Eczema
Eczema is a common skin disease that may recur throughout theyear. When the weather is dry during autumn and winter, thelack of hydration can trigger the occurrence of eczema. When theweather is hot, the condition gets worsened due to sweating.
Extreme changes in humidity and temperature can greatly
increase the frequency of eczema. One out of every five peoplein Hong Kong suffers from eczema at different times. It can bringa negative impact on them physically and psychologically.

Eczema is a general term that refers
to itchy skin rashes caused byallergies. It is the inflammation of theepidermis. It causes itching, blisters,redness, swelling, and oozing or
crusting of the skin.
Causes:Heredity
Contact with substances that cause
allergic reactions such as dust,wool, pollen, and pet hair
Eating foods or drugs that cause
allergic reactions
Affected by emotional distress orautoimmune conditions

The location of eczema varies with causes.
Atopic dermatitis generally affects the skinflexures such as the neck, inner surfacesof the elbow or knee joints, whereas
contact dermatitis is often found in areas
where the skin is exposed to external
irritants or allergens. Elderly patients withage-related skin dryness often develop
eczema over the lower legs. Eczema
related to drug allergy often started over
the trunk with later generalization.

Skin covered by a red,
patchy rash with undefinededges
Acute eczema can cause
blisters, which may
predispose the skin tosecondary bacterial infection
Skin affected by chroniceczema will be thickened andthe surface will appear roughand dry
Affect daily activities atschool or work due to thelack of concentration andinsomnia

Traditional Chinese medicine believes
that the formation of eczema wasdue to physical factors, eating
disorders, and damage to the spleenand stomach.
It treats patients according to theirdifferent causes and mechanisms,
such as clearing away heat, removing
dampness and relieving itching in theacute stage, strengthening the spleenin the sub-acute stage, and nourishingblood, moisturizing the skin, andstopping itching in the chronic stage.

From the perspective of Chinese
medicine, avoidance of certain typesof food plays an important role in thetreatment of eczema. Patients should
try to avoid the following foods:
Seafood and shellfish: shrimps,crabs, scallops, clams, oysters, etc.
Warming foods: red meat such as
beef and lamb
Fruits with warm and humid
properties: durian, mango, pineapple
Foods with high glycemic index:
rice, cakes, soda
Stimulating beverages: coffee,alcohol

While treating eczema, traditional
Chinese medicine also regulates
emotional problems such as irritability,nervousness, depression, etc.

1. Bathing
Don't bathe for too long
Don't bathe with very hot water. Usewater of a mild temperature
Use hypoallergenic products as
instructed by your doctor
2. Clothes
Choose clothes made from purecotton which absorbs sweat andkeeps you dry
Avoid direct contact of the skin withwool sweater or flannel coat by
wearing cotton underclothes
Avoid the use of excessive washingpowder when doing laundry, andmake sure the washing powder has
been rinsed away completely
3. Dietary habit
Avoid eating food which has caused
allergic reactions before
Pay attention to nutrition balance toimprove body immunity

Reference: Department of Health,
School Of Chinese Medicine CUHK,HKU Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine

The above information
is for reference only

Pay attention to whether the nutritional intake
is balanced when you are trying to avoid certain
types of food. Try to eat natural and diversified
foods. If eczema persists, seek medical advice
as soon as possible.

4. Household environment
Always keep your home clean,
avoiding accumulation of dust
Don't use carpet, upholsteredsofa, or fluffy toys
Don't keep hairy pets or growflowering plants
Maintain an optimal indoor
temperature to prevent sweating
5. Outdoor activities
Avoid doing outdoor activities
under strong sunshine to prevent
skin irritation caused by excessive
sweating
Always prepare a wet towel towipe the sweat
Keep clean after exercise as soon
as possible
6. Skincare
Use moisturizing products as
instructed by your doctor
frequently to keep skin moist

Editor: Jessie Leung

Last updated on
26 Apr 2021