The Value of TCM Syndrome Differentiation and Treatment in the Individualized Management of Vitiligo
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Vitiligo is a common depigmentary skin disorder with complex etiology and significant treatment challenges. While modern medicine has made some progress in treating vitiligo, issues such as high recurrence rates and notable side effects remain. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation and treatment, as the core philosophy of Chinese medicine, emphasizes individualized treatment. Through holistic concepts and syndrome-based treatment, TCM offers new perspectives for vitiligo management. This paper aims to explore the value of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment in the individualized management of vitiligo, analyzing its etiology, pathogenesis, syndrome differentiation, and treatment methods. By incorporating case studies, the clinical efficacy and safety of TCM are evaluated. Research findings indicate that TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment can effectively improve symptoms, reduce recurrence rates, and significantly enhance patients' quality of life. Through internal treatments such as replenishing qi and blood, soothing liver qi stagnation, and clearing damp-heat, as well as external treatments like herbal applications and acupuncture, TCM demonstrates unique advantages in the individualized management of vitiligo. This paper also discusses the limitations of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment, such as the lack of unified efficacy evaluation standards and prolonged treatment durations, and proposes future research directions, including multicenter clinical studies and exploring optimal models for integrated Chinese and Western medicine. The results suggest that TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment holds significant clinical value in vitiligo management and warrants further promotion and research.
Source: MEDS Clinical Medicine
Authors: Liu Meixin, Wang Yuanhong
Language: English
Subfield: Complementary and alternative medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4409518847