Eczema - Blood Deficiency with Wind-Dryness Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for eczema with Blood

Eczema · Blood Deficiency with Wind-Dryness Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Skin


Pattern Overview

Blood Deficiency with Wind-Dryness is a common pattern in chronic

eczema, characterized by **skin barrier dysfunction, dry skin, scaling,

intense itching, lichenification, and fissuring**. The core pathogenesis

is Blood deficiency failing to nourish the skin, leading to skin

barrier dysfunction, increased transepidermal water loss, and severe

itching.


Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

lichenification, fissuring |

Associated Symptoms

eyes |

Tongue and Pulse

weak pulse |

Pathogenesis Blood deficiency failing to nourish the skin
Etiology

blood loss, aging |


Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
Xuehai (SP10) On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella

Nourishes Blood and stops itching |

Sanyinjiao (SP6) 3 cun above the medial malleolus

Blood and Yin; regulates the Spleen and Kidney |

Geshu (BL17) Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T7

of the Blood; nourishes Blood |

Zusanli (ST36)

to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi and

Blood |

Taixi (KI3)

tendon | Nourishes Kidney-Yin and supports Blood production |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reinforcing method;

moxibustion may be applied to Xuehai and Geshu to nourish Blood.


Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Dang Gui Yin Zi (当归饮子) or Si Wu Xiao Feng San

(四物消风散)

Composition:

Angelica (Dang Gui), Rehmannia (Sheng Di), White Peony (Bai Shao),

Chuanxiong (Chuan Xiong), Polygonum (He Shou Wu), Schizonepeta (Jing

Jie), Saposhnikovia (Fang Feng), Tribulus (Bai Ji Li), Licorice (Gan

Cao)

Action: Nourishes Blood, extinguishes Wind, and stops itching.

Modifications

Associated Symptoms Additions/Subtractions
Severe dry skin

moisten dryness |

Intense itching Add Bai Xian Pi, Ku Shen to stop itching
Lichenification

microcirculation |

Fissuring

skin |


Western Mechanism Reference

Skin barrier dysfunction with increased transepidermal water loss,

filaggrin gene mutations, and decreased ceramide levels. Blood

Deficiency with Wind-Dryness corresponds to chronic eczema with dry skin

and lichenification, where filaggrin mutations and decreased ceramide

levels contribute to skin barrier dysfunction and increased

transepidermal water loss.


References

1. Dermatology of TCM - Chronic Eczema with Blood Deficiency and

Wind-Dryness.

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


Explore More

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Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.