Effective Treatments for Dog Eczema: Tips and Remedies
Pruritic eczema, often referred to as "itchy eczema," is a skin condition characterized by the accumulation of dampheat and wind toxins within the skin, leading to the appearance of red papules and an intense feeling of itching.
Causes: Eczema can be triggered by a variety of factors, including prolonged exposure to damp environments, unclean fur, physical or chemical irritants, and external parasites that provoke an allergic skin reaction. Dogs with thinner skin and a nervous disposition are more susceptible to developing eczema.
Primary Symptoms: This condition commonly affects areas such as under the ears, the buttocks, the inner sides of the limbs, and the scrotum in male dogs. The affected skin may display a rash of tiny, ricesized red papules and blisters, with oozing fluid that later forms scabs. Dogs suffering from eczema may be restless and excessively scratch or lick the affected areas, leading to secondary infections. In severe cases, extensive skin necrosis can occur.
Prevention and Treatment:
(1) Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatment: A modified formula of Gancao Xiaoxin Decoction can be administered internally, combined with an external wash using a TCM herbal solution. The internal medicine includes 20g of licorice root, 15g of Scutellaria baicalensis, 30g of Codonopsis pilosula, 15g of dried ginger, 10g of Coptis chinensis, 10 dates, 12g of Pinellia ternata, 20g of Atractylodes macrocephala, 20g of茵陈, and 500ml of water. Boil the mixture and take the liquid in two doses, once in the morning and once in the evening. For the external wash, use 12g of licorice root and 12g of Sophora flavescens, boiled in water and applied twice daily to the affected areas. Before bathing, wash the area with warm water to remove scabs. To prevent vomiting after medication, inject 410ml of Aemular into the muscle 15 minutes before administering the medicine.
(2) Another TCM formula, Sanmiao Powder, can be used: 20g of Phellodendron amurense, 15g of Atractylodes macrocephala, and 15g of Achyranthes aspera. For cases with a heavy dampness, add 20g of Alisma orientale; for those with red urine and dribbling, add 10g of Cinnamomum cassia and 10g of Polygonum aviculare; for constipation, add 15g of Rhei; and for decreased appetite, add 12g of Massa medicata. Boil the herbs in 500ml of water until reduced to 300400ml, strain, and divide the liquid into two parts. One part is taken warm internally, and the other is used for a warm compress on the affected area. Use both internally and externally once daily for three days.
(3) Herbal Treatment: Use equal amounts of Herba Eupatorii, Herba Chenopodii, and oil tea seed cake powder. Boil the first two ingredients in water for 1015 minutes, then add the oil tea seed cake powder and stir. Cook for another 5 minutes, and apply the warm liquid to the affected area for soaking or wet compresses twice daily. If the skin is ulcerated, first soak the area with the herbal liquid, then sprinkle an equal mixture of boric acid and tannic acid. Treatment typically lasts 23 days, with a maximum of 45 days for healing.
(4) Baiku Heji Mixture: An equal amount of Stemonae, Suaeda, Sophora flavescens, Coptis chinensis, Cnidium monnieri, and Zanthoxylum bungeanum. Boil the herbs to make a solution containing 1g of crude drug per milliliter, and apply it to the affected areas.
