Eczema is a common epidermal inflammation whose exact causes remain unclear. It is generally believed to be closely related to the body's allergic reactions, often exhibiting a tendency toward familial allergic constitutions. The primary characteristics of eczema are intense itching, diverse skin lesions dominated by small papules, a tendency toward exudation, recurrent episodes, and a propensity for chronicity.Patients may have multiple allergens, such as fish, shrimp, beef, lamb, strong alcohol, or inhalants like pollen, dust mites, wool, and feathers. Chronic conditions like cholecystitis, gingivitis, tonsillitis, or intestinal parasites, along with cold, damp heat, and scratching, can all trigger flare-ups.The condition affects individuals of all ages and genders, though those with constitutional predispositions are more susceptible. While not distinctly seasonal, winter often brings recurrence.
Eczema lesions exhibit polymorphic symptoms, categorized into acute, subacute, and chronic phases based on onset speed.Traditional Chinese Medicine theory posits that acute cases primarily involve damp-heat; subacute cases are often linked to spleen deficiency and stagnation, allowing damp pathogens to linger; chronic cases result from prolonged illness damaging blood, leading to blood deficiency generating wind and dryness, causing the skin to lose nourishment. When lesions appear on the lower legs accompanied by prominent blue veins, it is frequently due to impaired qi and blood circulation obstructed by damp-heat. Treating eczema with Chinese herbal medicine based on the principle of clearing heat and draining dampness yields highly significant clinical efficacy.