Neurodermatitis is a skin disorder characterized by neural dysfunction, with the main features being skin thickening, deepening of skin furrows, lichenification, and paroxysmal severe itching. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, this condition falls under the categories of "psoriasis" and "stubborn ringworm." The disease is located in the skin and is often caused by emotional stress, internal stagnation of liver qi, invasion of external pathogens, and over time, the consumption of yin and blood. This leads to dryness due to blood deficiency, which in turn generates wind, causing the skin to lose its nourishment and resulting in the disease.
Blood Deficiency and Wind-Dryness Type: Papules merge to form patches and lumps, with a dry surface, light or grayish-white color, deepened skin lines, covered with scales, and severe itching, which is particularly worse at night, and women may also have menstrual irregularities; the tongue is pale, the coating is thin, and the pulse is moist and fine.
Yin Deficiency and Blood Dryness Type: The skin lesions persist without healing, appearing pale red or grayish-white, with local dryness and thickening, and in severe cases, it may spread all over the body, accompanied by severe itching, which is particularly worse at night; the tongue is red with little coating, and the pulse is string-like and rapid.
Liver Depression Transforming into Fire Type: The skin lesions are red, accompanied by irritability and anger or mental depression, insomnia with frequent dreams, dizziness, and a bitter taste in the mouth with a dry throat; the tongue is red, and the pulse is string-like and rapid.
Wind-Heat Accumulation and Obstruction Type: The rash appears light brown, the skin lesions are patchy, rough, and thickened, with paroxysmal intense itching, which is especially severe at night; the tongue coating is thin and white, and the pulse is floating and rapid.
It is recommended to perform moxibustion once a day, targeting 2 to 3 acupoints each time, with each acupoint being treated for 30 to 40 minutes. Rotate the points treated, with a 10-day period constituting one course of treatment, and then rest for 2 to 3 days before continuing with the next course. (If time permits and there is a need, more acupoints can be treated with moxibustion. The specific duration should be adjusted according to one's own physical needs.)
1. Patients should avoid scratching the affected skin, refrain from washing with hot water or applying irritating topical medications. 2. Consume more fresh vegetables and fruits, avoid spicy, raw, and seafood that can cause irritation, and make an effort to quit smoking and drinking alcohol. 3. Develop good living habits, change underwear promptly, and minimize contact with irritating cosmetics.