Contact Dermatitis, Why is my skin like this?

Ah, contact dermatitis. It's a really common problem, and many people experience it, don't they? As I run my Korean medicine clinic, I've met many patients who are troubled by this issue. As I've talked with them, I've realized there are truly diverse causes and symptoms. So, shall we delve a little deeper into this issue together?

"Why Did I Suddenly Develop Contact Dermatitis?"

Many people ask this question. Contact dermatitis, as its name suggests, is a skin reaction that occurs when you come into contact with certain substances, but these substances aren't necessarily harmful. For example, they can range from metals like nickel to perfumes, and even poisonous plants found in nature. Our body perceives these substances as 'enemies' and reacts with hypersensitivity, leading to symptoms.

"How Does Korean Medicine View Contact Dermatitis?"

In Korean medicine, we don't view such skin problems as merely superficial issues. We see the human body as a large ecosystem where everything is interconnected. Contact dermatitis is no exception. While it's a reaction to external stimuli, we believe that the underlying flow of 'Qi' (氣) and 'Blood' (血) in our body, as well as the balance of 'internal organs,' play a significant role. The 'skin,' in particular, is like a mirror reflecting our body's internal state.

"So, What About Treatment?"

Ah, here's an interesting point. In Korean medicine, we don't just treat the symptoms for contact dermatitis. First, we examine the patient's lifestyle habits, dietary habits, and even stress levels. Then, we apply treatment methods tailored to their 'constitutional type' (Chejil). For example, there are methods like internal herbal medicine, acupuncture, and traditional Korean medicine steaming treatments (Hanbang Jjimjil) that help remove toxins from the body and restore vitality.

"What Should One Be Careful About in Daily Life?"

As I mentioned, contact dermatitis is a reaction to external stimuli, so it's crucial to first avoid substances that can cause irritation. In particular, try to avoid detergents and cosmetics that contain many chemical substances as much as possible. Furthermore, stress management is also very important. When your body and mind are relaxed, your body's natural healing power functions much more effectively.

"Do You Have Any Cases You've Personally Experienced?"

Ah, certainly. Once, I had a patient suffering from contact dermatitis, and we couldn't pinpoint the cause at all. But as we talked, it turned out to be due to a new watch the patient had bought. They had a nickel allergy but weren't aware of it. After changing the watch, their symptoms significantly improved. In this way, sometimes unexpected small changes can make a big difference.

Our body is truly mysterious in this way. Every visible symptom has its own story, and when we look deeper, we realize how crucial the balance between our body and mind is. Contact dermatitis is no different. That's why I always tell my patients that when dealing with contact dermatitis, it's not enough to rely solely on external treatments; finding our body's internal balance is also vital. I hope this discussion has been somewhat helpful. Our body is truly amazing. And taking care of that body, I believe, is the most important thing we can do.