Introduction: Atopic dermatitis is chronic eczematous dermatosis which is related strongly to a family history of atopic disease and hereditary disposition. Its threshold of itching is low so that severe itching occurs and causes secondary eczema. Adult atopic dermatitis has mostly severe symptoms and progresses to chronic relapsing.
Objective: The purpose of this study was to estimate the efficacy of oriental medical treatment and management on chronic adult atopic dermatitis.
Subject: We studied 3 patients who visited Dongguk University Gangnam Oriental Hospital Dept. of Dermatol. with chronic adult atopic dermatitis from August 2001 to April 2002 and were observed for over 4 months.
Methods: We treated them with herb-medication, acupuncture, negative therapy, aroma therapy, full spectrum visible ray therapy(by carbon arc) and external application(Jaun-go). We used the SCORAD index to assess the severity of atopic dermatitis.
Results: There were 3 patients with chronic adult atopic dermatitis we could check for over 4 months by clinical scoring using the SCORAD system. 1. The grades of the severity of atopic dermatitis were lower only by the oriental medical treatments and management. 2. Intensities of relapse cases were lower then before the oriental medical treatments. 3. The secondary treatment term for relapse cases was shorter then the first treatment term after oriental remedies were used.
Conclusion: Considering the above results, more study is needed on the chronic relapse cases with adult atopic dermatitis, the factors of increasing seventy of adult atopic dermatitis, the prognostic factors of adult atopic dermatitis, and the clinical interchange of chronic adult atopic dermatitis between oriental medicine and western medicine.
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