Seborrhoeic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis acupuncture| Seborrheic dermatitis TCM

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common chronic skin condition in Hong Kong, mainly affecting the scalp, face, ears, chest, and other areas with high sebum production. It is typically characterized by skin redness, itchiness, greasy scaling, and the presence of dandruff.

Causes of seborrheic dermatitis

Excess oil secretion: The skin’s sebaceous glands produce too much oil, leading to the accumulation of oil on the skin surface, clogging of the hair follicles, and bacterial infections, which can trigger seborrheic dermatitis.
Lifestyle factors: Stress, fatigue, poor dietary habits, excessive alcohol or drug use, etc. can also trigger or worsen seborrheic dermatitis.
Environmental factors: The hot and humid environment in Hong Kong can more easily trigger or worsen seborrheic dermatitis.

Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis

Scalp dandruff: The scalp may have large amounts of greasy, white or yellow flakes that can adhere to the hair or fall onto the shoulders.
Rashes: The affected areas may have red, greasy skin lesions, typically localized to the scalp, ears, eyebrows, nasal folds, and chest where sebum production is high.
Itchiness and stinging: Seborrheic dermatitis can cause severe itchiness and stinging in the affected areas, which may lead to scratching and further exacerbate the inflammation.
Increased oil secretion: The affected skin may become oily and shiny, feeling unpleasant. Redness and dryness: In some cases, seborrheic dermatitis may lead to skin redness and dryness, making the skin more prone to itchiness and pain.

Types and symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis

Scalp seborrheic dermatitis: The most common type, mainly affecting the scalp. Symptoms include scalp dandruff, oily scalp, itchiness, and rashes.
Facial seborrheic dermatitis: Mainly affecting the face, especially the nasal folds, eyebrows, forehead, and chin. Symptoms include rashes, increased oil secretion, skin flaking, and itchiness.
Ear seborrheic dermatitis: Primarily affecting the ears and behind the ears. Common symptoms include ear flakes, rashes around the ears, itchiness, and increased oil secretion in the ear area.
Chest and back seborrheic dermatitis: This type occurs on the chest and back, often related to areas with high sebum production. Symptoms include rashes, skin flaking, itchiness, and shiny skin.

Three main TCM subtypes of seborrheic dermatitis

Damp-heat type: Excessive oil secretion, easily leading to redness, inflammation, and papules.
Dryness type: Superficial red rashes, scattered small red papules, covered with grayish-white flaky scales.
Spleen deficiency: Oily skin, prone to acne and papules, accompanied by fatigue and poor appetite.

Three-step TCM eczema treatment

Herbal Medicine: The practitioner will prescribe herbs based on the patient’s symptoms and tongue/pulse diagnosis, using methods to reduce oil secretion and relieve inflammation and itchiness.

Topical ointment: The practitioner will also provide local treatment with Chinese herbal ointments, lotions, etc. to reduce inflammation and itchiness.

Acupuncture: Acupuncture can regulate the immune system and promote blood circulation, helping to alleviate symptoms and promote skin recovery.

Innovative “MANA Light” therapy

Combining traditional TCM treatment and modern technology, our clinic has introduced a phototherapy device used alongside acupuncture for eczema.

Based on the patient’s condition, we can select red, yellow or blue light therapy to achieve the best results.

Research shows blue light has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and soothing anti-itch effects, effectively reducing skin redness, swelling and itchiness.

Red light can promote blood circulation and cellular metabolism, stimulate pigment production, and enhance the cells’ light absorption, aiding wound healing and improving skin elasticity.

Yellow light has a calming and soothing effect, improving redness and broken capillaries, making it especially suitable for sensitive skin conditions.

With “MANA Light”, we can provide customized treatment plans to address different symptoms and needs, helping patients alleviate the discomfort of seborrheic dermatitis.

This therapy combines traditional TCM and modern technology, leveraging the strengths of both to promote skin recovery and restore health.

MANA Core Values

Integration of Eastern and Western Medicine, Multidimensional Therapy
Reshaping Structural Integrity to Achieve Inner and Outer Balance
Guiding Body Perception to Think & Foster a Healthy Lifestyle
Conducted by Registered TCM Practitioners and Physiotherapists for Examination and Treatment

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