Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has understood the link between skin conditions such as eczema and asthma, and it appears that recent scientific research is confirming that link.

According to TCM the main organ systems each have tissues, substance, and senses, that they relate to and are responsible for.

In the case of skin, Chinese Medicine teaches that the Lung is responsible for the nourishing and protecting the skin. When the Lung is under stress you may see signs of allergy such as Hay-Fever (rhinitis), sinus infections, mild eczema or urticaria. These symptoms are considered to be on the exterior of the body and usually are easily dealt with. If the problem in the Lung progresses you may begin to see deep level illness such as severe eczema, asthma and possibly immune disorders such as lupus. 

Now a team of Melbourne specialists have found that children with eczema who tested positive for allergies were almost three times more likely to have asthma by the age of seven than kids with eczema who tested negative to allergies. They were also more likely to develop hay-fever, particularly if their skin prick test results suggested a possible food allergy.

According to Adrian Lowe, from the University of Melbourne's school of population health. There has been much discussion about the links between eczema and other allergic diseases such as asthma, but this study is the first to clearly demonstrate that among children with eczema there are certain groups who are at much higher risk.

The finding in relation to food allergies was interesting as TCM paediatrics have always considered that foods should be introduced one at a time and the child's reaction carefully observed to determine if the their digestion has developed to the point where it is good to eat this food. One of the first signs to look for is an increase of runny nose or loose bowels. If they occur the food should be withdrawn for a time to allow the child to develop some more before trying the food again. To continue to feed the child a food it is not ready for is only likely to weaken digestion, increase phlegm production and weaken the lungs. All of which can increase the susceptibility to allergies, eczema and asthma.