Traditional Chinese Medicine for Eczema and Psoriasis - TCM Skin Treatment (2026)

By Ava Huang, Herbal Science Researcher at QICAOGANGMU | Updated: May 2026 | Reading time: 14 minutes

If you have lived with eczema or psoriasis for any length of time, you have probably noticed that Western medicine does a good job of managing flares - but often does not stop them from coming back. Steroids calm the skin down. And then the skin flares again. And then you use more steroids.

This cycle is exactly why many people start looking into traditional Chinese medicine for eczema. Not as a rejection of Western medicine, but as a fundamentally different way of thinking about why the skin is inflamed in the first place - and what to actually do about it long-term. This article covers how TCM classifies eczema and psoriasis, what the treatment approaches are, what the evidence says, and how to use TCM principles alongside modern medicine.

Quick reference: TCM for eczema and psoriasis

How traditional Chinese medicine understands eczema

In Western medicine, eczema is classified as atopic dermatitis - an immune-mediated inflammatory condition. The treatment focus is on suppressing that inflammation. In TCM eczema diagnosis, the approach is different. Rather than asking "how do we suppress the inflammation," TCM asks: "what internal imbalance is causing the body to produce this reaction?" The specific appearance, location, texture, and behaviour of the eczema all give diagnostic information about what is happening inside.

The three core TCM concepts: Wind, Damp, and Heat

Wind (Feng) in TCM is associated with itching that moves, changes location, and comes and goes unpredictably. Eczema with intense, roving itchiness is classified as having a strong Wind component. In modern terms, Wind corresponds to neurogenic itch - the activation of TRPV1 and TRPV3 receptors in cutaneous nerve fibres that generate the sensation of itch independent of histamine. This is why antihistamines often fail for eczema itch: the itch is Wind-driven, not histamine-driven.

Dampness (Shi) is associated with weeping, oozing, crusty, or vesicular eczema. If your eczema produces fluid-filled blisters, weeps when scratched, or forms wet crusts - this is a classic Damp presentation. In modern terms, Dampness corresponds to elevated transepidermal water loss (TEWL), disrupted skin barrier ceramides, and Candida or Staphylococcus aureus colonisation of the compromised skin surface.

Heat (Re) is associated with redness, inflammation, burning, and acute flares. Eczema that is bright red, hot to touch, and intensely inflamed is a Heat pattern. In modern terms, Heat corresponds to the Th2-driven cytokine cascade - IL-4, IL-13, IL-31, and TNF-alpha - activated through NF-kB pathways. PMID 38358770

TCM syndrome differentiation of eczema

The main TCM eczema syndromes are:

• Wind-Heat type - dry, very itchy, red patches that move around. Worse in warm weather. Often affects the face and upper body. Treated with Wind-clearing and Heat-cooling herbs.
• Damp-Heat type - weeping, oozing, vesicular eczema. Often affects skin folds, hands, and feet. Worse in humid conditions. Treated with Damp-draining and Heat-clearing herbs. PMC6151778
• Blood Deficiency / Wind-Dry type - chronic, lichenified (thickened) eczema with dry, scaly patches. Often affects people with long-term eczema. Skin is rough and lacks moisture. Treated with blood-nourishing and Wind-expelling herbs.
• Spleen Deficiency with Damp - eczema associated with digestive weakness and fatigue. Often seen in children and people with gut problems. Treated with Spleen-strengthening herbs alongside Damp-clearing ones.

For a deeper scientific exploration of exactly how these TCM patterns map onto modern dermatological mechanisms, see our dedicated TCM eczema deep dive article.

How TCM treats eczema - the main approaches

1. Topical Chinese herbal medicine

The most immediately accessible form of TCM eczema treatment. The herbs used depend on the syndrome pattern. For Wind-Heat patterns, cooling and anti-inflammatory herbs like Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens) are commonly used. For Damp-Heat patterns with oozing, astringent and damp-drying herbs like Bai Xian Pi and Di Fu Zi are added.

QICAOGANGMU is formulated on these principles - combining Ku Shen (1.5%) for inflammation and itch PMID 12736520, She Chuang Zi (3%) for antifungal and antipruritic action PMC8417377, Borneolum (2%) for deep penetration of all actives PMC5452010, Stemonae Radix (0.5%) for antimicrobial protection against Staph aureus PMID 35295975, and Menthol (0.5%) for immediate cooling itch relief. PMID 17498839. This multi-herb approach reflects classical TCM topical formulation strategy.

