Integrative analysis links traditional Chinese medicine syndrome differentiation to multi-dimensional skin phenotypes and predicts therapeutic response in photographs.

Background: Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome differentiation guides personalized treatment; however, its biological basis remains objectively uncharacterized in dermatology, hindering integration with modern precision medicine. Its biological basis remains elusive, particularly in dermatology, hindering its integration with modern precision medicine. Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether major TCM Image Syndrome are associated with distinct, quantifiable multi-dimensional skin imaging phenotypes and to develop a machine learning model integrating these features to predict treatment response. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 60 patients with moderate to severe facial photodamage. Participants were classified into one of four TCM syndromes Results: Significant overall differences in skin imaging profiles were found among the four TCM syndromes (MANOVA, Conclusion: This study provides empirical evidence that TCM syndromes correspond to specific, objective multi-dimensional skin phenotype patterns. Furthermore, an integrative model combining TCM diagnosis and quantitative imaging biomarkers can predict therapeutic outcomes with high accuracy. These findings help bridge TCM theory and modern biophysical assessment, paving the way for a data-driven, personalized approach in dermatology.