Long COVID & Eczema: How Your Immune System and Lungs Affect Skin
As a Registered Acupuncturist practicing in Richmond, BC, I’ve met many patients from Surrey and across Greater Vancouver who are still dealing with lingering symptoms after COVID. Some continue to feel tired, experience brain fog, or notice new skin issues like eczema flare-ups that didn’t exist before.
Recently, I sat down with Julia Chien to talk about this growing issue: how Long COVID can impact your immune system, lungs, and skin, and how Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a different way to understand and support recovery.
Understanding Long COVID and Its Symptoms
Long COVID is a term used to describe symptoms that persist for three months or more after infection. The most common issues I see in my practice are fatigue, poor focus, lingering cough, and eczema flare-ups.
From a TCM perspective, this happens because COVID weakens the Lung system, which plays a central role in defending the body. In Chinese medicine, our immune system is known as Wei Qi, or “defensive energy,” and it’s powered by the Lungs. When the Lungs are weakened, our defense system becomes compromised, making the body more vulnerable to fatigue, inflammation, and skin sensitivity.
How the Lungs and Skin Are Connected
In TCM, the Lungs and skin are deeply interconnected. The Lungs “govern” the skin — meaning when Lung Qi is weak, the skin’s ability to protect and renew itself also declines.
After COVID, many patients notice their skin becomes dry, itchy, or easily irritated. Some even develop eczema or acne for the first time. This is because the Lungs’ defensive energy (Wei Qi) is no longer strong enough to keep external irritants out. I’ve seen this in up to 60% of my Long COVID patients, even among those who never had skin issues before.
The Role of Digestion: Spleen and Stomach Connection
Another important factor is the Spleen and Stomach system. In TCM, your Lung energy actually depends on the nourishment it receives from digestion. During the pandemic, many people ate irregularly, consumed too much processed food, or had poor appetite due to stress — all of which can weaken the Spleen and Stomach.
When digestion slows down, your body produces less Qi to support the Lungs. Over time, this can lead to both immune weakness and skin flare-ups.
Why Exercise and Sweating Matter
Even people who eat well and rest enough may still notice lingering symptoms. One often overlooked factor is exercise, or the lack of it. Sweating is one of the body’s natural ways to release toxins and regulate Qi. When we don’t move or sweat regularly, these toxins can become “trapped,” often showing up as skin irritation or eczema.
That’s why I encourage gentle activities like walking, stretching, or Qigong as part of recovery.
TCM Foods and Herbal Support for Recovery
Diet plays a major role in healing. During my conversation with Julia, I shared a few food recommendations that can support both the Lung and Spleen systems:
Chinese yam – helps moisten the lungs and reduce coughing
Lotus seeds – strengthen digestion and nourish the body
Rice and millet porridge with goji berries and red dates – boosts Qi and supports the immune system
If you tend to feel cold or weak after your menstrual cycle, a small amount of beef can help replenish blood. But if your eczema worsens in hot weather, it’s best to avoid red meat, as it can create internal heat and inflammation.
In my Richmond clinic, I often pair these dietary changes with acupuncture to regulate Qi flow and improve energy levels naturally.
Bringing Balance Back
The goal of TCM is to restore balance — not to suppress symptoms, but to help your body heal itself. Whether it’s through herbal medicine, acupuncture, or small daily habits, supporting the Lungs and Spleen can gradually improve both immunity and skin health.
Many of my patients in Greater Vancouver and Surrey have seen real improvement by combining acupuncture with dietary adjustments and gentle lifestyle changes.
About My Practice
I’m Neil Dou, a Registered Acupuncturist serving Richmond, Surrey, and the Greater Vancouver area. My practice focuses on holistic recovery, helping patients manage Long COVID, eczema, fatigue, and other chronic issues through acupuncture, herbal therapy, and personalized guidance.
If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms after COVID or struggling with eczema, feel free to reach out — I’m here to help.
