Eczema and psoriasis are different long-term skin conditions. Both can involve periods when symptoms improve and flare-ups when they become more difficult.
Atopic eczema commonly causes itchy, dry, cracked or inflamed skin. Psoriasis commonly causes dry, itchy or painful flaky patches. Symptoms can affect sleep, clothing choices, confidence and emotional wellbeing.
Correct diagnosis matters because different skin conditions require different treatment. Eczema care commonly includes avoiding known irritants, regular emollients and topical corticosteroids where prescribed. Psoriasis treatment may include topical treatments, phototherapy, tablets or injections depending on severity.
During treatment, Jamie considers the symptom pattern, possible triggers, sleep, stress, digestion, allergies, medication and wider health. Acupuncture does not replace prescribed creams, medication or dermatology care.
Chinese medicine uses an individual diagnosis rather than treating everybody with eczema or psoriasis in the same way. Treatment is adapted according to symptoms, health history and wider presentation.
Acupuncture may be considered as supportive care, particularly where sleep, stress or wider wellbeing are affected. No improvement in the skin condition can be promised.
The first appointment provides time to discuss diagnosis, symptoms, flare-ups, possible triggers, sleep, stress and the impact on everyday life.
Jamie will ask about prescribed treatments, allergies, infections and medical or dermatology care. The appointment includes an individual Chinese medicine assessment and, where appropriate, your first acupuncture treatment.
Eczema and psoriasis connect naturally with the Wellbeing and Health Pathway, considering the skin condition alongside sleep, stress and wider health.
There are no current dedicated eczema or psoriasis fact sheets in the British Acupuncture Council's Evidence A-Z catalogue. Acupuncture evidence for these different conditions is limited and should not be used to replace established skin care.
Further reading:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/atopic-eczema/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis/
https://acupuncture.org.uk/about-acupuncture/acupuncture-research/evidence-a-z/
See a GP if you think you may have eczema or psoriasis, symptoms are affecting everyday life, or treatment is not helping.
Seek urgent advice if eczema becomes blistered, crusty, painful, swollen, warm, leaks fluid, suddenly worsens, or occurs with fever or feeling unwell. Seek urgent medical advice for widespread severe redness, pustules, fever or rapidly worsening psoriasis.
If a medically assessed skin condition is affecting sleep, comfort or wellbeing, a first appointment gives us time to discuss whether acupuncture may be a suitable part of wider care.