causing dry, cracked and itchy skin.
Natural skin care are recommended to keep the skin moist. As there are many natural skin products available in the market today, it is important to read the ingredients used in the product. Ingredients such as shea butter, jojoba oils are good at moisturising dry skin. Avoid any synthetic scent which can cause irritation to the skin, this include perfume and cologne. It is best to go scent free if possible however, some essential oils derived from plants such as chamomile and lavender can be added to sooth the skin, which also has a calming affect on the mind.
What Are The Benefits And Drawbacks Of Acupuncture In The Treatment Of Skin Diseases
The benefits of acupuncture as a dermatology treatment include:
- May provide non-pharmacological relief for pain or itch
- Less invasive than surgery or other common treatments
- Holistic treatment approach, which is often used in combination with Chinese herbs and dietary and other lifestyle changes or cupping and moxibustion
- Increasingly available/accessible treatment.
The drawbacks of acupuncture as a treatment include:
- Lack of good quality evidence for efficacy
- Vasovagal symptoms
- Insertion site infection
- Contraindications for patients with bleeding disorders.
Can Acupuncture Help People With Eczema
Acupuncture does appear to help some people treat their eczema symptoms. The success of the treatment may vary depending on what causes your eczema to flare up.
If your eczema is related to dietary, seasonal, or environmental allergies, acupuncture may be able to help. Theres from 2012 that acupuncture can help treat allergy symptoms, though how it works is not yet well understood.
This small study published in 2012 showed that acupuncture lowered the intensity of eczema-related itching better than placebo and no treatment. The study suggested that part of the reason acupuncture reduced itch was that it provided a distraction from the itching sensation.
However, theres not a lot of evidence that acupuncture can help relieve other symptoms of eczema, such as redness or dry patches of skin. As a
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Other Alternative Eczema Treatments
Several complementary and alternative medicine therapies may be effective in treating eczema, according to the National Eczema Association. These treatments may help repair the skin barrier and moisturize skin, which can help to alleviate symptoms, reduce inflammation, and prevent flares. CAM therapies may also boost mental health, strengthen immunity, and improve sleep.
- baking soda, colloidal oatmeal, or Epsom salt bath
- evening primrose oil capsules and topical application
- virgin or cold-pressed coconut, jojoba, and sunflower seed oil
- topical B12 cream
What Is The Outlook For People Who Use Acupuncture To Treat Eczema
Even if acupuncture helps manage some of the symptoms, it is not a cure for eczema.
If this works well for you, this could be a tool in your treatment plan toolbox, along with:
- topical creams
- oatmeal baths
- avoid triggers
Home remedies for eczema, as well as prescription topical or oral medications from your dermatologist, may be required if you have severe symptoms.
Many people with eczema are 2 years old or younger. Infants and children with eczema may see their symptoms decrease as they get older, regardless of treatment such as acupuncture. According to the National Eczema Association, not every acupuncture provider will use acupuncture for children.
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Support For Acupressure And Eczema
Due to the small size of this study, further research needs to be conducted before any definitive conclusions can be drawn on the effectiveness of acupressure in reducing itch. However, this study shows promise for the use of acupressure as an additional or adjuvant therapy to conventional medications. What we especially like is that acupressure does not require puncturing the skin with needles, does not require visits to an acupuncturist. It also appears very safe and is inexpensive. By using a tiny metal pellet that can easily be applied at home by the patient, many of the barriers to receiving treatment are removed. This study only examined the use of acupressure in adults, so no conclusions can be drawn regarding use of this therapy in children with eczema, but this is another area we are actively interested in.
How Does Chinese Medicine Help With Getting Off Topical Corticosteriods
We would go through it very gently and slowly. Firstly, the potency of topical corticosteriods will be reduced while taking Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture to help manage the symptoms. Over time, the use of topical corticosteriods will be reduced and, be completely eliminated, then to be replaced with Chinese medicine and acupuncture. Going off topical corticosteriods abruptly will cause an intense flare up therefore, to manage these flare ups a cautious and sensitive approach is adopted.
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Acupuncture Treatment For Symptom Management In Atopic Dermatitis: A Study Protocol For A Randomized Participant
Kyuseok Kim
1Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology and Dermatology of Korean Medicine, Graduate School of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
2Department of Korean Medical Science, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
3Acupuncture & Meridian Science Research Centre, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
4Department of Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology and Dermatology of Korean Medicine, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea
Academic Editor:
Abstract
1. Introduction
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by intense itching, skin dryness, erythema, exudate, crust, and lichenification . Globally, AD is a common health problem, and its incidence rate has increased 2-3 times in recent years in industrialized countries. Approximately, 20% of children and 3% of adults are suffering from AD .
Initial treatments for AD are emollients, topical corticosteroids, and topical calcineurin inhibitors . Depending on severity, antihistamines, systemic corticosteroid, immunosuppressant, antibiotics, allergen-specific immunotherapy, or phototherapy may be used . Complementary and alternative medicine treatments are used in patients with AD, especially when there is no response to conventional therapies or side effects occurring .
