Top 3 TCM Treatments for Eczema in Children
Have you noticed your little ones scratching their skin or struggling to sleep at night due to intense itching? If so, they may be experiencing eczema. In Singapore, these conditions are common — one in five children suffers from eczema[1].
In this article, we’ll explore how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a holistic approach to eczema treatment in children, focusing on identifying and addressing the root cause rather than merely managing symptoms of eczema.
Key Takeaways:
TCM offers a holistic eczema treatment for children by addressing internal imbalances.
Herbal medicine, both internal and external, is a cornerstone of TCM treatments for eczema.
Dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes are crucial for managing eczema and improving skin health.
Consulting a registered TCM practitioner in Singapore is essential for a personalised treatment plan.
Understanding Eczema: Biomedical and TCM Perspectives
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by dry, itchy, and inflamed patches of skin. To treat eczema effectively, it is helpful to consider both modern biomedical and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspectives, as they offer distinct insights into the causes of eczema.
From a biomedical perspective, eczema is a chronic inflammatory condition driven by:
Immune dysregulation: Overactivation of T cells leads to increased cytokines (IL-4, IL-13, IL-31), driving inflammation, itching, and skin damage [2]. This dysregulation contributes to the persistent eczema flare-ups.
Skin barrier dysfunction: Mutations in the filaggrin gene weaken skin integrity, making it vulnerable to allergens, irritants, and infections [3]. A compromised skin barrier means that irritants and allergens can more easily penetrate the skin, triggering an immune response.
Altered microbiome: Reduced microbial diversity and overgrowth of Staphylococcus aureus can worsen symptoms [4]. This bacterial imbalance on the skin can exacerbate inflammation and itching, making managing eczema more challenging.
Traditional Chinese Medicine takes a holistic approach, viewing eczema as an internal disharmony. TCM believes that eczema arises from imbalances of Wind (itching), Dampness (oozing), Heat (redness), and Blood Deficiency (dryness).
In children, according to TCM, immature digestion often leads to Dampness and Heat accumulation in the Spleen and Stomach, with external Wind and Heat triggering eczema flare-ups. TCM treats eczema by addressing these specific internal imbalances to restore skin health and harmony. Integrating these views allows for a comprehensive approach to managing eczema.
Top 3 TCM Treatment Approaches for Childhood Eczema
TCM can help with eczema treatment in children by offering a range of therapeutic approaches tailored to the individual's constitution and specific eczema condition. These TCM treatments for eczema focus on restoring balance within the body.
1. External Herbal Applications (Herbal Baths)
Herbal baths using ingredients such as Ku Shen (苦参) and Huang Bai (黄柏) help relieve itching and reduce inflammation. These are particularly suitable for young children who may resist oral medications. The active compounds in these Chinese herbs are absorbed through the skin, providing direct relief to the skin lesions. This common TCM approach is gentle and effective for managing eczema symptoms.
2. Internal Herbal Medicine (Customised Formulas)
Recommended for children over 3 years old, these formulas are customised to each child’s constitution. They aim to boost Qi, clear Heat, and eliminate Dampness, which parallel immune modulation, anti-inflammation, and gut health support in biomedical terms.
Commonly used formulas include:
小建中汤 (Xiao Jian Zhong Tang): Warms and strengthens the Spleen, nourishes Qi. This formula helps improve digestion and build up the child's overall energy, which is vital for skin health.
消风散 (Xiao Feng San): Disperses Wind, clears Heat, relieves itching. This is a primary formula when Wind-Heat is a significant component of the eczema symptoms, directly targeting the pervasive itch.
当归饮子 (Dang Gui Yin Zi): Nourishes Blood, moistens dryness, alleviates chronic itch. Often used when Blood Deficiency and dryness are prominent, addressing the parched and sometimes fissured skin lesions seen in chronic eczema.
五味消毒饮 (Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin): Clears Heat and resolves toxicity, helping skin lesions heal. This formula is particularly useful when there are signs of infection or significant redness and heat in the eczema flare-ups.
For younger children (1–3 years old), milder herbal drinks may be prescribed to ensure gentler action. A licensed TCM practitioner will carefully select the appropriate Chinese herbal blend.
3. Topical Herbal Creams
Custom-formulated creams soothe irritation and promote skin healing. Unlike steroid creams, they do not thin the skin or cause long-term side effects. These creams are designed to complement internal herbal medicine and provide immediate relief from eczema symptoms.
What to Avoid: Treatments That May Not Work for Eczema
Not all eczema treatment approaches are suitable for every child, and some may even exacerbate the condition.
One-size-fits-all herbal remedies: Off-the-shelf teas or creams not tailored to a child’s constitution may be ineffective or even harmful. For instance, Deficiency-type eczema may worsen with formulas that focus too much on clearing rather than nourishing.
