Skin · Immune Oriental Medicine Clinic
Herpes Simplex · Herpes · Cold Sores· Herpes Simplex
Incheon Songdo Baekrokdam Oriental Medicine Clinic
Recurring blisters and itching; we go beyond virus suppression to strengthen the power of immunity.
It gets better for a few days after applying ointment, but then it comes back when you're tired.The problem with herpes simplex is not that the virus is scary, but that your body's defense barrier has been breached. If you have left it untreated after only being told "it's because you're tired," this page may be the answer.
In Oriental medicine, herpes simplex is called 'Yeolchang (熱瘡)'. Toxins and heat inside the body burst out through the skin when immunity is weakened. Baekrokdam provides treatment to fill this 'gap'.
Core disease information at a glance
- Other names
- Herpes, cold sores, genital herpes, Yeolchang (熱瘡)
- Hanja
- 單純疱疹 (Simple + Pure + Blister + Measles/Sore)
- Classification
- Viral skin disease · Immune deficiency
- Main symptoms
- Clustered vesicles, itching, burning, pain, discharge
- Possible comorbidities
- Chronic fatigue, neuralgia, stomatitis, lymph node swelling
- Diagnosis
- 육안 진찰·문진·맥진, 재발 패턴 분석 핵심
- Treatment
- Herbal medicine focused (Immune strengthening + Heat removal)
- General treatment period
- Acute phase 1-2 weeks, recurrence prevention approximately 3 months
- 진료 방식
- 상태에 따라 대면·비대면 여부를 의료진이 판단
증상부터 생활관리까지
단순포진의 세부 안내를 확인하세요
Commonly heard in the clinic
Many patients visit using these expressions
My lips feel itchy before an interview
It doesn't subside quickly even after applying ointment
It always flares up when a project deadline approaches
I'm tired of taking antiviral drugs
The lower area stings only during menstruation
I endured it alone because I was embarrassed to talk about it
It's hard to face people because of the oozing and scabbing
I feel like the recovery is getting slower
When I'm tired, the area around my nose starts to itch
I feel like my immunity has hit rock bottom
Blisters appear the day after drinking alcohol
I have a reaction immediately when I can't sleep
I'm worried about leaving scars
I'm cautious about passing it on to my family
I feel like toxins in my body aren't being released
I want to fundamentally prevent recurrence
These are expressions frequently heard in the clinic. If this sounds like your story, you may want to suspect herpes simplex.
Consult via telehealth →What is herpes simplex?
Herpes simplex is a disease caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, characterized by clusters of small blisters on the skin or mucous membranes. Once infected, it hides in the nerve ganglia for life and reappears whenever immunity drops—a very persistent foe.
In traditional Korean medicine, this is calledYeol-chang (Heat Sore)orHwa-ryo-chang (Fire-scorched Sore). Literally, it means 'sores caused by heat,' and it is viewed as a phenomenon where uncontrolled heat within the body is discharged through the window of the skin.
Please do not misunderstand.Herpes simplex is a highly contagious disease. 수포가 있을 때는 가족이나 파트너와의 접촉을 피해야 하고, 수건도 따로 쓰는 게 좋거든요. 단순히 내 몸의 문제일 뿐만 아니라 타인에게 옮길 수 있는 감염병이라는 인식이 필요합니다.
It is so common that 60-90% of Korean adults carry the virus, but while some never experience it in their lifetime, others suffer every month. That difference isThe gap in immunityimmunity.
Western medicine uses antivirals like acyclovir, but this is only a temporary measure to block viral replication. Oriental medicine works to change the body's internal environment so that the virus can no longer be active.
The virus is always there.The cause that awakened itYou must find it.
단순포진 주요 원인, 어떻게 누적되는가
- 1 Chronic fatigue and lack of sleep
It is the most common cause. When energy is depleted, the immune system is the first to break down
- 2 Extreme mental stress
In traditional Korean medicine, this is called 'Sim-hwa (Heart Fire)'. Heat caused by stress stimulates the virus
- 3 Hormonal changes
In the case of women, there are many instances of recurrence when immunity drops sharply before or after menstruation
- 4 Alcohol and irritating foods
술은 몸에 습열(濕熱)을 쌓아 염증 반응을 가속화합니다
- 5 UV rays and external stimuli
Strong sunlight or physical stimuli, such as lip tattoos, can also act as triggers
The body is already sending signals even before blisters become visible.
