Dermatrol (Dry)™

TCM herbal formula for red, dry, flaky, and scaly skin conditions — antiallergic; antipruritic; anti-inflammatory; antibiotic (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic); antitoxin and antidote; clears heat, moistens dryness, eliminates toxins; dispels wind, relieves itching; strengthens Spleen, dispels dampness

⚠️ Contraindicated in patients with cold or deficiency cold signs. Contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing. Not for long-term use — do not take continuously for more than two months. Contains Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) — patients on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies such as Coumadin (warfarin) should use with caution or not at all. Skin disorders may also be caused by cholestasis, chronic renal failure, hyper- or hypothyroidism, diabetes, iron deficiency, and polycythemia vera — these conditions should be ruled out or confirmed and treated.

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

* Any skin conditions that appear red and dry, and may be flaky or scaly with underlying damage and atrophy of the skin

* Skin conditions considered dry, such as dermatitis, eczema, urticaria, hives, rash, and allergic rash caused by skin irritants such as detergents or other chemicals

* Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, rosacea, warts, tinea versicolor, erysipelas

Background: Skin disorders with dry characteristics often appear dry, red, flaky, and scaly with underlying damage to and atrophy of the skin. Causes may be external (infection by bacteria, virus, and parasites; allergens from poison ivy, poison oak, cosmetics, cleaning agents, or skin creams; insect bites; trauma) or internal (inhalation of allergens such as dust, pollen, and dander; ingestion of allergens such as peanuts, nuts, fish, wheat, eggs, and milk; certain drugs such as penicillin, sulfa drugs, aspirin, and opioids; autoimmune diseases; emotional or physical imbalance). Despite the dry appearance of the rash, almost all patients with dermatological disorders have some form of dampness inside — optimal treatment addresses both the dry exterior and the damp interior simultaneously.

TCM differentiation: Acute dermatological disorders are generally due to wind and/or heat invasion — associated with physical contact or oral ingestion of allergens. Chronic dermatological conditions involve accumulation of dampness plus dryness from fire and toxins drying out yin over a prolonged period. Blood deficiency leads to malnourishment of the skin — dryness, coarseness, lack of moisture, and lack of skin tone. With abundant blood, wind cannot rise to cause further itching. Dermatrol (Dry) addresses both acute and chronic dry skin conditions through four groups of herbs: (1) release exterior wind and relieve itching; (2) clear heat and eliminate toxins; (3) strengthen Spleen and drain dampness; (4) tonify blood and nourish yin.

Clinical note: Designed by Dr. Jimmy Wei-Yen Chang — effective for over 90% of patients with various dermatological conditions with dry, red lesions. After symptoms improve, identify and treat the underlying cause to prevent recurrence. Yin Care (topical herbal solution) may be applied topically to help relieve itching; toothpaste may also be applied topically for temporary itch relief. Sleep by 10:00 p.m. to enter deep sleep by 1:00 a.m. (Liver time per the Chinese Anatomical Clock) to fully restore Liver detoxification functions.

Key herb-level clinical data:

— Group 1 — Release exterior wind / relieve itching:

  — Ku Shen (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis / Sophora Flavescens / Bitter Root): 79% effective rate in 148 patients for rashes, itching, and eczema; antipruritic — inhibits scratching in a dose-dependent manner (artificially-induced dermatitis); reduces eicosanoid-related skin inflammation including atopic dermatitis (sophoraflavanone G, COX inhibition); topical application treats contact dermatitis through inhibition of mast cell recruitment and degranulation; antibacterial; antiviral (chronic hepatitis B, kurorinone); antiparasitic; antiprotozoal (Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii); antimalarial (lavandulyl flavanones)

  — Chan Tui (Periostracum Cicadae / Cicada Molting): treats chronic urticaria effectively

  — Jing Jie (Herba Schizonepetae / Schizonepeta): antipruritic — inhibits itch-scratch response induced by substance P; treats measles, pruritic rash, and itching; anti-inflammatory; antibacterial

  — Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae / Saposhnikovia): antihistamine; antipruritic; anti-inflammatory (iNOS inhibition); antiviral; antitoxin; antidote for arsenic poisoning (with Gan Cao + Lu Dou)

  — Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri / Bupleurum): reduces inflammation by decreasing capillary permeability caused by histamine and 5-hydroxytryptamine; antiviral

  — Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong / Chuanxiong / Ligusticum): releases exterior wind; promotes qi and blood circulation

— Group 2 — Clear heat / eliminate toxins:

  — Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae / Scutellaria Baicalensis): remarkable antiallergic — inhibits histamine and leukotriene release from mast cells with greater potency than Intal (cromolyn); inhibits passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction by downregulating inflammatory mediators; anti-inflammatory; antibacterial; antiviral; antifungal (Candida albicans)

  — Huang Lian (Rhizoma Coptidis / Coptis / Goldthread): anti-inflammatory; antibacterial (berberine, MRSA); antiviral; antifungal

  — Huang Bo (Cortex Phellodendri Chinensis / Phellodendron): anti-inflammatory; antibacterial (berberine, MRSA); antiviral

  — Shu Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata / Prepared Rehmannia): inhibits systemic allergic reactions in a dose-dependent manner — inhibits histamine release from peritoneal mast cells and significantly suppresses TNF-α production; topical application shows marked anti-inflammatory and antiallergic activities for atopic dermatitis (suppresses cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules)

  — Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae / Rehmannia): treats rashes, urticaria, and contact dermatitis; topical application shows marked anti-inflammatory and antiallergic activities for atopic dermatitis

  — Niu Bang Zi (Fructus Arctii / Burdock / Arctium Lappa): antiallergic — reduces release of inflammatory mediators through inhibition of degranulation and cys-leukotriene release; treats atopic dermatitis by inhibiting IL-4 and IL-5 expression; anti-inflammatory (arctigenin, iNOS inhibition)

  — Zhi Mu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae / Anemarrhena): strong antiallergic — inhibits passive cutaneous anaphylaxis reaction induced by antigen-IgE complex (steroidal timosaponins); moistens and purges fire to address dry nature of lesions; anti-inflammatory; antibacterial; antiviral (RSV); antifungal

  — Tian Hua Fen (Radix Trichosanthis / Trichosanthes Root): moistens and purges fire; clears heat; drains pus; antibacterial; antiviral (anti-HIV, anti-coxsackievirus)

  — Fu Ling (Poria): anti-inflammatory — inhibits lipoxygenase, COX, and elastase activities (therapeutic targets in dermatological disorders)

  — Lian Qiao (Fructus Forsythiae / Forsythia): anti-inflammatory — inhibits lipoxygenase, COX, and elastase; antipruritic — inhibits itch-scratch response induced by substance P; antibacterial; antiviral

  — Long Dan (Radix et Rhizoma Gentianae / Gentiana): antibacterial; antiviral (RSV)

  — Mu Dan Pi (Cortex Moutan / Moutan Bark): anti-inflammatory (mast cell mediator suppression, atopic eczema); antibacterial

  — Zhi Zi (Fructus Gardeniae / Gardenia): anti-inflammatory (TNF-α inhibition); antibacterial; antifungal

  — Chi Shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra / Red Peony Root): anti-inflammatory; cools blood

  — Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum / Gypsum): clears heat; reduces fire

  — Chuan Mu Tong (Caulis Clematidis Armandii / Clematis): clears heat; drains dampness

— Group 3 — Strengthen Spleen / drain dampness: Cang Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis / Atractylodes), Fu Ling (Poria), Yi Yi Ren (Semen Coicis / Coix / Job's Tears), Che Qian Zi (Semen Plantaginis / Plantago Seed), Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis / Alisma) — diuretic and anti-inflammatory; reduce skin swelling and water retention

