Occupational Dermatitis Prevention in Korea
What it is ➝ Occupational dermatitis is skin inflammation caused or worsened by workplace exposures such as chemicals, detergents, solvents, metals, rubber, and frequent wet work. ➝ It can be irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) from repeated exposure to harsh substances, or allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) from sensitization to specific allergens. ➝ Commonly affected workers include […]
Contact Dermatitis – Patch Testing (Allergens) in Korea
What it is ➝ Contact dermatitis is an inflammatory skin condition triggered by allergen or irritant exposure, leading to redness, itching, swelling, and scaling. ➝ When allergic contact dermatitis is suspected, patch testing is the gold standard diagnostic tool. ➝ Patch testing involves applying small amounts of common allergens under occlusion on the patient’s back […]
Lichen Planus – Systemic Therapy in Korea
What it is ➝ Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic, inflammatory skin and mucosal disease involving the immune-mediated attack on keratinocytes. ➝ It presents with purple, polygonal, pruritic, planar papules and plaques on the skin, as well as oral, genital, scalp (lichen planopilaris), and nail involvement. ➝ While many cutaneous cases resolve within 1–2 years, […]
Lichen Simplex Chronicus – Break-the-Itch Cycle in Korea
What it is ➝ Lichen simplex chronicus (LSC) is a chronic skin disorder caused by repeated scratching and rubbing, leading to thickened, leathery, hyperpigmented plaques. ➝ It is often secondary to other itchy conditions (eczema, insect bites, psoriasis) or triggered by stress and anxiety. ➝ The key to management is breaking the itch–scratch cycle, which […]
Asteatotic Eczema – Emollient Ladder in Korea
What it is ➝ Asteatotic eczema (also called xerotic eczema or winter eczema) is a common condition caused by excessively dry skin, leading to itchy, cracked, and inflamed patches. ➝ It typically affects older adults and is worse in cold, dry climates or with frequent bathing. ➝ The mainstay of therapy is regular emollient use, […]
Nummular Eczema – Wet-Wraps in Korea
What it is ➝ Nummular eczema (discoid eczema) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin condition characterized by coin-shaped, itchy, oozing, or scaly patches on the skin. ➝ It commonly affects the arms, legs, and trunk, often in patients with dry skin or a history of atopic dermatitis. ➝ Wet-wrap therapy involves applying a topical medication […]
Mastocytosis Symptomatic Control in Korea
What it is ➝ Mastocytosis is a rare disorder characterized by an abnormal accumulation of mast cells in the skin and/or internal organs. ➝ Cutaneous mastocytosis typically presents with brownish patches, hives, or urticaria pigmentosa, often accompanied by itching, flushing, or blistering. ➝ Systemic mastocytosis involves mast cell infiltration of bone marrow, liver, spleen, or […]
Chronic Urticaria Management in Korea
What it is ➝ Chronic urticaria (CU) is defined as the presence of hives (wheals), with or without angioedema, persisting for more than 6 weeks. ➝ It may occur spontaneously (chronic spontaneous urticaria – CSU) or be triggered by physical factors (inducible urticaria: cold, pressure, cholinergic, heat, vibration). ➝ Symptoms include itchy, red, raised wheals […]
Pediculosis Capitis – Wet Combing in Korea
What it is ➝ Pediculosis capitis (head lice infestation) is caused by the parasite Pediculus humanus capitis, which lives on the scalp and feeds on blood. ➝ Symptoms include itching, scalp irritation, and visible lice or nits (eggs) on hair shafts, most often in children. ➝ Wet combing is a non-chemical treatment method that involves […]
Scabies – Permethrin + Ivermectin Combo in Korea
What it is ➝ Scabies is a contagious parasitic skin infestation caused by the Sarcoptes scabiei mite, which burrows into the skin and causes intense itching, rash, and burrows. ➝ Standard treatment is with topical permethrin 5% cream, but in severe, crusted, or resistant cases, a combination of permethrin and oral ivermectin is recommended. ➝ […]