단순포진 주요 증상, 환자가 실제로 느끼는 것들
Skin symptoms
- 전조 증상, 물집이 생기기 1~2일 전부터 해당 부위가 간질거리거나 따끔거려요
- 군집된 수포, 좁쌀 같은 작은 물집들이 옹기종기 모여서 나타납니다
- 진물과 딱지, 물집이 터지면서 진물이 나고, 이후 노란 딱지가 앉아요
- 흉터 및 색소침착, 반복되는 부위는 피부가 검게 변하거나 얇아지기도 합니다
Systemic and accompanying symptoms
- Body aches or mild fever
- Swollen and painful lymph nodes in the surrounding area
- Frequent mouth sores and tongue inflammation
- Eyes easily become bloodshot and fatigued
- Tingling neuralgia in the lower back or thighs (in case of genital herpes)
Herpes is aSOS signalsignal from the body. Check carefully if other discomforts occur together.
If these symptoms appear as a set, it is not just a simple skin problem, but a sign that the systemic immune management system has collapsed.
Chronic Herpes Simplex, Baekrokdam's Approach
Summary, 바이러스를 죽이는 게 아니라, 바이러스가 살 수 없는 몸을 만드는 게 진짜 재발 방지거든요.
Why Baekrokdam focuses on herbal medicine
The goal of herbal medicine is not just to suppress external symptoms, but to create a body that can recover on its own without medication.
Herpes simplex isIt is not a simple skin disease. It occurs when viruses latent in the nerve ganglia sense that 'this body is vulnerable.' Antivirals only target the active virus, not those hiding in latency.
Herbal medicine focuses on rebuilding the body's own defense system.We lower excessive heat and replenish deficient energy to build the strength to keep viruses from resurfacing. The goal is to create a state where the condition does not recur even after stopping the medication.
Why it is often not detected through tests
Tests look at numerical values and structures, but the essence is often a 'body imbalance' that is not easily captured by tests.
Herpes simplex has symptoms clear enough that testing is often unnecessary. However,'Why does it recur?'는 피검사나 수치로 다 나오지 않거든요. 스트레스 수치, 수면의 질, 장부의 열기 상태, 이런 건 환자분의 맥과 복진, 그리고 살아온 패턴 속에 답이 있어요.
That is why many people ask, "My tests say my immunity is normal, so why does this keep happening?" It is not about numerical normality, butThe actual defensive power felt by my bodyThe strength of Oriental medicine diagnosis is in detecting this decline.
그래서 어떻게 치료하느냐, 백록담의 방식
We examine the entire body through inquiry, pulse diagnosis, and abdominal examination, and resolve the root cause together with herbal medicine.
Rather than the result, which is the virus,The cause, which is the personwe focus on the cause. We precisely analyze the recurrence triggers for each individual.
- Pattern Identification (辨證), 풍열(風熱), 습열(濕熱), 음허(陰虛) 등 환자의 상태를 4가지 핵심 유형으로 분류해 맞춤 처방을 구성합니다
- Pulse and Inquiry Diagnosis, 단순히 수포만 보는 게 아니라 소화, 수면, 생리 주기, 스트레스 반응을 종합해 면역 저하의 뿌리를 찾습니다
- Constitution-customized herbal medicine, 급성기에는 염증을 가라앉히는 약을, 안정기에는 기혈을 보강해 재발을 막는 약을 단계별로 처방합니다
Through this processSkin regeneration and immune strengtheningsimultaneously. You will experience not just the healing of wounds, but the strengthening of the skin barrier itself. This is why patients with chronic herpes seek out Baekrokdam.
Differentiation branches of herpes simplex observed in clinical practice
The causes of herpes simplex vary depending on how it manifests. Check which category you fall into.
Wind-Heat Type風熱
An acute type primarily appearing around the lips, characterized by severe burning, itching, and sudden onset
Treatment direction: Clearing heat and detoxifying (淸熱解毒)
Damp-Heat Type濕熱
A type where blisters rupture easily with significant discharge, frequently occurring around the genitals or lower body
Treatment direction: Removing dampness and relieving itching (祛濕止癢)
Yin Deficiency Type陰虛
A type that recurs after overwork, with mild but prolonged symptoms, accompanied by constant dryness and a feeling of heat in the body
치법 방향: 자음강화(滋陰降火)
Qi Deficiency Type氣虛
A type that flares up immediately after slight overexertion, with particularly slow wound recovery and chronic fatigue
Treatment direction: Regulating Qi and strengthening the spleen (理氣健脾)
According to changes in the patient's conditionFine-tune the herbal composition every 2 to 4 weeksto increase treatment efficiency.
Progress by stage of herpes simplex treatment
- 1개월 차, 급성기 진정 및 해독
Focus on quickly subsiding current blisters and reducing pain.
- Blisters dry faster after taking herbal medicine
- Noticeable decrease in itching and burning heat sensation
- Process of discharging toxins and heat accumulated in the body
- 2~3개월 차, 면역 재건 및 재발 억제
This is a key period to strengthen the immune system to prevent the virus from becoming active.