2. Internal herbal medicine

For chronic or severe eczema, Chinese medicine traditionally involves internal herbal prescriptions - either as dried herbs boiled into a decoction (tea), or in capsule or tablet form. These address the underlying internal imbalance rather than just treating the skin surface. Common internal herbs include Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia) for cooling Blood Heat, Fu Ling (Poria) for draining Dampness, and Bai Zhu (Atractylodes) for strengthening the Spleen. A qualified TCM practitioner will customise these formulas for your specific syndrome pattern.

3. TCM eczema diet

Diet is central to TCM eczema treatment - far more so than in Western dermatology. Certain foods actively worsen the internal imbalances that drive eczema, and others support healing.

Foods to reduce in most eczema patterns:

• Spicy and hot foods (chilli, garlic, ginger in large amounts) - worsen Heat and Wind patterns
• Greasy, fried, or rich foods - generate Dampness and Heat
• Shellfish and some seafood - classified as Wind-generating in TCM, commonly trigger flares
• Alcohol - generates Heat and Dampness
• Dairy products - can increase Dampness in people with Spleen Deficiency
• Sugar and refined carbohydrates - generate Dampness

Foods that support eczema recovery in TCM:

• Job's tears (Yi Yi Ren / Pearl Barley) - drains Dampness, gentle enough for daily use as a porridge
• Mung beans - clear Heat, commonly used in Damp-Heat patterns
• Winter melon - drains Dampness
• Chrysanthemum tea - clears Wind-Heat, often recommended for eczema affecting the face
• Buckwheat - rich in rutin which strengthens blood vessel walls

For the complete TCM dietary guide for itchy skin and eczema patterns, see our guide to herbs and diet for itchy skin.

4. Acupuncture for eczema

Acupuncture is used to regulate Qi and Blood flow, clear pathogenic factors, and calm the nervous system. For eczema, the evidence shows reductions in itch intensity and sleep disturbance compared to control groups. Points commonly used include SP10 (Xue Hai - Blood Sea, for clearing Blood Heat), ST36 (Zu San Li - for strengthening the Spleen and immune regulation), and LI11 (Qu Chi - for clearing Heat and Wind from the skin).

TCM for psoriasis - how the approach differs

Psoriasis in TCM is understood differently from eczema, though there is overlap. Where eczema is primarily Wind-Damp-Heat, TCM for psoriasis most commonly falls into a Blood Heat or Blood Stasis pattern.

• Blood Heat psoriasis - the acute, active form. Plaques are bright red, actively expanding, covered with silvery scales. New lesions appear frequently. Matches guttate psoriasis and flaring plaque psoriasis. Treatment focuses on cooling the Blood with herbs like Sheng Di Huang, Mu Dan Pi, and Chi Shao.
• Blood Stasis psoriasis - the chronic, stable form. Plaques are dark red or purple-red, thick, and stubborn. Common in long-standing psoriasis. Treatment activates Blood circulation and removes Stasis.
• Blood Deficiency / Wind-Dry psoriasis - dry, less inflamed form often in elderly patients. Plaques are pale pink with fine, dry scales. Treatment nourishes Blood and moisturises the skin.

The herbs in QICAOGANGMU - particularly Ku Shen and She Chuang Zi - address both the inflammatory and itch components seen across multiple psoriasis patterns, which is why the cream is effective for both eczema and psoriasis. For psoriasis-specific detail, see our psoriasis relief guide.

Does Chinese medicine actually work for eczema? What the research says

The research is promising but not yet conclusive by large-scale RCT standards - partly because TCM's individualised approach is genuinely difficult to study in standardised clinical trials. Here is what the evidence does show:

• Sophora flavescens (Ku Shen) - multiple in vitro and clinical studies confirm anti-inflammatory, antipruritic, and Th2-suppressing activity via NF-kB inhibition. PMID 38358770. Meta-analysis of Sophora-based TCM preparations confirms efficacy and safety for inflammatory skin conditions. PMC7758483
• Cnidium monnieri (She Chuang Zi) - antipruritic via TRPV3 inhibition and antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum confirmed in published studies. PMC8417377, PMC9580115
• Classical TCM formulas - studies on formulas like Huang Lian Jie Du Tang and Xiao Feng San have shown meaningful reductions in SCORAD (eczema severity) scores compared to placebo in controlled studies.
• Systematic review - a systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed the efficacy and safety of topical Chinese herbal medicine for atopic eczema. PMID 24821063

The honest limitation: most TCM herbal studies are small and conducted in Asian populations. Large-scale Western RCTs are limited. This does not mean the treatments do not work - it means the Western research infrastructure has not yet caught up with thousands of years of documented clinical use.