2. Methods
2.1. Objectives
2.2. Trial Design and Setting
Consent
Review Of The Role Of Acupuncture In Treating Eczema
Eczema represents a chronic, relapsing, itchy, inflammatory skin condition that poses significant therapeutic challenges and has no known cure. It primarily involves the epidermis and includes atopic, contact, stasis, seborrheic, nummular, dyshidrotic, generalized, or localized scratch dermatitis. Eczema affects 2 to 7% of the population and has a prevalence exceeding 10 % of children in some populations. Family history of allergic rhinitis, asthma, or atopic dermatitis often exists. Neurodermatitis is used to describe eczematoid rashes that seem to have a major stress-related component.
Research indicates that eczema is partially, an allergic disease. Evidence includes: Levels of serum IgE are elevated in 80% of cases. Many patients develop hay fever and/or asthma. All eczema patients test positive for allergies. There is a family history in two-thirds of eczema patients. Most patients improve with a diet that eliminates common food allergens
Eczema can be caused by allergies, allergies secondary to digestive disorders , drugs, environmental exposures, or be secondary to immune diseases, genetic metabolic disorders, or nutritional deficiencies.
In conjunction with Chinese Medicine prospective, Acupuncture points are specific nerve points that give particular access to the system of energetic meridians/ channels, which may balance energy , blood, yin and yang, tonify organs function, promote inner healing and restore health and wellbeing.
References
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But Can Acupuncture Help Eczema
Research suggests acupuncture might help reduce flare-ups and treat eczema symptoms like itching and lesions. The National Eczema Foundation even notes that the evidence-based studies on eczema and acupressure are encouraging.
But while this info looks promising, its still limited. Acupuncture also doesnt work for everyone and can take time to do its thing.
Lets connect the dots on acupuncture for eczema.
Eczema makes you downright uncomfy by causing itchy, flaky, dry, red patches of skin. Certain types of eczema can also make your skin blister and form lesions.
But how can turning yourself into a human pincushion help your itchy skin?
Acupuncture isnt a miracle cure for eczema, but research on atopic dermatitis suggests that getting pinned helps with symptoms. Heres how:
- Ditching the eczema itch. A small 2019 study found that acupuncture improved symptoms of mild to moderate eczema, especially when it came to controlling itchiness.
- Reducing stress, lesions, and flare-ups. In a 2018 review, researchers reported reduced itchiness, lesion size, and flare-up incidence in acupuncture participants compared with a control group. Researchers also said acupunctures stress-reducing properties benefited people with eczema.
- Treating severe eczema. A large 2020 study suggested acupuncture could reduce eczema severity and outbreak size, along with that pesky itchiness.
How Acupuncture Can Help With Eczema Symptoms
Eczema is a medical condition characterised by having patches of inflamed skin that are often dry and itchy. Its a condition that affects people of all ages, but infants are commonly diagnosed with this disease. In Australia, eczema affects around 10-15% of the general population and 38.5% of those are infants. Most children with eczema recover from the disease once their skin starts to mature, but some kids continue to have eczema well beyond adulthood.
Eczema can be debilitating and reduce ones quality of life if left untreated. The skin acts as a protective outer layer, but this barrier function is compromised in skin that is very dry or eczema-prone. It becomes more susceptible to damage from allergens, bacteria, environmental factors, and other irritants, which can lead to red, dry, tight and itchy skin. If the skin is scratched and broken, it may result in a secondary bacterial infection.
The key to managing eczema is reducing exposure to triggers and keeping symptoms under control. There are different ways of treating eczema depending on the type and severity. Over-the-counter treatments, prescription medication such as corticosteroid creams, and lifestyle changes can help to a certain extent in minimising eczema symptoms.
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Identifying Symptoms Of Eczema
People with eczema have areas of dry, itchy skin which can progress to a red or pink scaly rash with or without crusting or oozing. Over time, thickening and cracks in the skin can occur because of repeated itching and scratching.
Symptoms of eczema may include:
- Skin dryness
- Redness, rash
- Increased sensitivity in skin very reactive to allergens and irritants
Eczema can appear anywhere on the body and the location may vary depending on your age.
- Eczema in babies usually manifest on the cheeks, chin, trunk and scalp.
- Adults and older children often have eczema inside their elbows, behind the knees, and on the wrists, ankles, neck and ears.
- Some adults are more prone to getting eczema on their hands, especially if their work involve handling of harsh chemicals or repetitive hand washing.
Eczema symptoms may vary for each individual and not everyone responds the same way to treatment. The best way to manage eczema is to talk to your medical practitioner and find out which treatment would be most suitable for your skin.
