A study on newly developed herbal ointment for itching

새로 개발한 한방 피부소양증 치료제에 관한 연구

Objectives : There have been few studies on external treatment for itching. A clinical study was performed to evaluate the effect of a newly developed herbal ointment. Methods : A newly developed herbal ointment made from Rumex japonicus Houtt, Prunus persica(Linne) Batsch, Sesamum indicum L., and Sus scrota domestics Brisson., was given to 49 participants with itching to administer for approximately a month. Demographic characteristics, treatment experiences, symptom change, and other comments were self-reported on a pre-defined questionnaire. Results : Most frequent complaint was itching (24.01%), followed by sensitivity (19.60%), dryness(18.62%), frustration (13.72%) and insomnia (12.25%). Of 41 participants who had been given treatment for itching, around a half of them (n=21) have been treated with Korean Medicine, but all of them tried Western Medicine as well. The effect of the ointment was evaluated as excellent or good/fair (67.32%). Continuity was reported as excellent or good/fair (51.0%) and fragrance (73.44%) and color (75.48%) was reported as excellent or good/fair. Convenience, however, was assessed as good/fair (67.32%) and as inconvenient (22.4%). Conclusion : The newly developed herbal ointment seems promising for relieving itching and further research to standardize and develop this kind of ointment is warranted.