Excessive “cooling” foods or herbs: Overuse can weaken Spleen Qi and digestion, creating more Dampness — a key contributor to eczema.
Unsupervised use of “strong herbs: Some potent Chinese herbs should only be used under the guidance of a qualified TCM practitioner due to their strong actions and potential side effects if misused.
The Treatment Journey: Frequency and Recovery
Most children benefit from fortnightly sessions (oral herbal medications and herbal bath) over an initial 4–8 weeks. Improvements are typically gradual:
Reduced itchiness and skin irritation
Better sleep and less scratching at night
Reduced redness and dryness of skin lesions.
Chronic cases may require around 3 months of treatment for eczema, followed by maintenance to strengthen the immune system and prevent future eczema flare-ups. The overall goal of TCM is to empower the body's natural healing capabilities.
Who Is Suitable for TCM Treatments?
TCM offers a holistic approach for children who:
Are diagnosed with eczema or have related food sensitivities (often linked by immune dysregulation).
Fall sick easily, or appear pale, tired, and underweight (suggesting Qi deficiency).
Have persistent eczema despite conventional Western medicine treatments.
Whose eczema is significantly impacting their quality of life.
In general, TCM treatments are a gentle and holistic approach that not only manages symptoms but also strengthens long-term health and immunity.
Comparing TCM and Western Medicine Approaches to Eczema
To further understand how TCM can help with eczema, here's a comparison of its approach versus Western medicine:
| Feature | Western Medicine Approach | TCM Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Symptom management, inflammation suppression, barrier repair. | Addressing internal imbalances (Wind, Dampness, Heat, Blood Deficiency) to strengthen the body. |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination, skin biopsies, and allergy tests. | Pulse and tongue diagnosis, symptom analysis, and understanding constitutional patterns. |
| Treatments | Topical steroids, antihistamines, moisturisers, immunosuppressants, biologics. | Herbal medicine (oral and topical), dietary adjustments, and acupuncture. |
| Goal | Reduce inflammation, alleviate itching, prevent infection, and restore skin barrier. | Restore internal harmony, clear pathogens, nourish the body, prevent recurrence, and improve overall health. |
| Common Side Effects | Skin thinning, pigmentation changes, suppression of the immune system (with prolonged use). | Generally mild, individualised formulas minimise risks; TCM practitioner guidance is essential. |
| Approach | Often targets specific mechanisms of the disease. | Holistic approach, treating the individual as a whole, focusing on the root cause. |
| Relief | Often fast-acting for acute eczema flare-ups. | Gradual, long-term improvement, focusing on preventing recurrence. |
Embracing TCM Treatments for Childhood Eczema Relief
Traditional Chinese Medicine offers a comprehensive and holistic approach to managing eczema. Through TCM, eczema is treated by addressing its root cause, resulting in long-term improvements in your child's skin health and overall well-being. With a deep understanding of the body's interconnected systems, TCM in Singapore offers a gentle yet profoundly effective treatment option for children suffering from this pervasive skin condition.
Ready to find relief for your child? Visit The Common Chinese Medical Centre to learn more and book a TCM consultation today.
Disclaimer
This article provides general information on eczema and the potential benefits of TCM treatments. It should not replace individualised medical advice or consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions about TCM for Eczema
Can TCM treatments at Common TCM be combined with modern medicine for childhood eczema?
Yes. At Common TCM Medical, licensed physicians encourage integrative plans that safely combine TCM with Western treatments, such as moisturisers or antihistamines, for more effective eczema management.
How are TCM herbs delivered at Common TCM for ease and safety?
Common TCM provides herbal therapy in easy-to-use forms such as instant powder sachets, tablets, or capsules, eliminating the need for home brewing.
Are Common TCM’s physicians qualified and regulated?
Absolutely. All Common TCM physicians are fully registered and licensed with Singapore’s TCM Practitioners' Board under the Ministry of Health.
Is acupuncture safe for children with eczema?
Acupuncture is generally safe when performed by a registered TCM practitioner. However, it is less commonly used for very young children, with herbal baths and gentle formulas preferred.
Are TCM herbal treatments for eczema safe for children with food allergies?
Yes, but only when customised by a qualified practitioner. TCM formulas are tailored to avoid allergens and to support digestive health, which is often linked to eczema triggers in children.
References:
[1] Eczema (Children) - What It Is, Sign/Symptoms, Treatment - NUHS
[2] Significance of Skin Barrier Dysfunction in Atopic Dermatitis - PubMed
[3] Filaggrin mutations associated with skin and allergic diseases - PubMed
