Q Is the treatment different for acute dermatitis that oozes constantly versus chronic dermatitis that has thickened and cracked over time?
A In the acute phase with heavy oozing, we focus on emptying heat-toxin and damp-heat to calm it quickly; in the chronic phase that is thickened, hardened, and cracked, we shift direction toward replenishing fluids to the parched skin and regenerating the barrier.
Detailed Answer
Even for the same contact dermatitis, the presentation and treatment direction differ by phase. In the acute phase, where it oozes profusely and swells red, it is a state overflowing with sticky damp-heat and heat-toxin, so we concentrate on emptying and cooling this to calm it quickly. Conversely, the chronic phase (lichenification), where the skin becomes thick, rough, hardened, and cracked over time, is a state where the skin is parched and lacking in nourishment, so we approach it toward replenishing fluids and regenerating the barrier.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
At Dongjedang, we diagnose cases with severe oozing as spleen-stomach damp-heat or blood-heat and emphasize heat-clearing detoxification, while for thickened, hardened chronic lesions we vary the prescription toward replenishing the depleted fluids and blood and supporting skin regeneration. Even for the same disease, we consider it important to adjust treatment to the state of that person and that phase.
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