Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition that causes dry, itchy, red and sometimes cracked or weeping skin. It often starts in childhood, tends to flare and settle, and can affect sleep and confidence.
What you might notice
- Intense itching, often worse at night
- Dry, red or darkened patches, often in the folds of elbows and knees
- Cracked, thickened or weeping skin during flares
- Skin that stings with soaps or sweat
Common triggers
- Soaps, detergents, perfumes and rough fabrics
- Heat, sweat and dry air
- Dust mites, pets and pollen
- Stress and poor sleep
- Some foods in a minority of children, confirmed with a doctor
Skin care and medical treatment
Daily moisturiser, gentle cleansers and avoiding triggers are the foundation. Doctors prescribe steroid creams or other treatments for flares. Please do not stop prescribed creams suddenly or apply untested herbal pastes to broken skin.
Acupuncture and herbal medicine
At The Tole, acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are offered as a complement to skin care. Herbs may be taken by mouth, and the Master’s team will review your skin, history and medicines first.
Studies of Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture for eczema show mixed results, and some herbal products sold for eczema have contained hidden steroids. We use only properly sourced herbs and do not claim to cure eczema.
Acupuncture and herbal treatment at The Tole
At The Tole, treatment combines neuro acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. The Master’s team reviews your history and any medical reports, then recommends acupuncture, herbal preparations, or both. Herbs are prepared for the individual, using natural herbs and the family’s ancestral formulas.
You can walk in during opening hours without an appointment. If you live far away, email your medical reports and we will advise you on herbs and, where suitable, an intensive course of acupuncture. Herbs can be couriered to any country, usually in 3 to 5 working days. See herbs by post.
What to expect at your first visit
- Walk in or message us. No appointment is needed during opening hours. You can also send a WhatsApp message first.
- Tell us your story. The Master’s team asks about your symptoms and history, and looks at any reports you bring.
- Agree a plan. They recommend neuro acupuncture, herbal medicine, or both, and explain what to expect.
- Follow up. If you take herbs, we ask you to update us on your progress by email.
Why people choose The Tole
- A family practice, now in its fourth generation, in Kuala Lumpur since 1992
- Officially opened by the Health Minister on 31 January 1993
- Herbal formulas prepared for each patient, using natural herbs
- Walk-ins welcome, and herbs couriered to any country
Common questions
Can eczema be cured?
Eczema is a long-term condition. Most people can control it with good skin care and treatment, but we do not claim to cure it.
Can children take the herbs?
Children can be treated, with doses chosen for their age and weight. Please tell us your child’s medicines and allergies.
Why does my skin worsen when I am stressed?
Stress can trigger flares and the itch-scratch cycle. Sleep, relaxation and treating the itch all help.
See a doctor first if
- Skin that is weeping, crusted or painful, or fever. It may be infected
- Eczema that is widespread or not responding to moisturiser
- Itching that stops sleep or school and work
- Before using steroid-free herbal creams on a child, or stopping a prescribed cream
Ready to talk to us?
Message us on WhatsApp, or walk in during opening hours. No appointment is needed.
Traditional Chinese medicine is offered as a complement to, not a replacement for, medical care. We do not promise a cure or a particular result, and responses vary from person to person. Please keep your doctor informed about any herbs or treatments you use.