Pustuleaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Lumps, Swellings & Abscesses
What is Pustule?
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.
How does TCM view Pustule?
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.
Root Causes of Pustule in TCM
In TCM, pustules are primarily seen as manifestations of Toxic Heat and Stagnation within the body. This condition often arises when external pathogenic factors like Wind-Heat infiltrate the body, combining with internal conditions such as Qi stagnation or Blood Stasis, leading to Heat accumulation.
This Heat then manifests on the skin as pustules. Treatments are aimed at expelling the pathogenic factors, clearing Heat, and resolving Toxicity, thereby reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of pustules.
Explore below more details about what might cause Pustule according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- Heat
Heat
In TCM "Heat" signifies an excess of Yang energy, leading to an imbalance where heat predominates over the body's cool Yin aspects. This condition is metaphorically akin to an internal over-heating. Symptoms indicative of Heat can include feelings of warmth, fever, sweating, irritability, red face, thirst with a preference for cold drinks, and a rapid pulse. The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating. Unlike the common interpretation of heat in terms of temperature, in TCM, it represents a state of hyperactivity or inflammation in the body.... see more
Heat Patterns That Can Lead to Pustule
Common Symptoms: Fever Carbuncles Red Skin Eruptions Sore Throat Eczema Perineum Swollen Prostate Swollen Testicular Swelling
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Toxic-Heat | Pustule, Fever, Edema, Pus and discharge, Boils, Carbuncles, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Mouth ulcers, Tonsil swelling... see more | Yin Qiao San | Sang Ju Yin | Bai Hu Tang | Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Qing Ying Tang | Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | Shi Wei Bai Du San | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Zi Dang Gao | Er Qing Gao | Bing Peng San | Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin |
| Toxic-Heat Stagnation | Pustule, Carbuncles, Fever, Red skin eruptions, Sore throat, Throat pain, Eczema, Perineum swollen, Prostate swollen, Testicular swelling, Mouth ulcers, Tonsil swelling... see more | Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Pustule
To counteract the effects of Toxic Heat and Heat Stagnation, TCM recommends formulas like Yin Qiao San and Huang Lian Jie Du Tang. Yin Qiao San, enriched with Honeysuckle flowers (Jin Yin Hua), effectively clears Heat and relieves Toxicity, making it suitable for treating pustules accompanied by fever and sore throat.
Meanwhile, Huang Lian Jie Du Tang targets more severe manifestations of Toxic Heat, providing a potent solution for resolving toxicity and dampness. These treatments exemplify TCM's nuanced approach to dermatological issues, emphasizing the importance of internal balance for external healing.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address pustule, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Heat
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that clear heat from the organs
- Formulas that clear nutritive-level heat
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
- Formulas that clear wind-Heat
- Formulas that clear qi-level heat
- Formulas that clear heat and expel dampness
Top Formula for Heat:
Huang Lian Jie Du Tang
Suitable for Heat patterns that may cause pustule, such as Toxic-Heat or Toxic-Heat Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Pustule Caused by Heat
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Toxic-Heat, Toxic-Heat Stagnation |
| Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin | Toxic-Heat, Toxic-Heat Stagnation |
| Yin Qiao San | Toxic-Heat |
| Sang Ju Yin | Toxic-Heat |
| Bai Hu Tang | Toxic-Heat |
| Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Toxic-Heat |
| Qing Ying Tang | Toxic-Heat |
| Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Toxic-Heat |
| Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan | Toxic-Heat |
| Shi Wei Bai Du San | Toxic-Heat |
| San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Toxic-Heat |
| Zi Dang Gao | Toxic-Heat |
| Er Qing Gao | Toxic-Heat |
| Bing Peng San | Toxic-Heat |
| Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin | Toxic-Heat |
Formulas that clear Heat from the Organs
These formulas are suitable for some pustule-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat or Toxic-Heat Stagnation.
One such formula is Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin, with biond’s magnolia flowers as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat from the organs" recommended for pustule
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin | Toxic-Heat, Toxic-Heat Stagnation |
| Long Dan Xie Gan Tang | Toxic-Heat |
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
These formulas are suitable for some pustule-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat or Toxic-Heat Stagnation.
