In Chinese medicine, everyone’s case of stasis dermatitis is unique. Chinese herbal treatment focuses on the “patterns of disharmony” associated with each individual’s skin problems. There is no difference between stasis dermatits, stasis eczema or gravitational 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). The look of the skin and lesions give us lots of information about what is going on internally. For example, moist, weeping lesions require different herbs than dry, itchy ones.

Antonia also determines what inner imbalances led to the lesions expressing in the first place. Do you have a job where you stand all day? Are you tired? Do you have varicose veins, spider veins, or other circulatory issues? Are there digestive symptoms like constipation, bloating or loose stools? Did the skin flare up during a period of intense stress? How quickly are new lesions forming?

Chinese Herbal Formulas for Stasis Dermatitis

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 a herb compress, salve, cream or powder) as well as beneficial foods and foods to avoid.