Pustule in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different pustule patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
A pustule is a small, inflamed, pus-filled lesion on the skin, often signaling an infection. Typically arising from clogged sebaceous glands, pustules are common in acne but can also be associated with various dermatological conditions. Their appearance may range from white or yellow centers on a red base, and while they commonly occur in areas prone to oil and sweat, they can manifest anywhere on the body. The treatment depends on the underlying cause, and while they are usually benign, persistent or large clusters of pustules may require medical attention.
Traditional Chinese Medicine interprets pustules through the lens of disharmony within the body's elemental energies. A "pattern" in TCM is a comprehensive diagnosis reflecting an imbalance, such as the accumulation of Toxic Heat or Qi Stagnation. Understanding the specific pattern behind pustules is crucial for TCM practitioners, as it guides the selection of treatments aimed at rebalancing the body's energies, rather than merely addressing superficial symptoms. This holistic approach ensures a targeted and effective treatment strategy.
TCM Patterns for Pustule
Heat
Causes: Pustule
Toxic-Heat
Pustule
Along with: Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Mouth ulcers, Tonsil swelling
Toxic-Heat Stagnation
Pustule
Along with: Carbuncles, Fever, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Throat pain, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Mouth ulcers, Tonsil swelling
Herbal Formulas for Pustule
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address pustule
Yin Qiao San
Addresses these pustule patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind Heat
- Clears Heat
- Resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Pustule Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Pustule
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Red skin eruptions...
Sang Ju Yin
Addresses these pustule patterns:
Main Actions
- Disperses Wind
- Stops coughing by invigorating Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
Addresses These Pustule Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Pustule
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Red skin eruptions...
Bai Hu Tang
Addresses these pustule patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Qi-level Heat
- Drains Stomach Fire
- Generates fluids
- Alleviates thirst
Addresses These Pustule Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Pustule
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Red skin eruptions...
Long Dan Xie Gan Tang
Addresses these pustule patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and Fire from the Liver and Gallbladder
- Clears and drains Damp-Heat from the Lower Burner
Addresses These Pustule Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Pustule
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Red skin eruptions...
Qing Ying Tang
Addresses these pustule patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears the Nutritive level Heat
- Relieves Fire Toxin
- Removes Heat
- Nourishes Yin
Addresses These Pustule Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Pustule
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Red skin eruptions...
Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang
Addresses these pustule patterns:
Main Actions
- Treats severe fevers and Heat in the Blood system
- Removes Blood Stagnation
Addresses These Pustule Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Pustule
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Red skin eruptions...
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang
Addresses these pustule patterns:
Main Actions
- Drains Fire
- Resolves Toxin
Addresses These Pustule Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Pustule
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Red skin eruptions...
Toxic-Heat Stagnation
How it manifests:
Pustule
Accompanying symptoms:
Carbuncles, Fever, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Throat pain, Eczema...
Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin
Addresses these pustule patterns:
Main Actions
- Spreads Lung Qi
- Clears Heat
- Unblocks the orifices (specifically the nose)
Addresses These Pustule Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Pustule
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Red skin eruptions...
Toxic-Heat Stagnation
How it manifests:
Pustule
Accompanying symptoms:
Carbuncles, Fever, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Throat pain, Eczema...
Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan
Addresses these pustule patterns:
Main Actions
- Resolves Dampness and transforms turbidity
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
Addresses These Pustule Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Pustule
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Red skin eruptions...
Shi Wei Bai Du San
Addresses these pustule patterns:
Main Actions
- Dispels Wind and transforms Dampness
- Clears Toxic Heat
Addresses These Pustule Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Pustule
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Red skin eruptions...
San Zhong Kui Jian Tang
Addresses these pustule patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves Toxicity
- Reduces swelling
- Induces ulceration
- Moves the Blood and dispels stasis
Addresses These Pustule Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Pustule
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Red skin eruptions...
Zi Dang Gao
Addresses these pustule patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Heat and cools the Blood
- Resolves toxicity
- Moistens Dryness
- Relieves pain and itching
Addresses These Pustule Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Pustule
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Red skin eruptions...
Er Qing Gao
Addresses these pustule patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Disperses swelling
- Relieves pain
Addresses These Pustule Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Pustule
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Red skin eruptions...
Bing Peng San
Addresses these pustule patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Dispels putrescence
- Reduces swellings and relieves pain
Addresses These Pustule Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Pustule
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Red skin eruptions...
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin
Addresses these pustule patterns:
Main Actions
- Clears Toxic-Heat
- Clears Wind-Heat
Addresses These Pustule Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Pustule
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Red skin eruptions...
Yin Qiao Jie Du Wan
Addresses these pustule patterns:
Main Actions
- Clear Heat by releasing the Exterior
- Clears the Toxic-Heat
Addresses These Pustule Pattern Variations
Toxic-Heat
How it manifests:
Pustule
Accompanying symptoms:
Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Red skin eruptions...