Atopy, at the Oriental Medicine Clinic

Hello, I am Choi Yeon-seung, the representative director of Baekrokdam Korean Medicine Clinic.

Today, I would like to take a detailed look at atopy, an intractable skin disease that threatens our children's health.

Table of Contents

1. Atopic dermatitis, an enemy threatening the healthy growth of children
2. The perspective of Korean Medicine on atopy
3. Treating the root cause with customized herbal medicine tailored to the constitution
4. Increasing immune function and controlling pruritus through acupuncture treatment
5. Consistent daily management must be carried out in parallel
6. Korean medicine that boosts natural healing power, seeing hope

1. Atopic dermatitis, a threat to children's healthy growth

"Our child suffers from severe itching all over the body. The skin becomes dry and scaly, sometimes covered in red rashes. My heart breaks seeing them unable to sleep due to the itching at night, crying and whimpering."

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic skin disease that commonly occurs during infancy and early childhood, characterized by dryness and itching. It is known to develop through a complex interaction of genetic factors, immunological mechanisms, and environmental stimuli.​ Due to severe pruritus, scratching causes the skin barrier to break down, and 2ary bacterial infections may also accompany it. This can lead to growth delays due to sleep disorders and loss of appetite, hindering the healthy growth and development of the child. Not only is there a decline in the quality of life, but the physical and mental suffering of the families is also significant.​ Although it varies by child, symptoms begin to appear from 2 months after birth. Dryness and itching start on the cheeks, forehead, and the folds of the arms and legs. It is simply heartbreaking to see traces of red rashes remaining on the skin of our children, who should naturally be beautiful and bright.​

2. A Korean Medicine Perspective on Atopy

In Korean Medicine, atopic dermatitis is viewed as occurring due to the dysfunction of the Spleen's transport and transformation function and the decline of the Lung's dispersing and descending function. The Spleen transports the essence of water and grain to moisten the skin, and the Lung governs the opening and closing of the body surface while being responsible for the nutrient supply to the skin. If the functions of the Spleen and Lung are congenitally weak, phlegm-fluid and dampness accumulate, and the defensive Qi becomes deficient, failing to block the invasion of external pathogenic factors. As the skin's defensive power drops, pathogenic factors such as wind, dampness, and heat easily invade, causing symptoms.

Additionally, the Kidney is the root of the congenital, and if the Kidney Yin is deficient or there is Yin deficiency with hyperactivity of fire, the nutrient supply to the skin is not smooth. Dry heat symptoms become prominent, and itching tends to worsen. If Liver Qi becomes stagnated due to habitual emotional stress, stagnation occurs in the circulation of Qi and blood, which can worsen the symptoms.

3. Treating the root with customized herbal medicine tailored to the constitution

In the herbal treatment of atopic dermatitis, the important thing is to appropriately supplement deficiency and excess and remove pathogenic factors. It involves employing a treatment method that restores the functions of the spleen and lungs to increase immunity while simultaneously expelling external evils such as wind, dampness, and heat. In the case of the damp-heat type, prescriptions such as Huanglian Jiedu-tang and Xiaofeng-san are used to clear heat and drain dampness, controlling skin heat sensation and itching. If it is the blood deficiency and wind-dryness type, skin dryness is improved with Danggui-eum-ja or blood-generating and dryness-moistening medicines, while adding medicinal herbs with wind-dispelling and itch-stopping effects.

For children with a weak spleen and stomach, Si-gun-ja-tang or Yuk-gun-ja-tang for strengthening the spleen and supplementing qi are administered, while carefully observing the child's appetite and stool condition to adjust the dosage appropriately. If nasal congestion of the face and eyes is also present, effects of opening the lungs and clearing the orifices, as well as releasing the exterior and dispersing wind, can be seen with prescriptions such as Xinyi Qingfei-tang and Ge-gen-tang. As such, the key is to distinguish between deficiency and excess and identify the properties of the pathogenic factors to provide a prescription tailored to each individual. In addition, the treatment effect can be further enhanced by combining local application therapy using Eczema Ointment or Itch-Stopping Powder as an external treatment method.

4. Increasing immune function and controlling pruritus through acupuncture treatment

Acupuncture and moxibustion therapy is also effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis. By stimulating acupoints such as Baekhoe and Daechu, it is possible to obtain the effect of suppressing allergic reactions and regulating the immune system. Acupoints of the Stomach Meridian of Foot Yangming, such as Joksamri and Gokji, are helpful in restoring the function of the spleen and stomach.

Additionally, stimulating acupoints such as Pungmun and Pungji has the effect of eliminating Wind and suppressing pruritus. It is also important to resolve Liver Qi stagnation by stimulating Haenggan or Taechung of the Liver Meridian. Auricular acupuncture therapy is also utilized to regulate imbalances in the endocrine system and immunity.

5. Consistent daily management must be carried out in parallel.

Along with Korean medicine treatment, consistent management in daily life is essential. Above all, meticulous attention must be paid to environmental management. It is important to ventilate indoors frequently to prevent dryness and maintain appropriate humidity. Efforts must also be made to remove dust mites.

Bathing should be done daily using a slightly acidic cleanser in warm water, and it is good to gently wipe away sweat or sebum. Apply plenty of moisturizer while the skin is still moist. It also requires the sensibility to dress the child in soft cotton materials rather than chemical fibers that could be irritating.

You must also pay attention to dietary management. Avoid allergy-inducing foods and focus on feeding nutritious and easily digestible foods. Supplement protein with fish or soy meat rather than red meat, and increase vitamin intake with vegetables and fruits. For gut health, the use of probiotic foods is also actively recommended.

6. Korean medicine that boosts natural healing power, we see hope

"My child has improved a lot while receiving Korean medicine treatment. Dry skin and itching have improved noticeably, and I felt relieved seeing them sleep well at night. As their physical condition improved, their personality became brighter and they seem to have gained confidence."

A warm touch that comforts the hearts of children who are frustrated and shaken by atopy. Herbal medicine treatment and acupuncture therapy, which draw out the power of natural healing, become a hope that restores healthy skin and healthy smiles to our children.