- Fatigue decreases and waking up in the morning feels lighter
- Recurrence intervals lengthen, or recurrences occur very mildly
- Restore self-healing power by balancing the organs (liver, spleen, kidney)
- 4개월 차 이후, 체질 안정화
This is the stage of consolidating the body's ability to maintain its own defense power even after treatment.
- A state of being able to withstand daily fatigue and stress without medication
- Skin regeneration is completed, improving scars or hyperpigmentation
- Maintain a recurrence-free life through lifestyle habit correction
Herpes simplex treatment is divided into the 'extinguishing' stage to put out current blisters and the 'fireproofing' stage to prevent future outbreaks.
Those who experience recurrence 6 or more times a yearIntensive treatment for at least 3 to 6 months is recommended. The deeper the root, the longer it takes to pull out.
진료를 더 구체적으로 시작하려면
단순포진 진료 전에 준비하면 좋은 정보
검사·진료 자료
기존 검사·진료 자료가 있다면: 단순포진과 관련해 받은 피부과 진료와 병변 PCR·배양검사 결과, 항바이러스제 복용 기록
복용 중인 약
현재 복용 중인 약은 처방전·약 봉투·약 이름 사진 또는 복용 목록으로, 건강기능식품과 함께 정리해 주세요
증상과 변화
관찰해 오면 좋은 변화: 수포가 생기는 위치·사진·재발 간격과 피로·햇빛·월경 등 유발 요인.
증상 예시 자세히 보기
단순포진과 관련해 느끼는 증상(전조 증상, 물집이 생기기 1~2일 전부터 해당 부위가 간질거리거나 따끔거려요·군집된 수포, 좁쌀 같은 작은 물집들이 옹기종기 모여서 나타납니다·진물과 딱지, 물집이 터지면서 진물이 나고, 이후 노란 딱지가 앉아요)의 빈도와 강도도 함께 적어 주세요
이전 치료 반응
이전 치료의 반응: 치료명과 기간, 좋아진 점·남은 불편·중단한 이유·이상반응, 다시 악화된 시점을 함께 적어 주세요
이전 치료 뒤에도 불편이 남거나 다시 반복되나요? 지금까지 받은 검사·치료와 그 뒤 달라진 점을 적어 주세요. 거리가 있어 내원이 쉽지 않아도 먼저 문의하시면 의료진이 대면·비대면 중 적합한 진료 방식을 안내합니다.
Conditions often confused with herpes simplex
They may look similar, but the treatments can be completely different. Accurate differential diagnosis comes first.
The pain is much more severe than herpes simplex, and it appears in a long band shape along the nerve ganglia. Herpes simplex occurs locally in specific areas.
A bacterial infection primarily common in children, characterized by yellow crusts. The shape of the blisters and the pattern of transmission differ from herpes.
Itching and rashes occur after contact with a specific substance. There are no prodromal symptoms (tingling), and the shape of the blisters is irregular.
Ulcers that occur only inside the mouth. Herpes simplex differs in that it often occurs on the skin around the lips and begins as blisters.
Herpes simplex treatment reviews
Frequently Asked Questions about Herpes Simplex
단순포진 검사는 어떻게 하나요?
전형적인 군집 물집은 진찰로 판단하지만 처음이거나 비전형적이면 물집 면봉 PCR 검사가 가장 유용해요. 혈액 항체검사는 과거 노출 여부를 보여줄 뿐 현재 병변의 원인을 확정하지 못하며 눈 통증·시력 변화가 있으면 즉시 안과 진료가 필요합니다.
단순포진에 좋은 음식은 무엇인가요?
특정 음식이 바이러스를 제거하지는 않아요. 수분과 균형식을 유지하고 개인적으로 반복을 유발하는 과음·수면 부족을 줄이세요. 백록담에서는 항바이러스 치료가 필요한 시기를 놓치지 않으면서 습열·음허·기혈허와 재발 때의 피로·소화를 함께 관리합니다.
It keeps recurring even after taking antivirals; will oriental medical treatment help?
Antivirals function to suppress the currently active virus. However, they cannot eliminate the virus hiding in the nerve ganglia. Oriental medical treatment does not attack the virus directly, but focuses on increasing the body's immunity (正氣) to create an environment where the virus cannot be active. The key is to reduce the frequency of recurrence.
It appeared around the genitals, not the lips; do you treat this as well?
Of course. Genital herpes, known as Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2, is also treated in oriental medicine under the category of 'lower burner damp-heat.' Since it is a sensitive area, many people feel more comfortable consulting through non-face-to-face treatment, so please do not worry.
How long should the treatment period be?
It takes about 1-2 weeks to subside acute blisters, but for constitutional improvement to prevent recurrence, about 3 months is usually recommended. In particular, chronic patients who experience recurrence every menstrual cycle or more than 6 times a year may require consistent management for 6 months or more.
