Within the Four-Levels theory, Damp-Heat is the first level of invasion of External Pathogens, when it still resides in the body's Exterior.

The general symptoms of Damp-Heat are the heaviness of the body and head as well as low temperature fever rising in the afternoon. The patients are not hot on the first touch, but the skin gets hot after a while if one leaves the hand on the body. Sweating doesn't alleviate the condition, contrary to some other externally-contracted diseases.

Other symptoms vary depending on which parts of the body the Damp-Heat invades and settles down. If it is Damp-Heat invading the Stomach or the Spleen, then the patients experience symptoms like Stomach fullness, nausea, lose of appetite, loose stools or scanty urination.

If the Damp-Heat invades the Liver and the Gallbladder, the typical manifestations are Cramps in the Liver area, bitter taste in the mouth, fever or aversion to cold.

When the Damp-Heat is in the Bladder, it causes frequent, urgent and burning urination, fever, dry stools, as well as abdominal distension. There may also be blood and stones in the very dark urine.

When it invades the Large Intestine, it gives rise to diarrhea, bloody stools, burning anus and thirst.

Finally, if the Damp-Heat is in the Channels or joints, it causes joints pain, stiffness and swollen, aversion to cold, thirst and hot body.

The treatment method of this pattern also varies. If the Dampness manifestations are more strong than the Heat, the priority is to expel Dampness. It is recommended to use formula such as San Ren Tang or Ping Wei San. If the Heat predominates, it is better to use Lian Po Yin, Yin Chen Hao Tang and Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang.