Q It's been two years since I was diagnosed with dyshidrotic eczema. Can it be cured? Usually, how long do I need to be treated?
A For dyshidrotic eczema, controlling symptoms and preventing recurrence are more realistic goals than complete cure. If you avoid triggers and treat and manage it consistently, in most cases it can be brought down to a level that does not interfere with daily life. Treatment duration varies with the duration and extent of the disease; at Dongjedang we generally use about three months of consistent treatment as a benchmark, aiming to noticeably reduce blisters and itching within that period.
Detailed Answer
Dyshidrotic eczema has a chronic tendency to alternate between improving and worsening, so rather than eliminating it forever at once, it is realistic to lengthen the interval between recurrences and lower their intensity. The earlier you treat it actively and reduce hand irritation, the better the prognosis. In fact, there have been cases where about three months of intensive treatment calmed the pain and inflammation of chronic dyshidrotic eczema.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Dongjedang proceeds through three stages of treatment. Early on, with clearing heat and resolving toxin, we draw out heat-toxin and waste products to reduce itching and oozing. Next, in the immune stabilization stage, we manage the hypersensitive reactions that form the basis of recurrence. Finally, in the skin regeneration stage, we restore the barrier to prevent recurrence. Because each stage has a different goal, after the itching is brought under control first, more time is needed for the skin itself to stabilize.
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