— Group 4 — Tonify blood / nourish yin: Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba / White Peony Root), Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis / Angelica Sinensis / Dong Quai) — antipimple and antieczema via NF-κB, MDA, IL-1β, iNOS, TNF-α regulation; Di Huang, Geng Mi (Semen Oryzae / Rice), Hei Zhi Ma (Semen Sesami Nigrum / Black Sesame Seed) — nourishes yin and blood; Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae / Dioscorea / Chinese Yam) — anti-inflammatory (COX-2 inhibition); Shan Zhu Yu (Fructus Corni / Cornus / Cornelian Cherry) — anti-inflammatory; Shu Di Huang; Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae / Licorice) + Zhi Gan Cao — glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid: marked anti-inflammatory effects by enhancing cortisone duration (~1/10th potency of cortisone); glycyrrhizin detoxifies drug poisoning (chloral hydrate, cocaine, barbiturates, mercury, lead), food poisoning (tetrodotoxin, snake, mushrooms), and others (enterotoxin, herbicides, pesticides); Gan Cao + Fang Feng + Lu Dou — effective antidote for arsenic poisoning; harmonize formula; regulate and balance endocrine system to facilitate release of endogenous corticosteroids

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Antiallergic — Huang Qin (greater than Intal/cromolyn, histamine↓, leukotriene↓, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis↓); Shu Di Huang (histamine↓, TNF-α↓, dose-dependent); Di Huang + Shu Di Huang (atopic dermatitis, cytokines↓, chemokines↓); Niu Bang Zi (degranulation↓, cys-leukotriene↓, IL-4↓, IL-5↓); Zhi Mu (IgE-antigen complex, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis↓)

* Antipruritic — Ku Shen (dose-dependent, eicosanoid↓, COX↓, 79% / 148 patients); Jing Jie + Lian Qiao (substance P itch-scratch response↓); Chan Tui (chronic urticaria)

* Anti-inflammatory — Huang Qin, Huang Lian, Huang Bo (topical skin disorders); Fu Ling + Lian Qiao (lipoxygenase↓, COX↓, elastase↓); Chai Hu (capillary permeability↓); Gan Cao (glycyrrhizin/glycyrrhetinic acid, cortisone-enhancing, ~1/10th cortisone); Dang Gui (NF-κB↓, IL-1β↓, iNOS↓, TNF-α↓); Mu Dan Pi (mast cell mediators↓); Niu Bang Zi (arctigenin, iNOS↓); Shan Yao (COX-2↓); Zhi Zi (TNF-α↓)

* Antibacterial — Huang Bo, Huang Lian (berberine, MRSA); Huang Qin; Ku Shen; Tian Hua Fen; Jing Jie; Lian Qiao; Long Dan; Mu Dan Pi; Zhi Zi; Zhi Mu

* Antiviral — Huang Lian; Huang Bo; Huang Qin; Ku Shen (hepatitis B, kurorinone); Chai Hu; Che Qian Zi; Fang Feng; Lian Qiao; Long Dan (RSV); Tian Hua Fen (anti-HIV, anti-coxsackievirus); Zhi Mu (RSV)

* Antifungal — Huang Lian; Huang Qin (Candida albicans); Niu Bang Zi; Zhi Zi; Zhi Mu

* Antiparasitic / antiprotozoal / antimalarial — Ku Shen (Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, malaria lavandulyl flavanones)

* Antitoxin / antidote — Gan Cao (glycyrrhizin: drug, food, herbicide, pesticide poisoning); Fang Feng (antitoxin); Gan Cao + Fang Feng + Lu Dou (arsenic poisoning antidote)

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

* Clears heat; moistens dryness; eliminates toxins (Huang Qin, Huang Lian, Huang Bo, Lian Qiao, Long Dan, Tian Hua Fen, Zhi Mu, Zhi Zi, Shi Gao)

* Dispels wind; relieves itching (Jing Jie, Fang Feng, Chan Tui, Chai Hu, Ku Shen, Chuan Xiong)

