Skin & Hairpí fū sào yǎng

Skin itching

Also called:pruritusitchy skin

From the TCM perspective: Itching: wind-dryness, damp-heat or blood deficiency generating wind

Overview

Skin itching provokes scratching, with or without a rash. TCM distinguishes acute wind-heat/damp-heat (redness, papules, oozing) from chronic blood-deficiency wind-dryness or yin deficiency (dry scaly skin worse at night, often in the elderly).

☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)

Wind-heat/blood heat

Key distinguishing signs: Acute itching with redness, papules and heat, worse when hot, red tongue tip
Treatment principle: Disperse wind, clear heat and cool the blood

Damp-heat with oozing

Key distinguishing signs: Itching with vesicles, oozing fluid and yellow crusts, greasy tongue coat and rapid slippery pulse
Treatment principle: Clear heat and drain dampness

Blood deficiency generating wind-dryness

Key distinguishing signs: Chronic nighttime itching, dry scaly skin with scratch marks, common in the elderly, pale dry tongue
Treatment principle: Nourish blood and moisten dryness to extinguish wind

Liver-kidney yin deficiency

Key distinguishing signs: Dry itching with dizziness, tinnitus, hot palms, night sweat, red tongue with little coat
Treatment principle: Nourish yin and extinguish internal wind

Daily self-care

Moisturize with fragrance-free cream right after bathing and avoid hot water.
Keep nails short, wear cotton, avoid direct wool and known allergens.
Humidify in winter and track triggers (food, medication, detergents).

When to seek medical help

The following warning signs require prompt medical evaluation — do not rely on self-treatment:

Generalized itch without rash with jaundice or dark urine (possible liver disease).
Severe nighttime itch with swollen nodes, weight loss or night sweats.
Rapidly spreading rash with face/throat swelling or breathlessness (anaphylaxis).

Medical disclaimer: Educational content about traditional Chinese medicine for information only; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace a qualified clinician. If symptoms worsen or warning signs appear, seek medical care.

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