Do you suffer from a chronic skin condition? Does this nuisance affect your confidence or interfere with your sleep? Skin eruptions and rashes often occur as a result of genetic predisposition, stress, hormonal changes, hypersensitive immune system, diet, lifestyle and medication. Some of the skin conditions that can become chronic and debilitating are acne, urticaria, eczema and psoriasis. While acne is relatively easier to address, psoriasis is one of the most challenging skin conditions. However, with integrated treatments and lifestyle change, there may a better chance of improving symptoms and quality of life.
Research
A randomised controlled trial (Ref: 1) was conducted in the Department of Dermatology, Kinki University School Medicine, Japan, to assess the efficacy of Chinese herbal formulas Shi Wei Bai Du Tang (十味敗毒湯) and Huang Lian Jie Du Tang (黄連解毒湯) on 268 patients with acne vulgaris. The results showed that these formulas are effective for the treatment of acne although a combination with topical agents further shorten the duration of treatment.
Another study (Ref: 2) was conducted to review the evidence of the usefulness of acupuncture in managing dermatological illnesses such as atopic dermatitis, urticaria, herpes zoster, psoriasis, acne, melasma and hyperhidrosis, as well as promoting wound healing. Although more research is needed, the use of acupuncture in modulating itch, in treating atopic dermatitis and herpes zoster pain and wound healing is promising.
References
- http://www.jsom.or.jp/medical/ebm/ere/pdf/930017e.pdf
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5653339/
