Abstract
I compared the efficacy of conventional therapies with Kampo therapies for atopic dermatitis, one of the typical chronic dermatoses. Causes and factors of deterioration of atopic dermatitis are divided into constitutional allergies and non allergic that in external stimuli invasion due to abnormality of epidermal defensive function against outside.
Acute dermatitis arises from activation of Th 2 cells followed by production of cytokines IL 4, IL 5, IL 13 involving IgE anitibody and Eosinophile in type I allergic reaction. Chronic dermatitis arises from activation of Th 1 cells followed by production of IL 2, IFNγ in type IV allergic reaction.
In constitutional allergy, dehydration due to epidermal shortage of ceramide and humidity make abnormalities of epidermal defensive function (against outside) leading to vulnaerability to external stimulus followed by prompt aggravation of dermatitis.
As, pathogenic dampness and heat exist under epidermis and in dermis in dermatitis, We use herbs diuretic or draining dampness and dispelling heat to remove pathogenic dampness and heat. Sometimes with further combination of herbs tonifying Yin.
