[Health Column] Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment for Atopic Dermatitis: What Are the Goals of Herbal Medicine and Pharmacopuncture?

Hello, this is Dr. Park Chi-young, Chief Director of Saenggi Korean Medicine Clinic Gangnam Station Branch.

If itching and skin inflammation recur due to atopic dermatitis, you may look into alternative treatments in addition to your current ones. While searching for Korean medicine treatments for atopic dermatitis, some of you may be curious about the roles played by herbal medicine and pharmacopuncture.

When selecting a treatment, along with the name of the method used, What symptom changes are targeted You need to examine this thoroughly. It is necessary to receive an explanation regarding the evidence supporting the expected effects, precautions, and criteria for evaluating the treatment progress.

Today, we will look at what to know when reviewing herbal medicine and pharmacopuncture, as well as the changes to check during treatment.

I. What should I check first before considering Korean medicine treatment for atopic dermatitis?

first Current severity of skin inflammation and the impact of itching on daily life You need to check.

Atopic dermatitis can follow a course where symptoms improve only to worsen again. On the day of the consultation, it is necessary to examine not only the appearance of the skin but also the onset time of symptoms, recurring affected areas, circumstances of exacerbation, and the response to previous treatments. The American Academy of Dermatology also describes skin examination and this medical history taking as part of the diagnostic process.

The assessment varies depending on whether dryness and scaling are the primary discomforts, or if there is recurring oozing and scratches. It is also helpful to mention during the consultation whether you wake up at night due to itching or if you have difficulty concentrating at school or work.

Even if a Korean medicine clinic specializing in atopic dermatitis asks about your sleep or digestive status, you should not immediately conclude that these are the causes of the skin condition. It is appropriate to understand this as a process of verifying your health condition to identify accompanying discomforts and influence your choice of treatment.

II. What changes does atopic herbal medicine aim to bring about?

If you are considering herbal medicine for atopic dermatitis, itching and skin inflammation, etc. Targeting specific symptoms, evaluate actual responses and abnormal symptoms together. You must do it.

In Korean medical practice, prescriptions are reviewed by examining skin dryness and heat sensations, the nature of oozing, and the patient's overall condition. However, it is necessary to distinguish between such clinical interpretations and the effects confirmed by clinical trials. A specific prescription is not deemed suitable merely because of a sensation of heat, nor can the cause of atopic dermatitis be identified solely because of digestive discomfort.

Herbal medicine encompasses various prescriptions with different medicinal ingredients and dosages. Therefore, it is difficult to directly apply the research results of a specific prescription to all herbal medicines for atopic dermatitis. Regarding explanations concerning skin barrier restoration or the prevention of recurrence, the clinical evidence for the relevant prescription must also be verified separately.

A 2013 Cochrane review assessed that there was insufficient evidence to conclude that ingested or topical Chinese herbal prescriptions reduce the severity of atopic eczema. There were also limitations regarding the quality of the studies and differences between them. Although this is not a direct evaluation of every individual prescription in Korea, it serves as a reference to avoid making definitive conclusions about the overall effectiveness of Korean herbal medicine.

III. For what purpose is pharmacopuncture reviewed, and what needs to be verified?

Even if considering pharmacopuncture with the expectation of symptom relief Evidence appropriate for the agents and procedures used, individual risks You need to check.

Pharmacopuncture is a Korean medical procedure involving the injection of medicinal liquid into specific areas. Since the method of administration differs from that of oral herbal medicine or general acupuncture, results observed in studies on herbal medicine or acupuncture should not be directly attributed to the effects of pharmacopuncture.

During a consultation, it is advisable to ask about the ingredients used, the symptoms targeted, and the clinical evidence supporting the method. You should also separately examine whether the responses observed in cell or animal studies lead to symptom improvement in humans.

Before the procedure, you must disclose your history of allergies and past reactions to injections, and receive an explanation regarding the possibility of pain, bruising, swelling, or infection. It is also advisable to determine whether herbal medicine and pharmacopuncture should be used together by weighing the necessity and burden of each.

IV. How is the progress of Korean medicine treatment for atopic dermatitis assessed?

Itching and sleep, skin lesions, changes in existing medication use We need to examine it together.

Judging the progress of treatment solely based on the fact that the skin appears less red can lead to missing actual discomfort. You must also check whether the frequency of nighttime scratching has decreased, the condition of oozing or cracking, and whether the extent of the lesions has changed.

For example, if the condition is tolerable during the day but causes you to frequently wake up at night scratching your arm, you can record your sleep patterns and pre-bedtime care routine along with photos of your skin. This is an example scenario to aid understanding and is not an actual medical case.

If you have also changed your topical application or moisturizing habits while starting herbal medicine, it is difficult to attribute the observed changes solely to the effects of the herbal medicine. If symptoms remain the same or worsen, the treatment plan must be re-evaluated. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) also advises consulting a medical professional if your skin condition does not improve or deteriorates.

V. How should I continue with existing treatments and moisturizing care?

You must share the treatment you are currently using with your medical team and continue with moisturizing and irritation management.

If you are using prescription medications, ointments, or health supplements, you must disclose all of them during the consultation. Documents verifying the composition or prescription history of the herbal medicine are also helpful. Liver or kidney disease, pregnancy or breastfeeding status, and drug allergies are also matters to be confirmed before treatment.

Safety cannot be judged solely on the basis that ingredients are natural. The American Academy of Dermatology cites reports of liver and kidney damage associated with certain herbal mixtures and advises consulting a doctor before using them for pediatric eczema. This should be understood not to imply that all herbal medicines pose the same risk, but rather to mean that the ingredients and individual conditions must be verified.

Moisturizing and managing individual aggravating factors are fundamental to an atopic dermatitis treatment plan. You should not skip moisturizing simply because you are receiving herbal medicine or acupuncture. If you experience stinging or itching after using a product, it is advisable to consult a doctor about adjustment methods.

Existing prescription medications, including steroid ointments, should not be discontinued or their dosages changed arbitrarily. It is necessary to establish a management plan with your healthcare provider based on the current inflammation and treatment response.

🍵 Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How long should I take atopic dermatitis herbal medicine?

It is difficult to set the same duration for everyone. You must first determine the symptoms to be evaluated and the timing of follow-up appointments, and then adjust the plan based on individual responses and discomfort.

Q2. Is it mandatory to receive pharmacopuncture together?

It is difficult to consider pharmacopuncture essential based solely on a diagnosis of atopic dermatitis. A decision must be made by considering individual suitability, evidence, history of allergies, and the burden of the procedure.

Q3. Can I use existing ointments and herbal medicine together?

It depends on the ingredients of the ointment and herbal medicine, other medications being taken, and the individual's health condition. You must inform the doctor of all treatments you are currently using and consult about whether to combine them, but you should not reduce your existing medication on your own.

Q4. What should I do if my skin gets itchier after treatment?

As causes can vary from person to person, you should not regard worsening as a natural response to treatment. Record the time of onset and any new medications or products used and inform your medical team; if accompanied by shortness of breath or swelling of the lips or tongue, you must seek emergency medical attention immediately.

🌿 Wrapping up

When choosing the right treatment for me Is it a plan that can specifically explain the expected changes, rationale, safety, and re-evaluation criteria? We need to take a look.

When consulting at an atopic dermatitis clinic, it is advisable to ask what the respective goals of herbal medicine and pharmacopuncture are. The necessity of treatment should be assessed by considering the skin condition, discomfort in daily life, and response to previous treatments.

During treatment, it is important to share both improvements and any new discomfort. Please listen carefully to the full explanation and work with your medical team to carefully establish a plan tailored to you.