Folliculitisaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Dermatological Conditions & Symptoms
What is Folliculitis?
Folliculitis is a common skin condition where hair follicles become inflamed and infected, often appearing as small, red, pus-filled bumps. It can be caused by a bacterial or fungal infection and is frequently seen in areas prone to friction or sweating.
Folliculitis can affect any part of the body with hair, including the scalp, legs, and underarms. While it's generally mild and self-resolving, severe or recurring cases may require medical attention. Understanding its causes and treatment options is crucial for managing this often uncomfortable condition.
How Does TCM View Folliculitis?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approaches folliculitis differently than Western medicine, focusing on internal disharmony that manifests as skin problems. TCM believes that skin conditions like folliculitis are external symptoms of an imbalance in the body’s Qi (vital energy), Blood, and Bodily Fluids.
Factors like Heat, Dampness, and Toxins are often implicated in TCM diagnoses. Treatment in TCM aims to correct these imbalances, often using a combination of herbal medicine, acupuncture, and dietary modifications, offering a holistic approach to healing and prevention.
Causes of Folliculitis According to TCM
In TCM, folliculitis is often attributed to a combination of internal imbalances and external factors. One common cause is the accumulation of Heat and Toxins, which can manifest as skin inflammation and infection.
Another TCM perspective sees Damp-Heat, which combines excessive moisture with internal Heat, leading to inflamed hair follicles. These TCM patterns illustrate the principle that skin health is deeply connected to internal organ systems, and treating folliculitis effectively requires addressing these underlying imbalances.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Folliculitis
To treat folliculitis, TCM recommends specific herbal formulas tailored to the underlying pattern of disharmony. For conditions marked by Blood Stagnation and Heat, Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, which contains Rhubarb (Da Huang), is often used. This formula helps to clear Heat and invigorate Blood circulation, addressing the root cause of the inflammation.
In cases where Heart or Liver Fire contributes to folliculitis, Zi Xue Dan, with its key herb Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), can be effective. This formula is designed to clear Heat and open sensory orifices, promoting healing of the skin. These treatments underscore TCM's holistic approach, targeting both the symptoms and the underlying imbalances.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address folliculitis, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
- Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
Folliculitis can be treated by these formulas if it is related to internal heat causing abscesses and sores.
One such formula is Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices
Folliculitis can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices if it is due to heat causing disturbances in sensory functions.
One such formula is Zi Xue Dan, with water buffalo horn as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Folliculitis
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address folliculitis, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
- Herbs that open the orifices
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Folliculitis can be treated by these herbs in cases of severe constipation or internal heat, using strong downward movement to purge accumulation.
One such herb is Rhubarb (Da Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for folliculitis, like Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang.
Herbs that cool the Blood
Folliculitis can be treated by these herbs when it is a consequence of excess heat in the blood, helping to cool and detoxify the blood.
One such herb is Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for folliculitis, like Zi Xue Dan.
Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
Folliculitis can be treated by these herbs when caused by internal wind from Liver disharmony, often manifesting in symptoms like spasms or tremors.
One such herb is Saiga Antelope's Horns (Ling Yang Jiao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for folliculitis, like Zi Xue Dan.
Herbs that open the Orifices
Folliculitis can be treated by these herbs if it's a result of blockages in the body's sensory orifices, aiding in restoring clarity and consciousness.
One such herb is Musk (She Xiang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for folliculitis, like Zi Xue Dan.