Do I have to stop using ointment to receive herbal medicine treatment?

No. Do not arbitrarily stop taking prescribed medication; instead, review the medications you are using and your reactions during your medical evaluation. Whether to use them concurrently and when to change them should be discussed with the medical staff in charge of each treatment.

If the symptoms reappear, does that mean the ointment is not working?

It cannot be concluded so simply. We must examine the symptoms that improved during use, the point at which they worsened after pausing the ointment, the diagnosis, and the method of application together.

Skin Disease Treatment Guide

What should I record when symptoms improve after applying ointment but then reappear?

Name: What should I record when symptoms improve after applying ointment but then reappear?
Published: 2026-08-25

Rather than just noting that symptoms reappeared, record which area became itchy again and after how many days, the name of the ointment used, and the frequency of application, oozingas well as any new changes such as pain or heat. It is important to consult the prescribing medical staff first rather than suddenly pausing or changing the prescribed ointment on your own.

Click on unfamiliar terms to see their meanings immediately.

Reviewed by Korean Medicine Doctor Choi Yeon-seung · Last updated 2026-08-25

After applying the ointment, what improved and what remains?

The redness has decreased, but itchingnote separately whether itching remains, or if the oozing has stopped but you still scratch every night. Recording these by area allows you to explain more accurately during the medical evaluation what has changed and what is still uncomfortable after applying the ointment.

Redness, itching by area, andKeratinoozing
Number of times you wake up from sleep
Intervals at which new skin changes occur

Please provide the name of the ointment used and the dates it was applied

SteroidRather than guessing whether it is a steroid or not, please prepare the prescription, medicine envelope, or a photo of the container. Record the area applied, daily frequency, dates used, and dates you paused the ointment.

If new pain, pus, or fever develops, seek medical evaluation first

Skin becoming red again is not the same situation as rapidly spreading pain, yellow scabs, pus, or fever. If there is severe swelling around the eyes or if an infection is suspected, you must first receive a medical evaluation at a dermatology clinic or similar institution.

We will first review the treatments received so far and the improvements made

We do not view previous treatments as meaningless. After reviewing which parts improved, what discomfort remains, and how much it affects your daily life, we will determine whether to continue current treatments, combine them, or if further tests are necessary.

Check once more before your appointment

Please record the dates from when you first applied the ointment to when symptoms worsened again.

It is difficult to determine the next course of treatment based solely on the fact that an ointment was used. Please let us know which medication was used, on which area, for how long, and when the condition began to change again.

Please check the packaging or prescription to identify which ointment it was.

Photos of the container or prescription help us distinguish the potency of steroid ointments from other topical medications. If you used an ointment received in the past or one belonging to a family member, please provide those details as well.

Prepare photos of the front and back of the medication envelope/container and the prescription.

Please list the date you started applying the ointment and the date symptoms worsened again in sequence.

Note which symptoms, redness, itching, or oozing, decreased first, and how many days after the last application the symptoms reappeared. Also, observe whether they occurred in the same spot or spread to other areas.

Try writing the start date, last date of use, and the date symptoms worsened again in a single line.

Have new pain, heat sensations, or yellow crusts appeared?

If new pain, heat sensations, yellow crusts, or pus have appeared, it may be different from a simple recurrence of symptoms. If symptoms spread rapidly or the area around the eyes swells severely, you must be evaluated at a medical institution first.

Record the newly developed symptoms and the speed at which they are spreading.

Things to prepare before your appointment

Names of ointments and oral medications used
Application area and daily frequency
Improved symptoms and remaining symptoms
Photos of the condition at its worst and when it has subsided

You can check the simple meaning first before proceeding to the detailed explanation

Skin Terms to Know in This Guide

Topical SteroidsTopical steroids are representative external agents used to reduce redness and itching in inflammatory skin diseases such as eczema and atopic dermatitis. They must be used according to the prescription regarding potency, application area, and duration.Exacerbation periodA flare-up period is when itching, redness, oozing, or the area of the lesions increases more than usual. This does not always mean that a new disease has developed.Secondary InfectionA secondary infection occurs when an additional infection develops on top of eczema or a scratch. Pain, heat, pus, yellow crusts, or rapid spreading can be indicators.ErythemaErythema is a term used to describe the state of the skin becoming red; it is not the name of a single disease. It is necessary to observe whether the redness fades when pressed and if it is accompanied by heat, pain, or scaling.

When herbal medicine treatment is the primary focus

We set the goals for herbal medicine treatment based on your previous treatments and when symptoms recurred

If skin symptoms persist or recur despite receiving necessary tests and treatments, and if this disrupts your sleep or daily life, we can plan a treatment centered on herbal medicine after reviewing your current skin changes and response to previous treatments.

Before the consultation

We ask where it appeared and when it worsened again

We examine the appearance and location of the skin lesions, the timing of flare-ups, and the response to medications used, along with overall bodily conditions that change simultaneously, such as sleep, digestion, and fatigue.

During treatment

We check if not only the itching, but also sleep and daily life are improving

In addition to visible changes in photos, we check the level of itching and pain, the frequency of waking up during the night, the interval between new skin changes, and your recovery of daily functioning.

