Eczema - Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Accumulation Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for eczema with Spleen
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 |
|---|
eczema, fatigue |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
sensation |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
coating, soft and weak pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
the skin |
| Etiology |
|---|
Spleen deficiency |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Zusanli (ST36) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; tonifies Qi |
| Pishu (BL20) | Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T11 |
|---|
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 |
|---|
Dampness and nourishes Blood |
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
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 |
|---|
microcirculation |
| Fatigue | Add Huang Qi to enhance Qi supplementation |
|---|
| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |
|---|
| Loose stools |
|---|
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.
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
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.