Will I develop a resistance if I keep applying the ointment?
Rather than resistance to the ointment itself, the bigger problem is missing the opportunity for the body's self-healing power to recover by relying solely on medication. If the duration of the disease does not shorten or wound healing is delayed despite applying medication, you should first check your overall physical condition.
Is it possible to get a prescription via non-face-to-face consultation?
병변 사진과 시작 시점, 통증·발열 여부, 이전 치료 기록을 준비해 먼저 문의할 수 있습니다. 사진만으로 확진하지 않으며, 의료진이 대면 진찰이나 다른 감염 감별이 필요한지 확인한 뒤 진료 방식을 안내합니다.
What specifically does it mean that herbal medicine increases immunity?
It doesn't simply mean 'eating something good.' It refers to the process of lowering excessive heat accumulated in the body, replenishing fluids to increase the defense power of the mucous membranes, and balancing the autonomic nervous system to increase stress resistance. This is what is called fundamental treatment in Oriental medicine.
Are herpes simplex and stomatitis the same thing?
Herpes simplex is a symptom where blisters form around the lips due to a viral infection, whereas general stomatitis often takes the form of white ulcers on the inner oral mucosa. Herpes is contagious and characterized by blisters accompanied by itching or burning pain, so the causes and management methods are completely different.
My lips are itchy and small blisters have appeared; is this herpes simplex?
If transparent blisters are clustered together and the area around the lips feels burning when you are tired, there is a high possibility it is herpes simplex. Chronic herpes simplex that recurs whenever immunity drops is not just a simple skin problem, but also a signal that internal energy has weakened. Therefore, Oriental medicine management that regulates the body's immune system along with symptom relief can be helpful.
Skin diseases to consider alongside herpes simplex
These are diseases that are likely to appear alongside herpes simplex when immunity is low.
근거와 검토 정보
단순포진 안내에 참고한 자료
아래 자료는 질환의 일반적인 정의·증상·검사·안전 기준을 확인하는 데 사용했습니다. 백록담의 진료 관점은 이 자료의 결론을 그대로 옮긴 것이 아니며, 개인에게 적용할 때는 진찰과 검사 결과를 함께 봐야 합니다.
콘텐츠 검토 기준일:
- 미국 질병통제예방센터(CDC), 생식기 단순포진
이 자료에서 확인한 범위물집·궤양 양상, 무증상 전파, 검사와 항바이러스 치료
- 세계보건기구(WHO), 단순포진 바이러스
이 자료에서 확인한 범위HSV-1·HSV-2의 전파, 무증상 감염, 재발 증상과 위험 신호
- NIH/NCBI
이 자료에서 확인한 범위정의·일반 의학정보에 관한 연구의 설계·결과와 해석 범위를 확인하기 위한 원문
- NIH/PMC
이 자료에서 확인한 범위정의·일반 의학정보에 관한 연구의 설계·결과와 해석 범위를 확인하기 위한 원문
함께 보면 좋은 문서
다음으로 보면 좋은 자료
현재 보고 있는 문서Herpes Simplex
관련 주제와 진료 정보를 이어서 확인하면 이해가 더 빠릅니다.
이 페이지의 요약과 검수 정보
검수 의료진
최연승 한의사 Chief Director
페이지 요약
단순포진은 헤르페스바이러스가 잠복했다가 피로·스트레스 때 입술이나 피부에 따끔거림과 물집을 반복하는 감염입니다. 재발 부위와 빈도를 확인하고, 수포가 있을 때는 타인에게 옮길 수 있어 접촉과 수건 공유를 피해야 합니다.
이 페이지가 다루는 내용
- 무엇을 설명하나요
- 피곤할 때마다 입술 물집이 재발하면 단순포진을 어떻게 관리하나요?
- 어떤 상황을 다루나요
- 입술이나 같은 피부 부위에 따끔거림 뒤 작은 물집과 딱지가 반복되는 분을 위한 내용입니다.
- 무엇을 구별해서 보나요
- 반복되는 같은 부위의 군집 수포는 단순포진을 시사하며 대상포진·구내염과 분포를 비교합니다.
- 어떻게 이해하면 되나요
- 수포가 있을 때는 접촉과 수건 공유를 피하고, 반복되는 같은 부위의 군집 수포가 대상포진·농가진·접촉성 피부염과 다른지 살펴야 합니다.
핵심 내용
- 단순포진은 단순포진 바이러스(HSV) 감염으로 피부나 점막에 군집 수포가 생기는 질환입니다.
- 피로와 스트레스로 몸의 방어력이 떨어질 때 따끔거림 뒤 물집이 반복될 수 있습니다.
- 대상포진은 신경절을 따라 띠 모양으로 퍼지지만 단순포진은 특정 부위에 국소적으로 모여 나타납니다.