Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the perceptions and satisfaction of Korean medicine (KM) students regarding the adoption of computer-based testing (CBT) in the Surgery & Dermatology of Korean Medicine (SDKM) curriculum, providing insights for improving future assessment methods. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 33 students who completed a final examination via CBT in the 'Surgery & Practice 2' course at Gachon University in December 2024. Thirty students (response rate: 90.9%) voluntarily participated in an online questionnaire comprising 34 items across five domains, including overall satisfaction, system usability, multimedia quality, and perceived fairness. Responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results: Students reported high overall satisfaction with CBT (mean ± SD: 4.23 ± 0.83/5) and expressed willingness to continue using this method (4.10 ± 0.91). The highest-rated aspect was the adequacy of allocated response time (4.80 ± 0.48). Multimedia quality, including high-resolution images and videos, received strong positive evaluations (4.43-4.50). Open-ended responses highlighted advantages such as enhanced visual materials and quiz-like engagement, while areas for improvement included device responsiveness, immediate score feedback, and seating arrangements. Conclusions: CBT was well-received by KM students in a SDKM course, particularly for its visual presentation and efficiency. Addressing technical and environmental concerns, along with providing prior orientation, may further enhance its implementation in KM education.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical applicability of topical herbal therapy in the treatment of rosacea, focusing on randomized controlled trials (RCTs). It sought to provide evidence for treatment strategies in Korean medicine by analyzing therapeutic efficacy, safety, and the most frequently used herbal components. Methods: We searched Chinese and English databases for RCTs on the use of topical herbal therapy in the treatment of rosacea and analyzed data published between 2010 and 2024. From the included studies, we summarized the number of participants, age, sex ratio, intervention methods, intervention period, outcome measures, treatment results, and adverse events for each study, and compiled the frequency of prescriptions as well as the usage frequency of individual herbal ingredients. Results: Analysis of the seven RCTs showed that combining topical herbal therapy with conventional therapy enhanced treatment efficacy, with no serious adverse events reported. The total effective rate was the primary outcome measure in six studies, and in all cases, the experimental group showed significantly greater improvement than the control group (P < 0.05). Sophorae Flavescens Radix (苦蔘), Scutellariae Radix (黃芩), Phellodendri Cortex (黃柏), and Houttuyniae Herba (魚腥草) were the most frequently used herbs, all of which possess anti-inflammatory. Conclusions: This study suggests that combining topical herbal therapy with conventional therapy can enhance treatment efficacy and ensure safety in the management of rosacea. However, further research is warranted to substantiate these findings.

Objectives: This study analyzed clinical research trends in Korean medicine treatments for trigeminal neuralgia and provided a basis for future research and clinical practice. Methods: Two researchers searched six electronic databases for studies on Korean medicine treatments for trigeminal neuralgia published between January 1, 2000 and December 31, 2024. Bibliographic information, symptoms (main and accompanied), treatment period, treatment methods (prescription, herbs, meridian. and acupoints), assessment scale, and outcome of 22 retrieved studies were analyzed. Results: The most frequent main symptom of trigeminal neuralgia was facial pain (25 times) accompanied by secondary symptoms such as insomnia (6 times) and anorexia (3 times). The most commonly used herbs were Glycyrrhiza uralensis (25 times), Cnidium officinale (16 times), and Angelica dahurica (16 times), which were the main composition of frequently used herbal medicine, Ligigeopung-san Gami (2 times), Bohyulanshin-tang Gami (2 times), Seogakseungma-tang Gami (2 times), Yangkyuksanhwa-tang Gami (2 times), and Galgunhaegi-tang (2 times). The frequently used meridians were Stomach (57 times), Gall Bladder (27 times), and Large Intestine (18 times). The commonly mentioned acupoints were ST04 (11 times) and ST06 (10 times). Conclusions : More efficient research and treatment for trigeminal neuralgia would be conducted, based on the data of this study.

Objectives: This scoping review aimed to analyze clinical research trends on the combined use of laser therapy and polydeoxyribonucleotide(PDRN) or polynucleotide(PN) in dermatologic diseases and aesthetic procedures, and to suggest future research directions. Methods: Five databases(PubMed, CNKI, OASIS, RISS, and KISS) were searched without restrictions on year or country. Eligible studies included any clinical or survey-based designs using both laser and PDRN/PN concurrently. Data on study design, interventions, treatment duration, outcomes, and adverse events were extracted and summarized. Results: A total of eight studies were identified: one non-randomized trial, two case series, three case reports, and two survey studies. Clinical studies commonly employed fractional lasers (CO₂, Nd:YAG, Thulium) with intradermal or topical PDRN/PN, performed at 3-4-week intervals. Outcomes were mainly evaluated through photographic comparison and patient satisfaction, and all studies reported improvement in scars or skin texture with only mild, transient adverse events. Survey studies showed that Korean clinicians widely use PDRN/PN with HIFU or Nd:YAG lasers for rejuvenation and erythema control, highlighting growing recognition of their synergistic potential. Conclusions: Despite generally favorable outcomes, evidence remains limited by small sample sizes and a lack of standardized, quantitative evaluation tools. Further well-designed controlled trials with consistent outcome reporting are needed to validate the efficacy and safety of combined laser and PDRN/PN therapy in dermatologic and aesthetic practice.

