Management of Prurigo Nodularis with Traditional Herbal Medicine 结节性痒疹的中药治疗
In the tapestry of a 55-year-old gentleman’s life, an unrelenting itch wove its presence, originating as nodules on his arms and legs. Initially diagnosed as eczema, conventional treatments, including medicinal creams and oral tablets, offered fleeting relief. To his dismay, the itch persisted, and the rashes resurfaced, leading to a course of antihistamines and prednisolone. Multiple visits to various doctors and dermatologists finally unveiled the true culprit through a skin biopsy – Prurigo Nodularis.
With a mindset of prioritizing relief over appearance, the gentleman sought solace in covering the rashes with clothes, yet the intolerable itch persisted, disrupting his daily life. As Prurigo Nodularis asserted its widespread and recalcitrant symptoms, a dermatologist proposed a combination of phototherapy with narrowband UVB and superpotent topical corticosteroids.
Yearning for a sustainable solution, he turned to alternative therapies at our TCM dermatology clinic. Upon examination, discrete dome-shaped nodules adorned his legs, thighs, back, and arms, some excoriated, with the itch intensifying, especially at night. Our approach involved a customised TCM herbal oral medicine regimen, incorporating Tangs Derma and Tangs Psoria, complemented by our herbal Yufu cream. Simultaneously, the use of steroids was discontinued.
Initially, the withdrawal of steroids triggered a negative reaction in his skin condition, leading to an exacerbation. The number and size of nodular lesions increased, accompanied by severe itchiness. However, as time unfolded, the fifth month marked a turning point. His symptoms gradually subsided, and the once-prominent nodules began to flatten. Cycles of regression and reactivation mirrored his previous use of immunosuppressant medications, yet with each passing month, the flares became milder.
After thirty months of dedicated adherence to the TCM treatment plan, a transformation unfolded. The dome-shaped nodules began to fade, and the incessant itching that once dominated his life diminished. This journey from agony to relief stands as a testament to the power of holistic healing, illustrating the gradual triumph over the persistent grasp of Prurigo Nodularis through the harmonious embrace of Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The full reovery image can be obtained from our video channel.
About PN
Prurigo nodularis (PN) is a chronic skin disorder characterized by multiple firm, itchy nodules symmetrically distributed to the extensor surface of the extremities. Pruritus is always severe and distressing; it can be paroxysmal, sporadic, or continuous and is worsened by heat, sweating, or irritation from clothing. A skin biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Around 50% of PN cases have a history of eczema. Systemic diseases diabetes, chronic renal failure, hepatitis C, gluten enteropathy, human immunodeficiency virus infection, psychiatric disorders (anxiety, depression), and emotional stress have also been reported in patients with PN. However, the exact role of these underlying conditions in the development of PN is unclear.
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.
