Q Is treatment different for the blistering phase with lots of oozing versus the phase when the hands thicken and crack?
A Even for the same dyshidrotic eczema, the treatment direction changes by phase. The acute phase with oozing and severe itching and heat is treated mainly by clearing the damp-heat within the body, while the phase after the blisters dry, when the skin thickens and cracks, is treated in the direction of replenishing blood to nourish the skin. At Dongjedang, we determine the prescription after distinguishing which type it is through pattern differentiation at the first visit.
Detailed Answer
Dyshidrotic eczema is approached differently by phase. The acute phase, where oozing and swelling are prominent, and the chronic phase, where dryness and cracking are prominent after the blisters dry, have different treatment goals themselves. For the former, calming inflammation and oozing comes first; for the latter, refilling and regenerating the dried-out skin takes priority.
Korean Medicine Clinic Perspective
Here are Dongjedang's two representative pattern differentiations. The Spleen-Stomach damp-heat (biwi-seupyeol), blood-heat type, with oozing and clear itching and heat sensation, is treated with clearing-heat resolving-toxin herbal medicine to lower heat and dampness. The blood-deficiency wind-dryness (hyeolheo-pungjo), yin-deficiency type, with thickening and cracking skin, is treated with blood-tonifying dryness-moistening herbal medicine to refill blood and fluids and nourish and regenerate the skin. When both patterns alternate in one patient, we begin with clearing heat and resolving toxin and shift the weight toward immune stabilization and skin regeneration according to the stage.
Related FAQs
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Q
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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I had atopic dermatitis as a child. Is that why I get dyshidrotic eczema easily? Do other skin allergies come along with it too?
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I usually have poor digestion and a bloated, heavy stomach. Is the state of my stomach related to the blisters on my hands?
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At night my hands and feet itch so much that when I scratch, the blisters burst and I can't sleep. What should I do when it itches?
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After the blisters dry, my hands crack badly, feel tight, and hurt. How should I moisturize and care for my hands?
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