Dyshidrosis: Recurring Hand and Foot Blisters, We Reveal the True Cause | Songdo Dyshidrosis

Hello, this is Baengnokdam Korean Medicine Clinic.

When you've heard the diagnosis but don't know the reason
Have you ever experienced these symptoms?

Transparent blisters appear on your palms or soles, they burst, causing stinging and itching, and in severe cases, cracking. When you go to a dermatologist, they often say this:

“It’s dyshidrotic eczema. Apply this medication, and it may recur.”

But often, the conversation stops there. To the question, ‘Why is it happening?’ most doctors shake their heads, and if you say, ‘It recurs too frequently,’ they simply reply, “It’s your constitution, it might be stress-related.” Today, let’s discuss the true meaning hidden behind the term ‘dyshidrotic eczema.’

A Diagnosis of Dyshidrotic Eczema, It’s Not a Disease Name

First, there’s something important to clarify. Dyshidrotic eczema isn’t a diagnostic name; it’s a ‘symptom description.’ In Western medicine, it’s known as dyshidrotic eczema or pompholyx, which literally translates to “blistering eczema on the hands and feet.”

Doctors often record it as “eczema of unknown cause.” While it might be an allergy, stress, or an immune reaction to athlete’s foot fungus, in most cases, treatment begins with steroids and antihistamines without identifying the specific cause.

But this is where the problem begins. It often doesn’t respond well, and even if it does, recurrence is frequent.

How Does Korean Medicine View These Symptoms?

While there isn't a specific disease name 'dyshidrotic eczema' in Korean medicine, expressions describing similar symptoms can often be found in ancient texts. Examples include terms like “damp-heat sores,” “wind-damp sores,” “yin-cold,” and “blister sores.”

However, the true strength of Korean medicine lies not in names, but in its method of interpretation. It views the skin not merely as a superficial issue but as an ‘inner mirror’ connected to the Five Zang and Six Fu organs, especially the Liver and Spleen-Stomach, and even emotional states. In other words, rather than focusing on where the symptoms appear, it examines the 'patterns' of their recurrence.

Therefore, when treating dyshidrotic eczema, the focus is not on the blisters themselves, but on understanding why the skin repeatedly manifests such reactions.

Even if Symptoms Appear Similar, the Causes are All Different

Let’s take an example. Some people experience severe blistering every summer, accompanied by profuse and sticky sweat. This is a Damp-Heat type, meaning there’s an accumulation of heat and dampness in the skin. For such individuals, detoxifying herbal medicines like Longdan Cao (Gentian), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), and Yi Yi Ren (Coix Seed) are used.

Conversely, those who have fewer blisters but consistently dry palms and nocturnal itching fall into the Blood Deficiency with Wind-Dryness type. In such cases, nourishing blood and moistening dryness becomes the main focus of treatment.

Some individuals only experience symptoms after periods of stress. They have no digestive issues and don’t sweat excessively, but their symptoms worsen notably after emotional distress. These individuals are classified as Liver Qi Stagnation type, meaning their Liver Qi is blocked and has transformed into heat. Treatment involves regulating the autonomic nervous system with acupuncture, or using herbal formulas like So Pung San (Dispel Wind Powder) or Gami Soyosan (Modified Free Wanderer Powder) to unblock the flow of Qi.

Thus, even if the symptoms appear similar, the direction of treatment changes completely.

Advantages of Korean Medical Treatment – Changing the Tendency for Recurrence Rather Than Just Acute Symptoms

In Korean medicine, the treatment of dyshidrotic eczema is more about changing the “constitutional patterns that lead to recurrence.” This is because while steroids or antihistamines can alleviate immediate itching, they don’t provide an answer to ‘why it keeps happening.’

Korean medical treatment focuses on the inner body rather than just the skin. Therefore, while it may take a little longer, its strength lies in breaking the cycle of recurring symptoms and correcting other constitutional issues simultaneously.

Beyond the Name ‘Dyshidrotic Eczema’

If you've been trapped by the term ‘dyshidrotic eczema’ and are tired of repeated steroid use and recurrences, it’s time to look beyond the name and examine your body's flow and emotional patterns.

Dyshidrotic eczema may not be just a skin disease, but a small signal from your body. Listening to that signal and changing direction – that is what Korean medicine considers true healing.

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