Q My child has been to many hospitals for atopic dermatitis but doesn't seem to get better. Can treatment at a Korean medicine clinic really make a difference? I want to know honestly.
A Korean medicine treatment does not cure all atopic dermatitis, but it does provide real help in reducing relapse cycles and lowering symptom intensity. Especially for those whose response to steroids has diminished or who have repeated relapses, the Korean medicine approach of constitutional improvement and immune regulation can be a new breakthrough. However, the realistic expectation should be long-term constitutional improvement rather than quick anti-inflammation.
Detailed Answer
The feeling of not getting better despite visiting many hospitals is due to the relapsing nature of atopic dermatitis. Conventional treatment has the advantage of suppressing acute inflammation, but it is difficult to completely prevent relapse itself. The strength of Korean medicine treatment lies in relapse prevention and constitutional improvement, and combining these two goals with conventional treatment is an approach also supported by evidence-based medicine.
Realistic expectations: ①Immediate suppression of acute itching/redness → conventional treatment is faster. ②Reduction of relapse frequency, mitigation of symptom intensity, extension of remission period → strength of Korean medicine treatment. ③Constitutional modification of immune hypersensitivity itself → long-term Korean medicine treatment goal. A considerable number of patients treated for an average of 3-6+ months go more than a year without relapse.
Korean Medicine Perspective
At Dongjedang, honest prognosis guidance is our first priority in the initial examination. Based on a comprehensive evaluation of current severity, disease duration, constitution, and living environment, we specifically explain "what degree of improvement can be expected and approximately when." Without exaggerating that it will certainly be cured, clearly explaining what Korean medicine can help with and its limitations is our principle.
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