Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine Treatment of Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is a chronic skin condition characterized by intermittent pruritus and lichenification, associated with neurological dysfunction, slow progression, and fluctuating severity. Its exact etiology remains unclear. Various treatments exist. I have adopted integrated Chinese-Western medicine therapy for neurodermatitis with excellent results.
Formula: 15g raw Rehmannia, 15g prepared Rehmannia, 10g Kochia scoparia, 10g Dictamnus dasycarpus, 10g Cinnamomum cassia bark, 10g Spirea japonica, 15g Paeonia lactiflora, 6g Carthamus tinctorius, 5g Glycyrrhiza, 15g Moutan cortex, 5g Cicada slough, 20g Codonopsis pilosula. One dose daily, decocted and taken orally. One course lasts seven days; four courses consecutively. Simultaneously, mix one box of cooling oil with 10 tablets of dexamethasone (0.75mg each), grind into powder, blend thoroughly, and apply to affected areas twice daily—morning and evening.
TCM believes this condition arises from emotional distress leading to stagnation, prolonged illness affecting blood, and stagnation of qi and blood in the skin. Over time, blood depletion and yin injury result in dryness and wind generation. Thus, treatment employs Chinese herbs to nourish blood, moisturize skin, dispel wind, remove dampness, and clear heat and resolve stasis. Paeonia activates blood and resolves stasis; Salvia improves blood circulation, calms the spirit, nourishes blood, and activates blood. Raw and prepared Rehmannia clear heat, cool blood, nourish yin, and generate fluids. Dictamnus, Spirea, and Kochia clear heat, drain dampness, detoxify, and kill parasites. Dexamethasone has strong anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic effects. Cooling oil relieves itching, detoxifies, and kills bacteria. Combined application achieves anti-pruritic, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-allergic effects.