Traditional Chinese Medicine Approaches to Dry Skin

Hereditary, psychological or allergic factors are usually the causes of dry skin, according to Western Medicine. Dermatologists will use a magnifying glass to examine the skin and may extract specimens for microscopic study. A biopsy of superficial lymph nodes and blood tests may be done on the patient to help rule out other conditions that affect the skin.

The treatment approach of Western Medicine doctors to itchy, dry skin is to advise patients to stay away from substances that might be causing the problem. Doctors may recommend oils or lotions to be applied to the dry areas of the skin in order to moisturize the skin and to take iron supplements. If the skin turns dry due to an infection, antibiotics are the usual prescribed modes of treatment. Some medications like antihistamines and steroids may also be prescribed to help manage the pain and itching. Hospitalization may be necessary if the condition turns severe in order to exclude reaction to any strong irritant and to better help address symptoms.

According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the lungs are the organ systems responsible for the skin. The skin pores and lungs need to respire together when one is inhaling. When the skin is soft and healthy, it means that the lungs are taking in quality moisture. When steam coming from the large intestine evaporates, the lungs receive the vapor then send it to the skin. This is the reason why a healthy moisturized skin is soft. Practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Pembroke Pines state that if the lungs have too much mucus or if the temperature of the small intestine is too low, the skin cannot receive enough water vapor which leads to an itchy and dry skin. Using steroids can cause a lot of side effects including the closing of the skin pores. If the pores are shut, it can’t receive water which causes the skin to dry up.

To treat itchy and dry skin, Chinese herbal formulas are used by Traditional Chinese Medicine in order to raise the internal temperature in the small intestine and to clear any mucus or residue in the lungs. When the respiratory tract has been cleared, it leads to the resolution of the dry skin and to the prevention of any future recurrences. You also need to exercise to allow the body to perspire. Be sure not to immediately enter into an air conditioned room after you’ve exercised because it will shut the skin pores and trap the sweat that’s trying to come out. The body needs to cool down in a natural way.