Neurodermatitis
Neurodermatitis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disorder involving cutaneous nerve function. It is characterized by intermittent, intense itching and lichenification of the skin.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), it is known as niupixuan (“ox-hide psoriasis”) or shelingchuang. Neurodermatitis often affects areas prone to friction, such as the neck. Lesions typically consist of round or polygonal, flat papules that merge into plaques. Scratching causes the skin to thicken, with deeper skin furrows and raised ridges, resembling ox hide. Because the condition can be persistent and stubborn, it is also called wanxuan (“stubborn ringworm”) in TCM.
TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Lesions appear as light-brown patches and are rough and thickened. Intense itching occurs intermittently and is especially severe at night. The tongue is pale red, with a thin white or white, greasy coating; the pulse is soft and moderate.
In plain language:
- The skin lesions form light-brown patches. The surface is rough and noticeably thickened, with intense itching that is especially severe at night.
- The tongue is pale red.
- The tongue coating is thin and white.
- Alternatively, the tongue coating may be white and greasy.
- The pulse feels relatively soft and slow.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Dispel wind, promote the elimination of dampness, clear heat, and relieve itching.
In plain language:
- Aims to dispel wind and promote the removal of dampness, easing discomfort such as head and body aches, a heavy feeling in the body, or aching joints.
- Aims to clear internal heat and relieve itching, addressing symptoms such as red skin eruptions, severe itching, or repeated scratching.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
Red skin eruptions may occur with irritability or low mood, insomnia and vivid dreams, dizziness, palpitations, a bitter taste in the mouth, and a dry throat. The edges and tip of the tongue are red, with a thin white coating; the pulse is wiry and rapid.
In plain language:
- The skin eruptions are red.
- Feeling agitated, becoming easily angered, or feeling low or depressed.
- Poor sleep, often with insomnia and vivid dreams.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Palpitations or a restless feeling in the chest.
- A bitter taste in the mouth and a dry throat.
- The edges and tip of the tongue are somewhat red.
- The tongue coating is thin and white.
- The pulse feels taut and relatively rapid.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Soothe the Liver and regulate qi; clear Liver heat and drain fire.
In plain language:
- Aims to soothe Liver qi and promote the smooth flow of qi, easing discomfort such as fullness or distension in the chest and flanks, low mood, or difficulty belching.
- Aims to clear heat attributed to the Liver, addressing symptoms such as dizziness, red eyes, a bitter taste in the mouth, a dry throat, or irritability.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical description:
More commonly seen in older adults and people with a weak constitution. Lesions are pale or grayish-white, thickened and rough like ox hide, and feel dry and hard to the touch. They are often accompanied by palpitations, shortness of breath, fatigue, and heavy menstrual bleeding in women. The tongue is pale with a thin white coating; the pulse is deep and thready.
In plain language:
- More commonly seen in older adults or people who are physically weak.
- Lesions are pale or grayish-white, thickened and rough, and look like ox hide.
- When scratched, the skin feels dry and hard, like scratching a piece of deadwood.
- Often accompanied by palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue; women may experience heavy menstrual bleeding.
- The tongue is pale, with a thin white coating.
- The pulse is relatively deep and thready.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical description:
Nourish the blood and moisten dryness; extinguish wind and relieve itching.
In plain language:
- Aims to nourish the blood and moisten dryness, addressing discomfort such as a sallow complexion, dry skin, dizziness, or palpitations.
- Aims to calm internal wind and relieve itching, addressing symptoms such as red skin eruptions, severe itching, or repeated scratching.
| Related Products
The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Refer to the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.
References
- Zhao Bian. Chinese Clinical Dermatology [M]. Nanjing: Jiangsu Phoenix Science and Technology Publishing House, 2009: 1289–1291.
- Ma Zhenyou. The Latest Dermatology Medication Handbook [M]. Xi’an: Xingjie Book Publishing Company, 2008: 393.