Eczema And The Allergic Triad
Many people with eczema also suffer from asthma and allergies. Children with eczema are particularly prone to exhibit symptoms of asthma and allergies in addition to atopic dermatitis. One study indicated that between 50 to 70 percent of children with atopic dermatitis also develop asthma. When this link was studied in mice, it was found that a protein known as thymic stromal lymphopoietin , often produced in damaged skin, could trigger asthma symptoms. Researchers concluded that blocking the action of TSLP could reduce and even prevent defects in the skin barrier, which could ultimately stop those with eczema from developing asthma.
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Where Do We From Here
Chinese medicine approach and strategy to addressing eczema is to look at each presenting symptoms individually. There is no one-size-fits-all approach. If you would like to find out more about how Chinese medicine and Acupuncture can help with your eczema, we have a Complimentary Consultation or simply BOOK ONLINEfor either an Acupuncture or Herbal Medicine Consult. We look forward to hearing from you.
Things To Consider Before You Try Acupuncture For Eczema
As acupuncture involves pricking skin with sharp needles, itâs important to take some precautions. Hereâs what you should keep in mind before you give acupuncture for eczema a try:
Find a licensed and experienced practitioner. If youâre unsure how, ask your doctor for a trusted reference. Most non-doctor acupuncture practitioners need to pass an exam overseen by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine.
Some doctors are also certified to practice acupuncture. Check the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture for a list of certified doctors near you.
Check if they have experience working with people with eczema. Itâs important that your practitioner is familiar with your skin condition and severity, as needles may make it worse. Some people who practice the technique may not want to puncture affected skin with sharp needles, especially if you have a bad flare-up.
Ask about cost and insurance. Before you sign up for acupuncture, ask how many sessions you’ll need, how much each one costs, and if they accept your medical insurance. Some health care plans cover it, while others donât.
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Acupuncture For Eczema And Allergies: Whats The Link
A type of eczema called allergic contact dermatitis is specifically caused by certain allergens. Allergies can also trigger atopic dermatitis flare-ups.
Although we dont yet fully understand why, many people with allergies also develop eczema. Some experts theorize that a genetic difference in the skin lets allergens enter and cause eczema. For that reason, some derms think skin care is a first-line defense for allergies.
So, if acupuncture can help reduce eczema symptoms, can it help manage your allergies too? Maaaaybe, but as with acupuncture for eczema, studies on acupuncture for allergies are limited.
In a 2013 study, participants who received acupuncture had greater relief from hay fever and seasonal allergies than those who got fake acupuncture or only took antihistamines.
And research from 2018 found that acupuncture helped improve participants seasonal allergy symptoms and significantly reduce their antihistamine use.
Acupuncture Alleviates Acute Itch Behaviors Evoked By Stimulus Especially Acute Serotonergic Itch In Mice
We firstly tested whether acupuncture treatment affects acute behavioral responses to itch-inducing stimuli. Acute itch responses were evoked by i.d. injection of histamine-dependent and histamine-independent ) pruritogens. As seen in Fig. 2, i.d. injection of all 3 pruritogens into the cheek of mice evoked pronounced scratching behaviors that lasted for ~2025 min, which were not observed following vehicle injection. In mice received
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What Is Topical Steroid Withdrawal Topical Steroid Addiction And Red Skin Syndrome
Topical corticosteroids is one of the most widely and inexpensive drugs used in dermatology to manage eczema. They work by reducing inflammation in the body and are like the corticosteroids made biologically by the adrenal glands. Topical Steroid Withdrawal is a term used to refer to symptoms that arise in the days and weeks after an individual stops topical steroid usage. The symptoms include but are not limited to more pronounced burning, stinging or painful skin, a red sleeve pattern on the arms and legs that may be accompanied by swelling, and new areas of eczema that have never appeared before. It has been suggested that TSW is associated with the use of medium to high potency topical and/or oral steroids, but there have been exceptions to this as well. Given that TSW is still a relatively new area, much more research is still underway.
For individuals undergoing TSW, it can be unbearably exhausting on many levels physical, emotional, social and financial. Instances such as having to be homebound and in isolation be it for months or years are very real struggles. It is not an easy journey. With social support and the right treatments to rebuild the bodys system, individuals undergoing TSW can definitely be better supported in their journey of recovery.
Besides TSW, Topical Steroid Addiction and Red Skin Syndrome are also two other syndromes that patients experience. While these terms are sometimes used exchangeably, there are differences between them.
Acupuncture For Eczema Does It Work
Answer : Overall, acupuncture and especially herbal prescriptions are very effective with treating eczema. However, no acupuncturist can guarantee the result.
Does Medicare pay for hearing aids.
In most situations with Medicare Advantage, you must work with an in-network doctor. Some Medicare Advantage plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs.
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May 15, 2017 · Acupuncture, as described by its own practitioners, is based on a system of meridians, or paths of energy, which flows throughout the body. When points in this path become blocked or weakened, the body responds by producing symptoms of illness, such as the symptoms of eczema, or the chronic pain of fibromyalgia.
Some sources say that geranium oil can improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and even work to relieve stress.
Does your dad work out often and try to stay active.
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