Adam's Eczema Journey: Healing Through TCM

In Singapore, about one in five children live with eczema. Beyond the rashes, eczema can disrupt sleep, affect a child's confidence, and make everyday activities more challenging.

Many parents are searching for different ways to help manage their child's eczema, whether alongside conventional treatments or as an alternative approach.

In this article, we'll share Adam's story*, a young boy who struggled with eczema for 5 years before finding relief through Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). His journey shows how TCM can help address childhood eczema challenges.

*Name has been changed to protect privacy.

Understanding childhood eczema through Adam's story

Adam is a bright, energetic 12-year-old who loves ice cream, fried treats, and anything sweet. Unfortunately, many of his favourite foods seemed to trigger eczema flare-ups.

For the past five years, Adam has dealt with bumpy red rashes on the back of both legs. The rashes often left dark marks on his skin and scratch marks from the constant itching. Even simple activities like playing at school became harder when he felt tired or hadn't been eating well. 

His mother tried different medications, but they only provided temporary relief. The eczema kept coming back, and finding a lasting solution is challenging.

Adam's journey toward healing began when his mother decided to try Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Adam started a month-long treatment combining acupuncture and herbal medicine under the care of a physician at Thomson Chinese Medicine. It was a turning point. 

If your child is struggling with persistent eczema like Adam, there may be a personalised solution that brings real relief. Request an appointment with our TCM physicians at Thomson Chinese Medicine to explore a tailored treatment plan that could help reduce your child flare-ups.

How TCM treated Adam's eczema at the root cause

In TCM, eczema isn't seen as just a skin problem. Instead, TCM physicians view it as a sign that something deeper in the body is out of balance. This is actually good news because addressing the root cause makes lasting relief possible.

TCM identifies factors like "wind-heat" and "dampness" as root causes. Children naturally have higher internal heat levels, and things like hot weather or fever can make the imbalance worse, leading to eczema flare-ups.

"Adam's treatment plan focused on addressing excess dampness due to a weak digestive system." - Physician Zhou Jing

For Adam, the focus was on reducing excess dampness, which TCM links to a weak digestive system (often called spleen deficiency in TCM terms). His red tongue also showed signs of heat buildup, which can make the itching worse.

Chinese herbal medicine that helped Adam find relief

No two children are exactly alike, and neither are their treatments. TCM uses herbal remedies that are customised for each person's specific type of eczema. After carefully assessing Adam's condition, his physician prescribed a personalised combination of herbs:

• Wu Ling San (五苓散) is a traditional herbal formula that helps drain excess dampness from Adam's body

• Chi Xiao Dou (赤小豆) are adzuki beans known for their ability to clear excess heat and reduce his inflammation and itching

• Chan Tui (蝉蜕) is cicada slough, a natural ingredient used to soothe Adam's itchiness and bring relief

TCM physicians take time to examine the rash closely, understand how the itch affects Adam, and consider his overall health. All of this helps them create a remedy tailored specifically to Adam’s needs.

The goal isn't just to treat the current symptoms but to address the root cause and help prevent future flare-ups. This approach aims to support Adam’s long-term skin health and overall well-being.

What Adam experienced during acupuncture treatment

Adam and his mother had concerns about the needles at first but found the acupuncture sessions were painless.

Adam completed three acupuncture sessions in total. Thin needles were carefully placed at specific points on the back of his knees, lower legs, and ankles, targeting what TCM calls the Bladder and Spleen meridians. These points help regulate energy flow and correct imbalances in the body.

This approach not only helps relieve Adam’s itching and inflammation but also strengthens his immune system to help prevent future eczema flare-ups.

How Adam's eczema improved after TCM treatment

After just three acupuncture sessions, Adam's mother already saw a real difference. 

"The rashes became less bumpy and no longer so itchy." - Adam's mother

This early improvement was encouraging and showed the treatment was working. The best part is Adam's skin continued to improve, giving him back the comfort to enjoy being a kid again.

If your child is like Adam, who is experiencing persistent rashes, itching, or discomfort, request an appointment with our physicians to explore a personalised treatment plan that could help improve their skin health and restore their comfort and confidence.

Embracing the emotional journey

Managing eczema often requires patience. For children like Adam, eczema can affect their confidence and comfort.

It’s important to support them emotionally and maintain a positive outlook, environmental adjustments, and stress management techniques. Healing takes time, and progress may vary.

TCM insights into children's eczema

Both TCM and Western medicine can be effective for treating eczema, and they can be combined.

While Western medications and steroid creams are choices for managing symptoms, TCM provides an alternative approach through herbs, acupuncture, and dietary adjustments. TCM focuses on addressing the underlying imbalances to restore harmony in the body, offering a natural solution that complements conventional treatments. 

Adam's story is a testament to the potential of TCM to provide relief and restore balance. By combining acupuncture, herbal medicine, and consistent care routines, Adam’s eczema improved significantly. This approach addressed both his symptoms and underlying imbalances contributing to his condition.

Remember, every child's eczema journey is different. What worked for Adam may not be as effective for your child. If you're considering TCM for your child's eczema, request an appointment with Thomson Chinese Medicine. Our physicians can create a personalised treatment plan based on your child’s individual needs.

FAQ

Is acupuncture safe and painful for children with eczema? 

Many parents worry about needles, but acupuncture for children is generally gentle and largely painless. Thin needles are carefully placed at specific points, and most children tolerate the treatment well. Adam completed three sessions comfortably.

How long does it take to see results from TCM treatment for eczema? 

Treatment timelines vary. Adam showed improvement after just three acupuncture sessions within a month of treatment. His rashes became less bumpy and itchy. However, while some children respond quickly, others may need more time. TCM physicians will monitor progress and adjust treatment accordingly.

Can TCM be used alongside Western medicine and steroid creams?

Yes. TCM and Western medicine can work together. Western medications provide symptom relief when needed, while TCM gently addresses underlying imbalances. Many families use both approaches.

What causes eczema from a TCM perspective? 

TCM views eczema as a sign of deeper imbalances in the body rather than just a skin problem. Common root causes include wind-heat, dampness, and Spleen deficiency (weak digestive system). Children naturally have higher internal heat levels, which can be triggered by hot weather, certain foods, or fever.

Will my child need to avoid certain foods during TCM treatment? 

Dietary adjustments often play a role in TCM treatment. TCM physicians will help identify foods that may trigger flare-ups and provide guidance on dietary changes. Adam's family found that ice cream, fried treats, and sweets triggered flare-ups, so they made adjustments. Physicians will guide and provide personalised dietary recommendations.

How is TCM treatment personalised for each child? 

TCM physicians carefully examine the rash, assess how symptoms affect the child, and consider their overall health before creating a customised treatment plan. This includes herbal formulas, acupuncture points, and dietary advice, all tailored to the individual’s specific type of eczema needs.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and advice based on your conditions, request an appointment with Thomson Chinese Medicine today.

Reference:

Singapore General Hospital. (2022, Feb 15). The itch that won't stop. https://www.sgh.com.sg/news/singapore-health/the-itch-that-wont-stop