Long-Term Pediatric Eczema Management through Traditional Chinese Medicine: A 10-Month Observational Case Study 通过中药进行儿童湿疹的长期管理：为期10个月的观察性病例研究

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by pruritus, erythema, and potential exudation. While topical steroids are frequently employed as first-line therapy, their discontinuation can lead to rebound flares in some patients. This case explores the evolution of a 10-year-old patient’s eczema over 10 months, highlighting the transition from topical steroid use to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment.

Case File

  • A 10-year-old with a 10-month history of eczema.
  • No other atopic symptoms or comorbidities.
  • Prick allergy test negative.
  • No significant family history of atopic or allergic conditions.

Previous Treatment

  • Topical steroids with initial improvement.
  • Condition worsened upon discontinuation of steroid therapy.

TCM Intervention

Photographic Recovery Process

Photographic documentation was obtained at baseline and monthly intervals for 10 months. The following observations highlight changes in lesion size, redness, oozing, and coloration:

At baseline (Month 0), the patient’s popliteal fossa lesions covered moderate to large areas, appearing inflamed with raised borders and dryness. During Months 1–4, discontinuation of steroid therapy precipitated flare-ups, resulting in overall enlargement of the lesions, pronounced erythema, and occasional oozing. From Months 5–8, the lesion size persisted but redness gradually diminished, shifting from bright erythema to a softer pink hue, while oozing largely resolved and mild scaling became evident. Inflammation and lesion thickness decreased, and the skin color evolved to light pink or faint brownish patches, with a smoother surface and reduced dryness. By Month 10, the skin showed near-complete normalization; lesions were barely visible, residual discoloration was minimal, and the patient remained largely asymptomatic with stable skin integrity.

This case illustrates a patient who experienced rebound eczema flares upon cessation of mild topical steroid therapy. The subsequent TCM approach—encompassing customized oral herbal formulations and topical herbal applications— have facilitated gradual improvement over a 10-month period. Photographic evidence suggests a steady reduction in lesion size, redness, and exudation, culminating in near-complete resolution with minimal residual discoloration. Consistent application of topical agents and adherence to oral regimens are crucial for optimal outcomes.

Privacy

In situations where the disease information had already been made publicly available (as evidenced by prior articles), genuine names of individuals have been utilized. Conversely, in instances where there was no pre-existing public disclosure or at the explicit request of patients for privacy, pseudonyms have been employed. Furthermore, identities have been deliberately obscured, and certain contextual details and diagnoses have been modified to hinder any attempts at identification. It is essential to emphasize that the patients and encounters described in this work are authentic, and their consent for publication was duly obtained. As responsible authors, we earnestly implore all our readers to honor the privacy and confidentiality of these individuals. Additionally, certain scenarios, assessments, and clinical interventions have been altered to safeguard the anonymity of both patients and healthcare providers.