One such formula is Huang Lian Jie Du Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity" recommended for pustule
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Huang Lian Jie Du Tang | Toxic-Heat, Toxic-Heat Stagnation |
| Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin | Toxic-Heat |
External formulas for External disorders
These formulas are suitable for some pustule-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Yin Qiao San, with honeysuckle flowers as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "external formulas for external disorders" recommended for pustule
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Yin Qiao San | Toxic-Heat |
| Zi Dang Gao | Toxic-Heat |
| Er Qing Gao | Toxic-Heat |
| Bing Peng San | Toxic-Heat |
Formulas that clear nutritive-level Heat
These formulas are suitable for some pustule-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Qing Ying Tang, with water buffalo horn as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear nutritive-level heat" recommended for pustule
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Qing Ying Tang | Toxic-Heat |
| Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang | Toxic-Heat |
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
These formulas are suitable for some pustule-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Shi Wei Bai Du San, with saposhnikovia root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear external abscesses and sores" recommended for pustule
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Shi Wei Bai Du San | Toxic-Heat |
| San Zhong Kui Jian Tang | Toxic-Heat |
Formulas that clear Wind-Heat
These formulas are suitable for some pustule-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Sang Ju Yin, with mulberry leaves as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat
These formulas are suitable for some pustule-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Bai Hu Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Heat and expel dampness
These formulas are suitable for some pustule-causing patterns like Toxic-Heat.
One such formula is Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan, with baikal skullcap root as a key herb.
TCM Herbs for Pustule
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address pustule, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that clear heat and dry dampness
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that open the orifices
- Herbs for external application
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Pustule can be treated by these herbs if it arises from internal heat and toxic accumulations, aiding in detoxification and cooling the body.
One such herb is Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pustule, like Yin Qiao San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for pustule
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua) | Yin Qiao San |
| Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) | Yin Qiao San |
| Lithospermum Roots (Zi Cao) | Zi Dang Gao |
| Natural Indigo (Qing Dai) | Er Qing Gao |
Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness
Pustule can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness and heat within the body, aiming to restore balance by drying dampness and clearing heat.
One such herb is Goldthread Rhizomes (Huang Lian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pustule, like Huang Lian Jie Du Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and dry Dampness" recommended for pustule
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Pustule can be treated by these herbs when there is a need to dispel external cold and warm the body, especially in cases where there is insufficient Yang energy internally.
One such herb is Biond’S Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pustule, like Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for pustule
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Biond’S Magnolia Flowers (Xin Yi Hua) | Xin Yi Qing Fei Yin |
| Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) | Shi Wei Bai Du San |
| Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) | Shi Wei Bai Du San |
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Pustule can be treated by these herbs when the body needs to harmonize with external environmental changes, particularly when there's a need to expel pathogenic factors like wind or cold without overly cooling the body.
One such herb is Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pustule, like Sang Ju Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for pustule
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Mulberry Leaves (Sang Ye) | Sang Ju Yin |
| Chrysanthemum Flowers (Ju Hua) | Sang Ju Yin |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Pustule can be treated by these herbs when it arises from excessive internal heat or fire, aiding in cooling the body and balancing internal temperature.
One such herb is Gypsum (Shi Gao), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pustule, like Bai Hu Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat" recommended for pustule
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Gypsum (Shi Gao) | Bai Hu Tang |
| Anemarrhena Rhizomes (Zhi Mu) | San Zhong Kui Jian Tang |
Herbs that cool the Blood
Pustule 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 pustule, like Qing Ying Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for pustule
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao) | Qing Ying Tang | Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang |
| Hibiscus Leaves (Fu Rong Ye) | Er Qing Gao |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Pustule can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Talc (Hua Shi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pustule, like Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that drain Dampness" recommended for pustule
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Talc (Hua Shi) | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan |
| Virgate Wormwood (Yin Chen) | Gan Lu Xiao Du Dan |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Pustule can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Dong Quai (Dang Gui), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pustule, like Zi Dang Gao.
Herbs that open the Orifices
Pustule 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 Borneol (Bing Pian), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pustule, like Bing Peng San.
Herbs for external application
Pustule can be treated by these herbs when the condition is external or superficial, requiring topical treatment to alleviate symptoms or heal the affected area.
One such herb is Borax (Peng Sha), a key herb in some formulas recommended for pustule, like Bing Peng San.