Traditional Chinese medicine in dermatology

Abstract

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an alternative method of therapy that can be administered in oral, topical, or injectable forms. It emphasizes the importance of using many herbs that are combined in different formulations for each individual patient. Since it is not possible to discuss all applications of TCM in every skin disorder, psoriasis and atopic dermatitis are used as the prototypes in illustrating the use of TCM. A number of studies have shown the usefulness of TCM in the treatment of these skin conditions, and thus it is worthwhile for dermatologists throughout the West to gain some familiarity with this method. We attempt to provide a general overview of TCM through a discussion of efficacy, mechanisms of action, and side effects of various TCMs. A warning regarding the possible contamination of TCMs is also included. In the future, perhaps a better understanding of TCM will be gained through more systematic analysis and controlled studies with a placebo arm. It is our hope that this article will provide dermatologists with a more complete understanding of the role and ramifications of TCM therapy.

1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic Acid Induces Apoptosis in Human Keratinocyte: Potential Application for Psoriasis Treatment

“…Although Western medicine is practiced primarily for the treatment of psoriasis, patients' dissatisfaction with conventional treatment or adverse effects after application were the most common reasons for switching to alternative therapies like herbal remedies. Besides, reviews also reported that TCM has relatively fewer side effects, a longer remission time, and a lower recurrence rate than the Western therapeutic agents [18]. Consistent with this finding, one study showed that the recurrence rate of psoriasis in TCM treated group was significantly lower than Daivonex (calcipotriol) treated group while the clinical efficacy was similar [19].…”

Effects of Korean red ginseng extract on the prevention of atopic dermatitis and its mechanism on early lesions in a murine model

“…Use of topical calcineurin inhibitors and intermittent use of topical glucocorticoids is beneficial for the management of AD (Abramovits, 2005b). Results from several studies show the possibility that patients with AD may benefit from the traditional Oriental medicine therapy (Koo and Arain, 1999).…”

Irritant Contact Dermatitis Risk of Common Topical Traditional Chinese Medicines Used for Skin‐Lightening: A Pilot Clinical Trial with 30 Volunteers

“…In the photopatch test of individual constituents, a positive reaction was observed in 33.3% subjects. Among the constituents examined, Radix Angelicae dahuricae is known to contain furocoumarins such as imperatorin, isoimperatorin, and alloimperatorin, which are potentially strong photocontact sensitizers [20–22] that also confer photoallergenic capability. This individual constituent exhibited the highest positive rate in the photopatch test.…”