Q I am in my 40s living in Dong-gu, Incheon and attending a Korean medicine clinic for eczema. What symptoms require immediate hospital or emergency room attention?
A Eczema itself is not life-threatening, but the following warning signs require immediate medical attention. If the affected area breaks open, severe yellow oozing or thick honey-colored crusting with high fever develops, secondary bacterial infection should be suspected. If the rash spreads throughout the body, or shortness of breath, lip or tongue swelling, or fainting occurs, go to the emergency room immediately.
Detailed Answer
Warning signs that must be memorized. First, if the lesion area breaks open and severe yellow oozing or thick honey-colored crusting appears, suspect a secondary bacterial infection by Staphylococcus aureus and consider antibiotic treatment; this is especially the case when high fever and severe redness accompany. Second, if breathing difficulty, lip or tongue swelling, or sudden generalized swelling occurs after latex contact, it may be anaphylactic shock requiring immediate emergency care. Third, if local eczema suddenly spreads throughout the body with fever, emergency room visit is needed.
Traditional Korean Medicine Perspective
Even during Dongjeedang treatment, if the above warning signs appear, Korean medicine treatment must be immediately stopped and an emergency or Western medical institution should be visited first. Bacterial infection should be controlled first with antibiotics, and then Korean medicine treatment to prevent relapse can be resumed after recovery. If any suspicious symptoms arise, please inform the Korean medicine doctor immediately.
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