Eczema - Damp-Heat Infiltration Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for eczema with
Eczema · Damp-Heat Infiltration Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Skin
Pattern Overview
Damp-Heat Infiltration is the most common pattern in acute eczema,
characterized by **skin barrier disruption with immune inflammation,
weeping lesions, redness, intense itching, and exudation**. The core
pathogenesis is accumulation of Damp-Heat in the skin, causing acute
inflammation, exudation, and severe itching.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
exudation, erythema |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
constipation, irritability |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the skin |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
consumption, external Damp-Heat |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
|---|
detoxifies |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Disperses Wind and clears Heat |
| Yinlingquan (SP9) | Below the medial condyle of the tibia |
|---|
Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |
| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella |
|---|
Cools Blood and stops itching |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Dampness and nourishes Blood |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with pricking and cupping to drain Damp-Heat.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (龙胆泻肝汤) or Bi Xie Shen Shi
Tang (萆薢渗湿汤)
Composition:
Gentian Root (Long Dan Cao), Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Gardenia (Zhi Zi),
Alisma (Ze Xie), Akebia (Mu Tong), Plantago (Che Qian Zi), Dioscorea (Bi
Xie), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Clears Damp-Heat, detoxifies, and stops itching.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe weeping lesions | Add Fu Ling, Zhu Ling to promote diuresis |
|---|
| Intense itching | Add Bai Xian Pi, Ku Shen to stop itching |
|---|
| Erythema | Add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao to clear Heat and detoxify |
|---|
| Feverishness | Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Skin barrier disruption with immune inflammation, elevated IgE,
eosinophil infiltration, and IL-4/IL-13 elevation. Damp-Heat
Infiltration corresponds to acute eczema with exudative inflammation,
where Th2-type inflammation and elevated IgE contribute to skin barrier
disruption and severe itching.
References
1. Dermatology of TCM - Acute Eczema with Damp-Heat.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Liver-Gallbladder Damp-Heat →
Clearing Pathway.
3. WHO. (2023). Skin health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for skin health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM dermatology.
Related TCM Patterns for Eczema
- Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Accumulation
- Blood Deficiency with Wind-Dryness
- Wind-Cold Binding the Exterior
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.