PRINTER FRIENDLY VERSION

Treatment of Skin Diseases by Chinese Herbal Medicine

Kim Wells has considerable experience using Chinese herbs to treat skin diseases. These include the various forms of Eczema, atopic, seborrhoeic (“dandruff”), pompholyx (hands and feet), nummular (discoid) and stasis (varicose) – and also psoriasis, acne, rosacea, urticaria, herpes (oral and genital), fungal infections and warts.

Chinese herbal medicine can induce spectacular and lasting changes in many kinds of seemingly stubborn skin conditions. The National Eczema Society has funded successful trials at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital and, for adults, and the Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead.

Kim trained with Mazim Al-Khafaji, who is widely recognised as one of the leading experts in the field of skin diseases. Part of Kim’s clinical training included time in the skin department of a Nanjing hospital.

Kim prescribes dried herbs that are cooked in water to make decoctions. Although more of an effort, these provide better results than powders or pills. To be effective, dosages need to be high and in chronic conditions patient may need to be prepared to undergo treatment for quite a few weeks. Some skin conditions respond more quickly and readily to treatment than others. Eczema is generally easier to treat than psoriasis for instance.

Acupuncture, although marginally helpful, is generally regarded as a lot less effective for skin diseases. It is worthwhile giving it along with the herbs (as Kim may do) but by itself it is usually not sufficient to resolve the problem. Ointments may also be useful, especially for fungal infections and warts.

See also Frequently Asked Questions and Safety of Chinese Herbal Medicines

Kim Wells practices Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine at the Haelan Clinic. He also uses acupuncture combined with herbs to help people to stop smoking.

For Clinic times, contact details and information about the Haelan Clinic practitioners see The Practitioners page.

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