Q Steroid ointment only works while I'm using it, and the blisters come right back when I stop. Can herbal medicine provide a fundamental cure?
A Topical steroids quickly calm itching and inflammation, but the immune hypersensitivity and weakened skin barrier that keep dyshidrotic eczema coming back remain unchanged. Korean medicine treatment approaches by discharging the heat-toxin and waste products accumulated in the body and settling the over-reactive immune system, aiming to lengthen the interval between recurrences. During severe acute phases, it is best to combine conventional treatment.
Detailed Answer
Steroid ointment is effective at quickly suppressing acute inflammation, but with long-term use the skin can thin or worsen with rebound when stopped, and above all it does not resolve the root of recurrence. A condition like dyshidrotic eczema, which alternates between improving and worsening, must also address "why does it keep flaring."
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Dongjedang's treatment of dyshidrotic eczema proceeds in three stages. First, with clearing heat and resolving toxin (cheongyeol-haedok), we draw out the heat-toxin and waste products accumulated in the body to reduce itching and oozing. Next, in the immune stabilization stage, we balance the internal organs to settle the over-reactive immune system. Finally, in the skin regeneration stage, we restore the damaged skin barrier to prevent recurrence. Rather than forcing you to abruptly stop the ointment you use when symptoms are severe, we gradually taper it as treatment settles your internal state so that your hands naturally need it less.
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I've had dyshidrotic eczema for over 10 years that flares on both palms and soles. Can even this improve with Korean medicine treatment?
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