Vitiligo - Wind-Dampness Trapping the Skin Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for vitiligo with
Vitiligo · Wind-Dampness Trapping the Skin Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Skin
Pattern Overview
Wind-Dampness Trapping the Skin is a pattern in vitiligo, characterized
by **immune-inflammatory response, depigmentation with blurred borders,
itching, and spread of lesions**. The core pathogenesis is
Wind-Dampness pathogens trapping the skin, causing
immune-inflammatory responses that damage melanocytes.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
spreading lesions |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
superficial spread |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
floating or slippery pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
immune-inflammatory response |
| Etiology |
|---|
environmental factors |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
|---|
and clears Heat |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Disperses Wind and regulates Qi |
| Fengchi (GB20) |
|---|
sternocleidomastoid and trapezius | Disperses Wind and releases the
exterior |
| Xuehai (SP10) | On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella |
|---|
Cools Blood and stops itching |
| Ashi points | Borders of depigmented patches |
|---|
skin lesions |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with local topical herbal applications.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Xiao Feng San (消风散)
Composition:
Schizonepeta (Jing Jie), Saposhnikovia (Fang Feng), Arctium (Niu Bang
Zi), Cicada Slough (Chan Tui), Atractylodes (Cang Zhu), Sophora (Ku
Shen), Tetrapanax (Mu Tong), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Disperses Wind, eliminates Dampness, and stops itching.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Itching | Add Bai Xian Pi, Ku Shen to stop itching |
|---|
| Spreading lesions | Add Fang Feng, Chan Tui to disperse Wind |
|---|
| Redness | Add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao to clear Heat and detoxify |
|---|
| Sticky sensation | Add Cang Zhu, Huo Xiang to transform Dampness |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Immune-inflammatory response causing melanocyte damage, with epidermal
Langerhans cell activation. Wind-Dampness Trapping the Skin corresponds
to vitiligo with inflammatory activity, where Langerhans cell activation
and immune-inflammatory responses contribute to melanocyte damage.
References
1. Dermatology of TCM - Vitiligo with Wind-Dampness Trapping the Skin.
2. 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 Vitiligo
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.