How Acupuncture Can Help with Chronic Skin Conditions: Eczema and Psoriasis

Living with a chronic skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis can be exhausting. The constant itch, discomfort, flare-ups, and self-consciousness often go far beyond the surface of the skin. At Brixton Therapy Centre, we often meet patients who have tried countless creams, medications, and lifestyle changes without long-term relief. For many, acupuncture offers a different way of looking at and treating the problem — addressing not only the skin itself, but the deeper imbalances within the body that may be contributing to flare-ups.

In this blog, we’ll explore how acupuncture can support people with eczema and psoriasis, why it can be such an effective complementary therapy, and how our local South London community — from Brixton, Clapham, Herne Hill, Streatham, and Camberwell — can benefit. Why Look Beyond Creams and Steroids?

If you’ve ever lived with eczema or psoriasis, you’ll know how frustrating conventional treatment can sometimes feel. Steroid creams, antihistamines, or immune-suppressant medications can be effective in managing symptoms, but they don’t always get to the root cause.

Many of our patients tell us the same story: they’ll get some temporary relief, only for their condition to flare up again when stress levels rise, the seasons change, or their immune system takes a knock. It can feel like a vicious circle — the more stressed you become about your skin, the worse your skin gets.

That’s where acupuncture comes in — not as a replacement for medical care, but as a way of working alongside it to improve overall health and reduce the triggers that fuel skin flare-ups. Acupuncture and the Skin: A Holistic Approach

Acupuncture is part of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), a system of healthcare that views the body as an interconnected whole. Instead of treating only the surface, acupuncture looks at the underlying imbalances that may be showing up as skin problems.

In TCM, conditions like eczema and psoriasis are often linked with:

• Heat and Dampness in the body, which can show as redness, inflammation, and oozing skin.

• Blood Heat or Blood Dryness, which can cause itching, flaking, or thickened skin.

• Liver Qi Stagnation, often linked to stress, emotional wellbeing, and how well we process toxins.

By inserting fine needles at carefully chosen points, acupuncture aims to restore balance, reduce inflammation, and calm the immune system. From a Western medical perspective, research suggests acupuncture can help by:

• Releasing anti-inflammatory compounds, which calm redness and irritation.

• Influencing the nervous system, which reduces the itch-scratch cycle.

• Supporting immune regulation, which is crucial in autoimmune-related conditions like psoriasis.

• Improving sleep and reducing stress, both major triggers for flare-ups.

Acupuncture for Eczema

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, often starts in childhood but can persist or reappear in adulthood. It’s marked by red, itchy, inflamed patches of skin, which can become cracked, sore, and sometimes infected.

Patients with eczema often describe the “itch-scratch cycle” — where the more you scratch, the worse it gets. Stress, allergies, and environmental triggers can make it all worse.

How acupuncture helps eczema:

• Calms itchiness and soothes inflamed skin.

• Reduces stress and anxiety, which are known to worsen eczema.

• Supports the digestive system (in TCM, gut health is closely linked to skin health).

• Helps regulate the immune system, which can reduce the frequency of flare-ups.
  

✨ Case example: A patient from Clapham came to us after years of steroid cream use. They noticed their eczema was always worse during stressful work projects. After a course of acupuncture sessions, not only did their flare-ups reduce, but they also felt calmer, slept better, and had fewer digestive issues — a reminder that skin health is tied to overall wellbeing.

Acupuncture for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition where the skin cells turn over too quickly, leading to scaly, thickened plaques. It can be itchy, sore, and sometimes painful, and often affects the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.

Like eczema, psoriasis is heavily influenced by the immune system and stress levels. It can flare after illness, stress, alcohol intake, or even certain foods.

How acupuncture helps psoriasis:

• Calms inflammation and slows down the overactive immune response.

• Reduces stress and supports mental wellbeing, which can ease flare frequency.

• Helps manage discomfort and pain, especially when plaques are sore or cracked.

• Works holistically, improving sleep, digestion, and overall energy — all of which can reduce triggers for psoriasis.
  

✨ Case example: A patient from Herne Hill came to us with long-standing psoriasis that always worsened during the winter. After regular acupuncture, they noticed their plaques became less sore, their mood improved, and they were able to reduce alcohol intake because the treatment encouraged them to focus on healthier habits.

Managing Skin Conditions with a Whole-Body Focus

One of the best things about acupuncture is that it doesn’t just target the skin — it supports your whole body. Many of our patients come in with eczema or psoriasis and also notice improvements in:

• Sleep quality (less waking from itching)

• Mood and energy (feeling calmer, less stressed)

• Digestion (important, since gut health is linked to skin health)

• Hormonal balance (fluctuations can play a role in skin flare-ups)

This whole-body focus means acupuncture can help you feel better day-to-day, not just improve how your skin looks.

What to Expect at Brixton Therapy Centre

If you’ve never had acupuncture before, you might wonder what the experience is like. At Brixton Therapy Centre, our acupuncturists will take time to listen to your history — not just your skin symptoms, but your lifestyle, stress levels, sleep, and digestion.

A typical treatment involves lying comfortably while very fine, sterile needles are placed at specific points. Most patients find it relaxing — some even fall asleep! Over a course of treatments, you may notice your skin gradually improving, flare-ups becoming less severe, and your general wellbeing lifting.

Our clinic is easily accessible for patients from Clapham, Herne Hill, Camberwell, Streatham, and across South London, and we’ve been part of the local community for many years. Lifestyle Tips to Support Acupuncture

While acupuncture can make a huge difference, combining it with simple lifestyle changes can maximise results. Here are some supportive tips:

• Stress management: Try yoga, meditation, or gentle exercise to keep stress hormones in check.

• Diet: Keep a food diary to see if certain foods (like dairy, alcohol, or processed foods) trigger flare-ups.

• Moisturise regularly: Natural creams and ointments can help lock in hydration.

• Sleep well: A regular routine helps your immune system repair and recover.

• Stay hydrated: Water supports skin health and reduces dryness.
  

Our acupuncturists can also suggest self-care practices tailored to your condition.

Final Thoughts

Eczema and psoriasis may be chronic, but they don’t have to control your life. With acupuncture, many people find not only relief from flare-ups but also better sleep, less stress, and a stronger sense of wellbeing.

At Brixton Therapy Centre, we’re here to support you. Whether you’re based in Brixton, Clapham, Herne Hill, Camberwell, Streatham, or anywhere in South London, our experienced practitioners can work with you to create a treatment plan tailored to your needs.