Eczema - Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Accumulation Pattern

Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Eczema · Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Accumulation Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Skin

Pattern Overview

Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Accumulation is a common pattern in subacute eczema, characterized by chronic eczema with immune dysregulation, thickened lesions, lichenification, fatigue, and poor appetite. The core pathogenesis is Spleen deficiency causing Dampness accumulation in the skin, leading to chronic inflammation, lichenification, and immune dysregulation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

| :— | :— |

| Primary Symptoms | Thickened lesions, lichenification, chronic eczema, fatigue |

| Associated Symptoms | Poor appetite, loose stools, bloating, heavy sensation |

| Tongue and Pulse | Pale and swollen tongue with white greasy coating, soft and weak pulse |

| Pathogenesis | Spleen deficiency causing Dampness accumulation in the skin |

| Etiology | Poor diet, overwork, chronic illness, constitutional Spleen deficiency |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

| Point | Location | Function |

| :— | :— | :— |

| Zusanli (ST36) | 3 cun below the patella, 1 finger-width lateral to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |

| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 | Back-Shu point of Spleen meridian; strengthens Spleen-Qi |

| Yinlingquan (SP9) | Below the medial condyle of the tibia | Transforms Dampness and promotes diuresis |

| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus | Regulates Dampness and nourishes Blood |

| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus | Front-Mu point of Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, even method; moxibustion may be applied to Pishu and Zusanli to warm and tonify Spleen-Qi.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Chu Shi Wei Ling Tang (除湿胃苓汤) or Shen Ling Bai Zhu San (参苓白术散)

Composition:

Atractylodes (Cang Zhu), Magnolia (Hou Pu), Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Poria (Fu Ling), Polyporus (Zhu Ling), Alisma (Ze Xie), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Strengthens Spleen, drains Dampness, and transforms Phlegm.

Modifications

| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |

| :— | :— |

| Lichenification | Add Dan Shen, Ji Xue Teng to improve microcirculation |

| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |

| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |

| Loose stools | Add Shan Yao, Yi Yi Ren to strengthen Spleen and stop diarrhea |

Western Mechanism Reference

Chronic eczema with immune dysregulation, reduced Treg cell function, gut dysbiosis, and Th2/Th17 imbalance. Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Accumulation corresponds to chronic eczema with immune dysfunction, where reduced Treg function and gut dysbiosis contribute to chronic inflammation and lichenification.

References

  1. Dermatology of TCM - Subacute Eczema with Spleen Deficiency and Dampness.

  2. Xiong Jibai: Spleen Deficiency with Dampness uses Shen Ling Bai Zhu San.

  3. WHO. (2023). Skin health. World Health Organization.

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