ABSTRACT
To summarize Professor AI Rudi's experience in the staged external treatment of eczema by traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. It is believed that dampness is the key pathological factor of eczema， and the treatment for dampness should be carried out throughout the whole process， with the leading idea of “three-stage treatment， dampness as the root， and treatment according to the symptoms”. The preparation and formulas of the external treatment can be applied according to the pathogenesis and lesion characteristics of each stage. In acute stage with wind-dampness and heat in the skin as the main mechanism， the treatment is to clear heat and astringe， resolve toxins and relieve itching， and the preparation is mostly solution and lotion， and the formula could be Yangzheng Xi Formula （痒症洗方）， Jingfang Kushen Decoction （荆防苦参汤）， Kuding Erhuang Decoction （苦丁二黄汤）， and Xianglian Jinhuang Powder （香连金黄散）. In subacute stage with phlegm-dampness and heat as the main mechanism， the treatment is to remove dampness and turbidity， clean up the residual heat； the preparation is mostly ointment， and the formula include Shehuang Ointment （蛇黄软膏）， Huanglian Ointment （黄连膏）， and Zihuan Diding Ointment （紫花地丁软膏）. In chronic stage with phlegm-dampness stagnation as the main mechanism， the treatment is to remove dampness and eliminate phlegm， remove blood stasis and stop itching， and the formula could be Zhiyang soft Ointment （止痒软膏）， Runji Ointment （润肌膏）， Yufu Ointment （愈肤膏）； jojoba oil and olive oil are often used as external moisturiser for daily care.