What are the symptoms of dampness-toxin syndrome?
Disease description:
Recently, I have been feeling heavy-bodied, with some rashes appearing on my skin, accompanied by severe itching. Moreover, my bowel movements have become sticky and I always feel as if my bowels are not completely emptied. I wonder if these are symptoms of dampness and toxicity? What other symptoms are associated with damp-toxin?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
The symptoms of dampness-toxin are mainly manifested in the following aspects:
1. Skin symptoms: Dampness-toxin浸润 (penetrating) the skin and muscles often presents as recurring, lingering eczema or dermatitis. Local symptoms may include intense itching, darkened skin color, skin ulcers, frequent discharge of pus, and difficulty in healing. Eczema can be categorized into acute, subacute, and chronic types, each with specific early manifestations such as erythema, papules, and vesicles.
2. Digestive symptoms: Dampness-toxin affecting the functions of the spleen and stomach can cause poor appetite, abdominal distension, diarrhea alternating with constipation, and in some patients, nausea and vomiting may occur.
3. Joints: When dampness-toxin invades the joints, it may cause joint pain, swelling, and limited mobility, with symptoms worsening during humid weather.
4. Reproductive symptoms: When dampness-toxin flows downward, it may manifest as itching in the genital area, excessive secretions, or accompanied by a fishy or foul odor.
5. Systemic symptoms: Dampness-toxin may also lead to body fatigue, tiredness, generalized edema, decreased urine output, and other abnormal manifestations. Because dampness-toxin easily impedes the flow of qi, it may trigger systemic discomfort and functional impairments.
