Fifty-four-year-old Ms. Chan had a history of hives (urticaria) when she contracted COVID-19. She eventually developed symptoms of long COVID, including cough, respiratory discomfort, and itchy hives. The doctor diagnosed it as a severe recurrence of hives triggered by COVID-19. With more severe symptoms than her previous outbreaks, Ms. Chan sought help from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).
Aside from itchy skin, Ms. Chan also experienced night sweats and hot flashes due to menopause, which aggravated her hives. To address this, the doctor prescribed the “Skin Renewal Formula 3.0” and Sweet Dew Toxin-Removing Elixir, a disinfectant. During the first week of treatment, she could fall asleep quickly even though the hives flared up at night. After four months of continuous treatment, her skin condition stabilized, and the focus of her treatment shifted to alleviating menopausal discomfort.
Skin Renewal Formula 3.0
The main components of the Skin Renewal Formula 3.0 include the following:
- Schizonepeta.
- Saposhnikovia divaricata root.
- Common Anemarrhena rhizome.
- Gypsum.
- Baikal skullcap root.
- Raw Rehmannia root.
- Sophora root.
- Swordlike Atractylodes.
- Licorice root.
- Agastache.
This formula is known for its skin-repairing and regenerating effects and can treat various skin conditions such as itching, rashes, swelling, peeling skin, and allergies.
Dr. Hsu-Tung Hsieh, an attending physician in the Department of Chinese Medicine at Taipei City Hospital Renai Branch, stated that after a COVID-19 infection, itching and discomfort may worsen, but TCM can help improve the condition. According to TCM, the lungs govern the skin and hair, so when the lungs are affected, skin problems can manifest. Since COVID-19 affects the lungs, it can also cause significant skin damage. Some patients may experience slow immune recovery after COVID-19 infection, leading to the recurrence of skin allergies and itching. TCM can effectively regulate the immune system and restore balance to the body to alleviate itching skin.
Additionally, mint lung-moistening tea, known for its soothing and itch-relieving effects on the lungs, is also helpful for skin itching caused by long COVID.
Mint Lung-Moistening Tea
Ingredients
- 6 fresh lily bulbs, or 6 grams (0.21 ounce)
- 6 grams (0.21 ounce) mint
- 3 grams (0.10 ounce) raw licorice
- 500 cc (16.9 fluid ounces) water
How to Make It
- Put all the herbs in a tea bag.
- Boil the water.
- Steep and enjoy.
When experiencing skin redness and itching, drink 1 cup daily for three consecutive days to alleviate the itching. However, this tea has a cooling nature and is not suitable for people with a cold constitution.
Apart from medication, the individual must make lifestyle changes. This includes maintaining skin cleanliness, avoiding irritating the skin with hot water and harsh soaps, and wearing pure cotton clothing. Avoid eating “trigger foods” such as seafood, eggs, and spicy food during treatment, which may worsen skin symptoms.
Diversity of Skin Symptoms in Long COVID
Studies around the world have found that COVID-19 can cause a variety of skin reactions. In addition to fever, cough, and sore throat symptoms, a UK study documented seven skin rash patterns associated with COVID-19. These are “COVID toes,” measles-like papules, rash, hives, vesicular eruptions, purpura, livedoid eruptions, and other lesions.Dr. Jonathan Liu, a TCM professor at Georgian College in Canada, stated on the NTD program “
Health 1+1“ that skin symptoms caused by COVID-19 may resemble those of common skin diseases. However, he advised not to confuse them with common skin conditions.
He further explained that COVID-19 infections also carry some characteristics of viral skin diseases, but the symptoms are not as painful and uncomfortable as herpes zoster and cold sores.
*Note: While some of the herbs mentioned may sound unfamiliar, many can be found in health food and Asian grocery stores. However, consulting with a professional physician for specific treatment plans is advisable due to individual differences in constitution.