TCM for itchy skin - the key herbs

Ku Shen (Sophora flavescens / 苦参)

The single most important herb in TCM for inflammatory skin conditions. Clears Heat and Damp, stops itching via histamine-independent pathways, and has documented NF-kB anti-inflammatory activity. Used both topically and internally. Primary active at 1.5% in QICAOGANGMU. PMID 12736520

She Chuang Zi (Cnidium monnieri / 蛇床子)

Dries Dampness, kills fungi, and stops itch via TRPV3 inhibition. Particularly useful when eczema has a fungal component (Candidal diaper rash, tinea-complicated eczema). Antifungal activity against Trichophyton rubrum confirmed. The highest-concentration active at 3% in QICAOGANGMU. PMC8417377

Bai Xian Pi (Dictamnus dasycarpus bark)

Clears Heat and Damp, expels Wind, stops itch. One of the classic herbs for acute weeping eczema. Often combined with Ku Shen in both topical and internal formulas for Damp-Heat patterns.

Di Fu Zi (Kochia scoparia fruit)

Dries Dampness, stops itching, particularly effective for genital itching and skin fold eczema. A key herb in TCM formulas for damp-type skin conditions and pruritus ani.

Huang Bai (Phellodendron bark)

Clears Heat and Damp from the lower body. Used for eczema of the lower extremities, groin, and feet. Has documented antimicrobial properties and is a component of many classical TCM skin formulas.

Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa)

Cools Blood Heat, nourishes Yin, reduces inflammation. Used internally for acute, red, hot eczema and psoriasis. One of the most important Blood-cooling herbs in TCM dermatology - central to psoriasis treatment.

Bai Bu (Stemonae Radix / 百部)

Broad-spectrum antimicrobial herb used externally. Protects compromised skin from secondary Staphylococcus aureus colonisation - the bacterium that directly amplifies eczema inflammatory response in over 90% of cases. Present at 0.5% in QICAOGANGMU. PMID 35295975

TCM vs Western medicine for eczema: how they compare

The most practical approach for most people is combining both: use Western medicine for acute severe flares when needed, and use TCM principles - herbal creams, diet, and lifestyle - for long-term management and prevention. For a detailed safety comparison with steroid creams specifically, see our QICAOGANGMU vs steroid creams comparison.

How to use TCM alongside modern eczema treatment

For acute flares: if eczema flares severely, use prescribed steroid cream or antihistamines to bring it under control quickly - this is what Western medicine does best. At the same time, apply QICAOGANGMU to surrounding unaffected areas to maintain protection and reduce the area requiring steroid coverage.

For daily maintenance: this is where TCM excels. Use QICAOGANGMU twice daily on affected areas to manage inflammation and itch without steroids. Follow the TCM dietary guidelines above to reduce internal Heat and Dampness that trigger flares.

For understanding your pattern: consider consulting a qualified TCM practitioner at least once to get a syndrome diagnosis. Understanding whether your eczema is predominantly Wind-Heat, Damp-Heat, or Blood Deficiency helps you make better choices about foods, herbs, and environmental triggers.

For children: TCM is particularly well-suited to children's eczema because it avoids the long-term steroid concerns that worry many parents. The Spleen Deficiency pattern is especially common in children - addressing it with gentle dietary changes can significantly reduce flare frequency. See our complete baby eczema and infant safety guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does Chinese medicine work for eczema?

The evidence is positive. Key herbs like Sophora flavescens (Ku Shen) and Cnidium monnieri have well-documented anti-inflammatory and antipruritic mechanisms confirmed in PubMed-published studies. A systematic review and meta-analysis confirmed the efficacy and safety of topical Chinese herbal medicine for atopic eczema. PMID 24821063. Many people who have not responded well to Western treatments alone find significant improvement with TCM - particularly in reducing flare frequency rather than just managing acute symptoms.

Can Chinese medicine cure eczema permanently?

TCM does not claim to "cure" eczema in the way a drug cures an infection. The goal is to correct the underlying imbalance that makes the body prone to flares. Many people who follow TCM treatment consistently over several months find flares become less frequent and less severe. Some achieve long periods of remission. But ongoing maintenance - particularly dietary - is usually part of the picture.