Background: Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. In traditional medicine, the face is divided into regions corresponding to internal organs (Heart, Lung, Spleen, Liver, and Kidney) based on the principle that internal dysfunction is reflected externally. However, few studies have compared these traditional interpretations with the modern understanding of regional acne pathophysiology. Methods: A comprehensive literature review was conducted using PubMed, CNKI, RISS, and KCI databases to identify studies published between January 2000 and September 2025. Articles addressing regional facial acne distribution or organ correspondence in traditional medicine were included, while studies on acne caused by external, occupational, or frictional factors were excluded. Results: Eight traditional medicine and several Western medicine studies were analyzed. Traditional literature interpreted acne according to organ-based pathogenesis, whereas Western studies emphasized sebaceous activity, hormonal imbalance, and inflammatory mechanisms. Integrating both perspectives, facial acne was classified into three clinical zones: the upper zone (forehead and upper cheeks), corresponding to the Heart-Lung system, showed erythematous papules or comedones associated with stress and insomnia; the middle zone (nose, perioral area, and central cheeks), corresponding to the Spleen-Stomach system, showed pustular or seborrheic lesions related to dietary factors and gut-skin imbalance; and the lower zone (chin, jawline, and lower cheeks), corresponding to the Liver-Kidney system, showed deep nodular or cystic acne linked to hormonal fluctuations and emotional stress. Conclusions: This study compared traditional organ-based theories with modern pathophysiological mechanisms of facial acne and proposed an integrative three-zone classification (upper, middle, and lower). These findings revealed partial convergence between traditional and Western perspectives, suggesting that this approach may facilitate more individualized and integrative strategies for acne management.

오랜 기간 경구 및 국소 스테로이드 치료에도 호전되지 않은 판상형 결절성 양진 환자에게 한약, 침, 습포요법 등 한방 치료를 통해 유의한 수준의 증상 호전을 확인하였다. 향후 판상형 결절성 양진의 한의학적 치료에 대한 근거로 활용될 수 있을 것이라고 사료된다.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to report the effect of Korean medicine therapy in a pediatric patient with recurrent Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) accompanied by contact dermatitis. Methods: A 12-year-old boy who had experienced HSP in 2023 presented with recurrence in 2024, during which contact dermatitis on the dorsum of the foot developed caused by wearing slippers. He received Korean medicine therapy alone for six days, including Hyeonggaeyeongyotang-gagam, Hwangryunhaedok-tang wet dressing, and acupuncture. Photographs of skin lesions and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were used to evaluate treatment outcomes. Results: At the end of treatment, the patient's HSP symptoms, including purpura on the lower extremities, arthralgia, and abdominal pain, improved. In addition, pruritus, erosion, and crusting on the dorsum of the foot were also alleviated. Conclusions: This case suggests that Korean medicine treatment could be effective for recurrent pediatric HSP accompanied by contact dermatitis.

Objectives: This case report aims to present the clinical efficacy of integrative Korean medicine treatment in a patient who developed benign paroxysmal positional vertigo(BPPV) following an episode of sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL). Methods: A patient with sequential onset of SSNHL and BPPV was treated using a comprehensive Korean medicine approach. The treatment protocol included herbal medicine, acupuncture, pharmacoacupuncture, combined electrical and magnetic acupuncture stimulation, Chuna manual therapy, and auditory rehabilitation therapy. Clinical outcomes were assessed using pure tone audiometry(PTA), the Dizziness Handicap Inventory(DHI), and a visual analogue scale(VAS) for subjective symptoms. Results: Approximately six months after initiating treatment, the patient's PTA results showed an average hearing threshold of 25.63dB, indicating sustained recovery of hearing function. The DHI total score was reduced to 8, falling within the range considered functionally normal. Subjective symptoms, including vertigo, aural fullness, and headache, were all completely resolved(VAS score of 0 for each). Conclusion: This case suggests that Korean medicine may offer an effective integrative therapeutic approach for patients experiencing sequential onset of SSNHL and BPPV.

