A Case of Discoid Lupus Erythematodes Treated Successfully by Hochu-ekki-to and Keishi-bukuryo-gan Administration / 日本東洋医学雑誌

Topical steroid application is widely used in the treatment of discoid lupus erythematosus (DLE), but response is usually poor. A 39-year-old woman was given the Kampo (Japanese herbal) formulas Hochu-ekki-to and Keishi-bukuryo-gan according to the principles of Kampo diagnosis. Topical steroids were not employed. The erythema associated with DLE had visibly decreased by the third week of administration, and disappeared completely after seven months of treatment.<br>For maximum effectiveness, Kampo formulas should usually be selected through the Kampo diagnostic process.