In Chinese medicine, everyone’s case of nummular eczema is unique. Chinese herbal treatment focuses on the “patterns of disharmony” associated with each individual’s case. There is no difference between nummular eczema, nummular dermatitis or discoid eczema (same condition – different name), but there is a difference in the underlying patterns that each person presents with.

How can you tell what patterns I have?

First, Antonia closely examines your skin and takes photos of the lesions. (Photos are also taken during each follow up visit in order to keep track of how things are changing). In Chinese medicine, the look of the skin and lesions give us lots of information about what is going on internally.

Moist lesions that weep or crust require different herbs than dry, red lesions that feel hot. Severe itching requires different herbs than burning or a “prickly” sensation. If lesions are on the hands and arms, different herbs will be used than if lesions are on the lower legs and feet.

Antonia also determines what inner imbalances led to the lesions expressing in the first place. What other symptoms do you have? Are there digestive symptoms like constipation, bloating or loose stools? Did the skin flare up during a period of intense stress? Are you tired? How quickly are new lesions forming?

Chinese Herbal Formulas for Nummular Eczema

Once she identifies your precise patterns of disharmony, Antonia puts together a custom herbal formula. Chinese medicine uses multiple ingredients in each person’s herbal formula to address each pattern and the whole constitution. The ingredients in the formula change over time as the skin evolves and heals.

Antonia also recommends the best topical treatment (which may come in the form of an herb wash, salve, or cream) as well as beneficial foods and foods to avoid.