* Strengthens Spleen; dispels dampness (Cang Zhu, Fu Ling, Yi Yi Ren, Ze Xie, Che Qian Zi)

* Cools blood; clears heat in blood level (Chi Shao, Mu Dan Pi)

* Tonifies blood; nourishes yin (Bai Shao, Dang Gui, Di Huang, Shu Di Huang, Hei Zhi Ma, Shan Yao, Shan Zhu Yu, Geng Mi)

DOSAGE

Standard: 3–4 capsules three times daily. In acute cases, increase to 6–8 capsules three times daily. Do not take continuously for more than two months.

Supplementary formulas: Severe itching — add Silerex. Fire signs (red eyes, red tongue, anger, constipation) — add Gardenia Complex and Gentle Lax (Excess). Chronic condition with purple surrounding skin and purple tongue — add Circulation (SJ). Enhance antibacterial function — add Herbal ABX. Enhance antiviral function — add Herbal AVR. Severe inflammation — add Astringent Complex. Yin and fluid deficiencies — add Nourish or Nourish (Fluids). Chemical exposure (paint, nail polish, glue, drugs, bleach, aerosol, new house syndrome) — add Herbal DTX. Weakened immune system, wei qi deficiency, or chronic deficiency with inability to heal lesions — add high dose Immune +. Stress-related skin condition — add Calm.

Nutrition: According to the five elements theory, the Spleen (earth element) generates the Lung (metal element) — skin health governed by the Lung depends on a healthy Spleen. Avoid the following foods that damage the Spleen and worsen skin conditions: shellfish (crabs, oyster, scallops, clams, lobster, shrimp — enter the yangming Stomach channel); fermented foods (cheese, fermented tofu); dairy (milk, cream, yogurt, cheese, ice cream); all sugar (cake, dessert, candy); meat (lamb, beef, goose, duck); deep-fried or greasy food; certain fruits (mango, durian); stimulants (coffee, alcohol, energy drinks); carbohydrates (white rice, bread — damage Spleen and produce dampness); spicy/pungent/aromatic vegetables (pepper, garlic, onions, basil, rosemary, cumin, fennel, anise, leeks, chives, scallions, thyme, saffron, wormwood, mustard, chili pepper, wasabi). Avoid any food that causes discomfort or allergic reaction.

Tao of Nutrition (Dr. Maoshing Ni and Cathy McNease): Increase consumption of Chinese prunes, guava skins, pearl barley, vinegar, garlic, walnuts, cucumber, beet tops, dandelion greens, squash, and mung beans. Water chestnut-vinegar paste: take 15 peeled and sliced water chestnuts and 1 cup of vinegar, slowly simmer in a non-metal pot for 20 minutes until water chestnuts absorb most of the vinegar, mash into a paste, seal in a jar, spread evenly on a gauze pad and apply to affected area — change daily for mild cases (improvement within 5 days), 3x daily for serious cases. Apply mashed garlic to affected area, changing twice daily for one week.

Lifestyle: Sleep by 10:00 p.m. to enter deep sleep by 1:00 a.m. (Liver time per the Chinese Anatomical Clock) to fully restore Liver detoxification functions. Avoid being overly tired from work or stress. Do not scratch or irritate lesions — may lead to scar formation and further infection. Use cool or lukewarm water when bathing, mild or moisturizing soap, limited bathing duration and frequency, and avoid tight or irritating clothing.

Related Reading

Also see: Dermatrol (Damp) – for weeping, purulent, and wet skin conditions | Silerex – for severe itching | Herbal ABX – for bacterial infection | Herbal AVR – for viral infection | Astringent Complex – for severe inflammation and swelling | Nourish – for yin and fluid deficiencies | Herbal DTX – for chemical exposure and toxin-related skin conditions | Gardenia Complex – for fire signs | Circulation (SJ) – for chronic conditions with blood stagnation | Skin Health Collection | Hair, Skin & Nails Support Collection.