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to report two cases of patients with noise-induced hearing loss with Korean medicine treatments. Methods: This study reports on two patients with distinct types of noise-induced hearing loss. Case 1 presented with acoustic trauma, characterized by persistent subjective symptoms including hyperacusis, diplacusis, and sound distortion after conventional treatment failed. Case 2 presented with temporary threshold shift, showing significant hearing loss after noise exposure. Both patients received comprehensive Korean medicine treatments, including customized herbal medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, and steam therapy. Improvements were evaluated using pure tone audiometry and a visual analogue scale. Results: Case 1 showed a complete resolution of debilitating subjective symptoms and recovery on pure tone audiometry, with the 4kHz notch improving from 30dB to 20dB. Case 2 demonstrated a rapid and significant recovery of hearing thresholds, with the average pure tone threshold of the left ear improving from 47.5dB to 20dB. Conclusions: It is considered that Korean medicine could be applied to the treatment of noise-induced hearing loss.

Objectives: This study reports three cases of acute low-tone hearing loss (ALHL) that showed clinical improvement after combined Korean medicine treatment. Methods: Three ALHL patients who had insufficient response to initial steroid therapy were treated with Korean medicine interventions, including herbal medicine (Taeksa-tang gagam, Oryeong-san, Banhabakchulchunma-tang, Cheong-I Plus), acupuncture, and moxibustion. Clinical progress was evaluated by pure-tone audiometry (PTA) based on the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) recovery criteria, and by changes in subjective symptoms. Results: All three patients achieved Complete Recovery according to MHLW criteria, with marked improvement in tinnitus, aural fullness, dizziness, and hyperacusis. Conclusions: Combined Korean medicine treatment may serve as an effective complementary approach for early management and recurrence prevention in ALHL.

Objectives: Argyria is a rare disorder characterized by bluish-gray discoloration of the skin and mucosa due to chronic deposition of silver or silver compounds. This case report presents a patient with generalized argyria who achieved significant clinical improvement through combined low-fluence Q-switched 1064 nm Nd:YAG and 785 nm picosecond laser therapy. Methods: A 70-year-old female patient presented with diffuse bluish-gray facial pigmentation following 2-years ingestion of colloidal silver since 2010. She underwent nine treatment sessions over a four-month period. Interventions included ultra-low fluence (100-200 mJ) Q-switched Nd:YAG laser and 785 nm picosecond laser, applied in sequential and combined modes. Clinical outcomes were assessed using standardized photographs under identical imaging conditions and a Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for patient-reported satisfaction and treatment-associated pain. Results: Baseline pigmentation severity was rated NRS 10. After the second session, the patient reported improvement with NRS reduced to 9. Following application of the 785 nm picosecond laser, infraorbital and nasal lesions showed marked clearance, and overall pigmentation steadily improved. By the eighth session, significant resolution of periorbital and nasal lesions was observed, with NRS further reduced to 4. The patient expressed high cosmetic satisfaction, and no serious adverse effects were reported. Conclusions: Combined low-fluence Q-switched Nd:YAG and picosecond laser therapy was effective for improving discoloration in generalized argyria. The complementary mechanisms of both wavelengths suggest a safe and practical therapeutic strategy for this otherwise intractable condition, underscoring the clinical potential of multimodal laser approaches in pigmentary disorders.

Objectives: This report presents clinical cases of cosmetic eyebrow tattoo removal using a picosecond 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, highlighting pigment clearance and follicle-sparing potential. Methods: Four patients seeking eyebrow tattoo removal were treated. Three cases used a picosecond 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser (450 ps, 4 mm, 1.6 J/cm², 1 pass), and one case used a picosecond 755 nm Alexandrite laser (3 mm, 2 J/cm², 1 pass). Outcomes were assessed by tattoo clearance scale (Grade 0-4), follicle preservation, adverse events, and patient satisfaction (1-5). Results: After a single treatment, three patients with the 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser showed partial clearance (grades 1, 1, 2; 20-40%), preserved follicles, and high satisfaction (mean 4.7/5, Likert scale). The 755 nm Alexandrite case had grade 2 clearance but showed follicle depigmentation, partial loss, and lower satisfaction (2/5). No major adverse events occurred at the 2-week follow-up. Conclusions: Picosecond 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser demonstrated effective eyebrow tattoo removal with follicle-sparing potential, suggesting it as a safe and valuable option. It is significant that this is the first report in Korean medicine highlighting follicle preservation as an independent outcome in cosmetic tattoo removal.

Objectives: This study reports two cases of severe keratotic prurigo nodularis (PN) that improved with Korean medical treatments. Methods: Two elderly male patients with diabetes and widespread hyperkeratotic nodules, unresponsive to conventional treatment, were treated with Korean medicine including herbal medicines, pharmacopuncture, and lifestyle and skincare guidance. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA), Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) for pruritus, and serial photographs. Results: After treatment, IGA scores improved from 4 to 1-2, and NRS scores from 9 to 1-2. Lesions flattened and normalized in appearance. Night itching decreased, improving sleep. Conclusions: These cases suggest that Korean medical treatments may be effective in reducing inflammation and pruritus in severe PN unresponsive to conventional therapies.