Korean Medicine with Polydeoxyribonucleotide Pharmacopuncture and Excimer Light Therapy for Foot Dyshidrotic Eczema: Two Case Reports

Dyshidrotic eczema (DE) is a chronic, recurrent eczematous skin condition that is often difficult to manage. Integrated treatment combining conventional treatment and Korean medicine (KM) may be an effective therapeutic alternative management. Two cases of foot DE in patients who received integrated medicine treatment were retrospectively analyzed. The treatment protocol consisted of herbal medicine (Hwangryeonhaedok-tang), Saam acupuncture-based treatment using LU5, LU8, LI11, and LI5, moxibustion, polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) pharmacopuncture, and excimer light therapy (308 nm). Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale, and by visual evaluation of vesicle counts, crusts, and scales. Both patients showed initial symptom resolution during treatment, followed by recurrence, and sustained symptom resolution was confirmed at the final follow-up (after recurrence management). Peak Pruritus Numerical Rating Scale scores improved from 6 to 0 in Case 1, and from 7 to 0 in Case 2. Vesicle counts decreased from 2 to 0 in Case 1, and from 6 to 0 in Case 2. The initial remission was first observed at Visit 10 (Day 28) in Case 1, and Visit 8 (Day 68) in Case 2, while sustained symptom resolution was confirmed at the final follow-up on Day 114 and Day 147, respectively. Integrated conventional and KM treatment, incorporating PDRN pharmacopuncture and excimer light therapy (308 nm), may have potential as a steroid-sparing therapeutic option for managing chronic recurrent DE.