Objective research on tongue manifestation of patients with eczema

Abstract

Background: Tongue observation often depends on subjective judgment, it is necessary to establish an objective and quantifiable standard for tongue observation. Objective: To discuss the features of tongue manifestation of patients who suffered from eczema with different types and to reveal the clinical significance of the tongue images. Methods: Two hundred patients with eczema were recruited and divided into three groups according to the diagnostic criteria. Acute group had 47 patients, subacute group had 82 patients, and chronic group had 71 patients. The computerized tongue image digital analysis device was used to detect tongue parameters. The L∗a∗b∗ color model was applied to classify tongue parameters quantitatively. Results: For parameters such as tongue color, tongue shape, color of tongue coating, and thickness or thinness of tongue coating, there was a significant difference among acute group, subacute group and chronic group (P < 0.05). For Lab values of both tongue and tongue coating, there was statistical significance among the above types of eczema (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Tongue images can reflect some features of eczema, and different types of eczema may be related to the changes of tongue images. The computerized tongue image digital analysis device can reflect the tongue characteristics of patients with eczema objectively.