Is having pimples on the body a sign of excessive dampness?

In general, having pimples on the body is not necessarily caused by excessive dampness, although dampness might be one of the contributing factors. A comprehensive assessment combining other factors is required.

Excessive dampness refers to an imbalance in the body's fluid metabolism, leading to the accumulation of phlegm-dampness or damp-heat, which may trigger skin problems. If acne is accompanied by symptoms of damp-heat or phlegm-dampness such as a thick greasy tongue coating, sticky bowel movements, or heaviness in the body, it may indicate that dampness is one of the contributing factors. Acne has complex causes, often related to hormonal fluctuations, abnormal sebaceous gland secretion, excessive follicular keratinization, and bacterial infection. Therefore, excessive dampness is not the sole cause, and a comprehensive evaluation incorporating other symptoms is necessary.

If acne is triggered by dampness, it typically presents as red, swollen pustules or recurrent dark, dull-type acne, possibly accompanied by bitter taste in the mouth, yellow urine, or symptoms such as excessive phlegm and chest congestion. Dietary adjustments should include reducing raw, cold, greasy, and sweet foods while increasing consumption of dampness-resolving foods such as red adzuki beans and coix seed. Lifestyle modifications involve regular moderate exercise to promote sweating and avoiding late nights, which can worsen dampness. When necessary, traditional Chinese medicine treatments such as heat-clearing and dampness-resolving herbal formulas or acupuncture and cupping therapy may be considered, but must be conducted under the guidance of a qualified physician to avoid blind medication use.

In addition to dampness, acne can also be triggered by hormonal imbalances, improper diet, excessive stress, or inadequate skincare. If acne is severe, persistent, or accompanied by symptoms such as menstrual disorders or hirsutism, prompt medical consultation is advised to rule out endocrine disorders. Daily prevention should focus on cleansing and oil control, moisturizing to maintain skin stability, and adjusting lifestyle habits and diet to avoid triggers. If improvement is not observed after managing dampness, a combination of Western and traditional Chinese medicine approaches is recommended for accurate diagnosis and targeted intervention.