TCM Diploma Course Practical Dermatology Yo San University, Los Angeles, 2024

The newly revised and extended step-by-step, clearly laid out Diploma course will offer an in-depth and practical approach to understanding and treating the 20 most prevalent skin diseases seen in clinic. Emphasis throughout is put on pragmatic and clinically relevant information required to achieve success in practice.

Over two thousand slides will be utilized to illustrate in great detail all the steps required not only to accurately diagnose individual skin diseases & differentiate them form look-a-likes, but also to clearly understand and apply the principles of differentiation of pattern types according to Chinese medicine.

Numerous case examples with before and after slides will also be presented and will act as the basis of detailed discussion on the specifics of treatment with clear and practical instructions on adapting effective formulae to the vagaries of clinical reality.

DAY ONE:

(i) Introduction to Dermatology

• An overview of the fundamentals of dermatology.
• Lesions - An in-depth description with numerous images of all the primary & secondary lesions that manifest on the skin (such as papules, pustules, lichenification, atrophy, scaling etc), their meaning & significance according to Chinese medicine.
• How to examination the skin including significance of morphology & distribution.
• Pruritis - How it is understood, differentiated & treated in Chinese medicine.
• The Eight Methods of Clearing Heat in Dermatology - Detailed description of the layers that pathological heat occupies in the body, the treatment protocols & important ingredients used to dissipate it.

DAY TWO:

(ii) Psoriasis* (Part I & II)

Psoriasis is one of the commonest and most stubborn diseases of the skin, affecting as many as 3% of the population. With a correct approach to treatment up to 65% of cases can be substantially helped with Chinese medicine.
As well as the commonest variant of psoriasis known as plaque psoriasis, other forms of such as guttate psoriasis, pustular psoriasis & erythrodermic psoriasis will also be included.

DAY ONE:

(i) Revision & Test on Previous Module's Material

A quick & fun test to highlight important elements of the previous modules, and an opportunity to ask question to clarify any areas of confusion.

(ii) Viral Warts*

A very common papilloma virus of the skin and mucus membrane. In addition to common warts, plane warts as well as molescum contagiosum will be discussed.

(ii) Stasis Eczema*

Also known as varicose eczema or gravitational eczema. This common and persistent disease of the elderly affects the lower limbs and arises as a consequence of varicose veins and subsequent venous hypertension.

DAY TWO:

(i) Lichen Planus*

Viewed by many as an autoimmune disease, it is known as 'Purple Patch Wind'（紫癜風）in traditional Chinese medicine. It is a common pruritic disease of the skin & mucus membranes that typically occurs in adults, affecting both males & females equally. The lecture will include detailed discussion of the common & hypertrophic forms as well as Lichen Planus of the mouth, tongue & genitals

(ii) Rosacea*

Also known as acne-rosacea. It is a frequently seen disorder of those in their 30's & 40's characterized by eruptions of acne like pustules, telangiectasia & erythema across concavities of the face & nose with frequent bouts of flushing.

DAY ONE:

(i) Revision & Test on Previous Module's Material

A quick & fun test to highlight important elements of the previous modules, and an opportunity to ask question to clarify any areas of confusion.

(ii) Atopic Eczema* (Part I & II)

This very common allergic disease is the most frequently seen form of eczema in the clinic. Over the past 30 years it has reached epidemic proportions in industrialised nations. When well applied, Chinese medicine can have the most dramatic benefit on this distressing and stubborn disease.

DAY TWO:

(i) Atopic Eczema* (Part III)

Continuation of previous days lecture.

(ii) Fungal & Yeast Infection of the Skin*

Fungal and yeast pathogens famously manifests differently depending on the location of body that they grow. All common variants will be considered including Tinea of the hands and feet, the body, groin, nails as well as the yeast infection Pityriasis Versicolor.

DAY ONE:

(i) Revision & Test on Previous Module's Material

A quick & fun test to highlight important elements of the previous modules, and an opportunity to ask question to clarify any areas of confusion.

(i) Seborrhoeic Dermatitis*

A very common, chronic form of eczema with a distinctive morphology & distribution (red, sharply marginated lesions covered with a greasy scale) affecting the areas rich in sebaceous glands such as the scalp, face, upper trunk, axillae & groin. The simplest form of seborrhoeic dermatitis is dandruff. Excellent results can be expected when correct formulation is prescribed.

(ii) Impetigo*

On of the commonest bacterial infections seen today. A contagious, acute, though sometimes chronic reoccurring superficial infection of the skin. Quickly and easily managed by using the correct herbs.

DAY TWO:

(i) Lichen Simplex*

Known as 'Ox Skin Dermatosis' (牛皮癬) in traditional Chinese medicine, Lichen simplex is a persistent & self perpetuating, highly pruritic condition. Very often associated with emotional upset & stress, a localized thickened (lichenified) leathery patch of skin gradually forms in areas that are easily reached by the distressed patient, such as the neck, elbows, genitals & ankles.

(ii) Urticaria*

Amongst the 20 most common skin diseases experienced by as many as 20% of the population. It is characterised by transient, oedematous, itchy papules and wheals. Although the acute form is well treated with biomedicine, the chronic form is not. Chronic urticaria can be dramatically helped with the correct formulation of herbs.

DAY ONE: Final Examination

In order to achieve certification for the Diploma Course students must first sit and pass the final examination.  The final examination is held in two parts over one day.  

Certification  includes an automatic 2 year membership  to the Register of Chinese Medicine Dermatologists for successful participants which is accessible to the public and refers patients to qualified practitioners worldwide.

DAY TWO & THREE: ALLERGY AND AUTOIMMUNITY MASTERCLASS

(i) Allergic Asthma*

Very frequently seen in the clinic as part of the atopic diatheses, along with atopic eczema & allergic rhinitis, it is now estimated that one in every four children living in cities within the Western world suffers with asthma, and there is much evidence to support the fact that many people are developing increasingly more severe forms of the disease. Morbidity and mortality from this common condition remains a substantial clinical problem despite considerable funding into new drug therapies. Without question properly applied treatment with Chinese herb medicines has a very significant part to play in managing this distressing disease.

(ii) Allergic Rhinitis*

Just as with asthma & atopic eczema, which it often accompanies, the incidence of allergic rhinitis has increased dramatically over recent decades. And just as with those two conditions, Chinese medicine correctly applied can have a profound effect not only to ease the distressing symptoms, but also frequently to resolve the allergic disposition.