治らない病気と多元的な治癒 : アトピー性皮膚炎の事例から

概要

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For most people suffering from an illness, the hope of curing their illness is the desired goal. However, as many illnesses cannot be cured with biomedicine, the patient will often be treated for symptoms rather than be cured. In terms of Atopic Dermatitis (AD), the standard treatment aims not to cure but to attempt to keep the skin in good condition with the use of topical steroids. However, some sufferers hesitate to use steroids because of the side-effects and try non-steroid treatment, hoping that they can be cured. This paper shows four cases of AD sufferers, through which the different attitudes towards a cure can be observed. One sufferer used the standard steroid treatment to only treat their skin condition and alleviate symptoms. The sufferers who used non-steroid treatments suggested by doctors and by companies believed in the possibility of a cure by ceasing to use steroids. The sufferer who belonged to the self help group hoped for a cure but had reservations that one could be found. By offering different attitudes towards the hope of a cure, these four sectors complement each other by accepting different types of patients.
2012-03-31