What is the TCM diagnosis for eczema?

There is no single TCM diagnosis for eczema. It is differentiated into patterns based on symptoms: Wind-Heat (dry, itchy, migratory), Damp-Heat (oozing, weeping, vesicular), Blood Deficiency/Wind-Dry (chronic, thickened, dry), and Spleen Deficiency with Damp (digestive weakness, often in children). A qualified TCM practitioner will diagnose your specific pattern and tailor treatment accordingly.

What foods should I avoid with eczema according to TCM?

The main foods to reduce are: spicy and hot foods (worsen Heat), greasy and fried foods (generate Damp), alcohol (generates Heat and Damp), shellfish and some seafood (Wind-generating), and sugar and refined carbohydrates (generate Damp). Specific dietary advice varies by pattern - someone with a Blood Deficiency/Wind-Dry pattern may tolerate some warming spices that someone with a Heat pattern should avoid.

Is there a Chinese herbal cream for eczema I can use without seeing a TCM practitioner?

Yes - pre-formulated TCM topical creams like QICAOGANGMU are designed to address the most common eczema patterns (Wind-Damp-Heat) and can be used without a consultation. They work across most types of eczema and psoriasis because they target the overlapping mechanisms common across patterns - inflammation, itch, and Dampness. For more severe or unusual cases, seeing a practitioner who can prescribe an individualised internal formula adds significant value. See our complete ingredients guide for the full evidence on each herb.

Can TCM help with seborrheic dermatitis and scalp conditions?

Yes - seborrheic dermatitis in Chinese medicine is typically classified as a Damp-Heat pattern affecting the Stomach and Spleen meridians, which map to the face and scalp. Dietary changes reducing greasy foods, alcohol, and dairy, along with herbs that clear Damp-Heat like Huang Bai and Fu Ling, are the standard approach. Topical herbs with antifungal properties - including She Chuang Zi - address the Malassezia component. See our seborrheic dermatitis guide.

What is the difference between TCM for eczema and TCM for psoriasis?

While there is overlap in herbs used, psoriasis in TCM is primarily understood as a Blood Heat or Blood Stasis condition, while eczema is primarily Wind-Damp-Heat. Psoriasis treatment places more emphasis on Blood-cooling herbs (Sheng Di Huang, Mu Dan Pi) and less on Damp-draining herbs than eczema treatment does. In practice, many topical TCM treatments - including QICAOGANGMU - address both conditions because they share common inflammatory and itch drivers.

Related articles

• How TCM Explains Eczema: Wind, Dampness and Heat Deep Dive
• QICAOGANGMU Ingredients: Full Breakdown of Every Herb, Concentration and Safety Evidence
• Best Herbs for Itchy Skin: Chinese Herbal and Natural Remedies That Work

Clinical references

1. Pan YJ et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of flavonoids and alkaloids from Sophora flavescens. Phytotherapy Research. 2024;38(4):1951-1970. PMID 38358770
2. Chao X et al. Synergic Anti-Pruritus Mechanisms of Radix Sophorae Flavescentis and Fructus Cnidii. Evidence Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2018. PMC6151778
3. Antipruritic effects of Sophora flavescens. PubMed. 2003. PMID 12736520
4. Chen M et al. Efficacy and Safety of Sophora flavescens-based TCM. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2020. PMC7758483
5. Cao Y et al. Antifungal Mechanism of Cnidium monnieri Against Trichophyton rubrum. Frontiers in Microbiology. 2021. PMC8417377
6. Khan SA et al. Network pharmacology and molecular docking of Cnidii Fructus. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. 2022;22(1):270. PMC9580115
7. Dai H et al. Clinical and mechanistic study of topical borneol-induced analgesia. Experimental and Therapeutic Medicine. 2017;13(6):3267-3272. PMC5452010
8. Xu Y et al. Alkaloids from Stemona tuberosa and their anti-inflammatory activity. Frontiers in Chemistry. 2022;10:847595. PMID 35295975
9. Patel T, Ishiuji Y, Yosipovitch G. Menthol: a refreshing look at this ancient compound. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 2007;57(5):873-878. PMID 17498839
10. Gu S et al. Topical Chinese herbal medicine for atopic eczema: systematic review with meta-analysis. Dermatology. 2014. PMID 24821063