Treatment sequence

We set the goals for herbal medicine treatment by identifying the problems that need to be resolved first

If there are causes that require immediate priority, such as infection or rapid worsening, those treatments come first. Subsequently, for herbal medicine treatment, we determine the primary goal of recovery by examining current discomfort, recurring patterns, sleep, digestion, and fatigue, and coordinate the sequence with necessary dermatological treatments.

While reducing aggravating factors through lifestyle management, herbal medicine treatment determines the initial target by analyzing the pattern of lesions, sleep, digestion, and fatigue through pattern identification (Byeonjeung). Necessary skin treatments are continued in accordance with the progress.

Consult about treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions Before Your Visit

Do I have to stop using the ointment to receive herbal medicine treatment?

No, that is not the case. Do not arbitrarily stop taking prescribed medications; instead, review the medications you are using and your reactions to them during your appointment. Whether to use treatments concurrently or when to change them should be discussed with the medical staff in charge of each treatment.

When is the best time to take photos?

Taking photos not only at the peak of symptoms but also during the process of subsiding, using the same distance and lighting, helps in comparing the progress.

If symptoms reappear, does it mean the ointment is not working?

That cannot be concluded so simply. We must examine the symptoms that decreased during use, the timing of when they worsened after pausing the ointment treatment, the diagnosis, and the method of use.

Can I reapply an ointment I received in the past to the same area?

Even if they look similar, they may be different skin conditions or may be complicated by an infection. Rather than reusing medication without confirming the drug name and purpose of the prescription, please consult your prescribing healthcare provider.

Conditions and Guidance Related to My Symptoms

Condition GuidanceAtopic DermatitisAtopic dermatitis is not confirmed by a single blood test or allergy test. In dermatology, the process centers on observing the appearance and distribution of dryness, itching, and rashes, as well as inquiring about the onset, the course of improvement and worsening, sleep disturbance, response to previous treatments, and exposure to irritants such as soap, detergents, scented products, and smoke. Medical history of atopic dermatitis, asthma, or hay fever for yourself and your family is also reviewed. In many cases, a physical skin examination and medical history are sufficient; blood tests or skin biopsies are selected when other causes of rashes must be ruled out. Symptoms, distribution, and progression are interpreted together rather than relying on a single test result.Condition GuidanceChronic eczemaChronic eczema is characterized by dry, rough skin; recurring redness and itching; scaling and cracking; and skin that has become thick and hardened from prolonged scratching. Depending on skin tone, redness may be less visible or may appear darker, such as brown, gray, or purple. In the hands or skin folds, cracking may occur after contact with water or friction, leading to pain or bleeding. If the condition worsens, clear discharge and crusting may occur. Yellow crusts, pus, heat, a rapid increase in pain, and fever require a check for possible infection. Nighttime itching, loss of sleep, and discomfort when using hands, washing, or dressing are also significant symptom burdens.Condition GuidanceRhinophymaRosacea may begin with recurring redness on the face, centered around the nose, cheeks, forehead, and chin, or with the skin becoming darker than the usual skin tone, such as purple or brown, with the color persisting over time. It may be accompanied by burning, stinging, sensitivity, visible fine blood vessels, and papules, pustules, or edema that look like acne. In some cases, the skin on the nose, forehead, and chin thickens. Dryness, a foreign body sensation, redness, or eyelid swelling in the eyes may appear before skin symptoms; severe eye pain, light sensitivity, or changes in vision require a prompt ophthalmological evaluation.Condition GuidanceContact dermatitisContact dermatitis is a type of dermatitis where the area that touched a substance becomes red, itchy, or stinging, or develops swelling, blisters, discharge, or cracking. Irritant contact dermatitis, caused by substances that directly damage the skin such as detergents or disinfectants, often causes stinging immediately after exposure. Allergic contact dermatitis, caused by metals, fragrances, cosmetics, etc., may appear as itching several hours to several days later. Identifying and avoiding the causative substance is the starting point of treatment.Medical Evaluation GuideWhat does Korean medicine look for when skin conditions recur after dermatological treatment?Please list separately what has improved and what still remains after dermatological treatment. If redness, oozing, or wheals have decreased or infection is controlled, record which treatment led to the improvement. If dryness, cracking, itching in the same area, or waking up at night remains, specific goals for Korean medicine treatment can be set. If there is new pain, pus, or rapid spreading, do not consider this part of the remaining recovery; seek medical evaluation first and do not change your prescriptions arbitrarily.Differential Diagnosis GuideWhen the face becomes redder after applying ointment, we distinguish between rosacea-like dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, tinea, and contact irritationIf the face improves while applying ointment but becomes redder and feels burning when pausing ointment use, there are several possibilities, including recurrence of the original disease, steroid-induced rosacea-like dermatitis, perioral dermatitis, or tinea with blurred borders.

Evidence and Update Information

The following materials were referenced for the differential diagnosis of similar skin diseases and the criteria for continuing existing treatments. The direction of Korean herbal medicine and acupuncture treatment is determined by examining these alongside skin patterns, sleep, and general systemic condition.

American Academy of Dermatology Guide to Topical SteroidsI have confirmed the role of topical steroids and the principles of use according to the healthcare provider's instructions.
American Academy of Dermatology: Atopic Dermatitis Diagnosis and TreatmentI have confirmed the role of skin moisturizing, triggering factors, topical agents, and infection treatment.