Skin Infectionaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Lumps, Swellings & Abscesses
Sub-symptom(s): Erysipelas Cellulitis
What is Skin Infection?
Skin infections are a broad category of conditions caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. These infections can range from superficial, such as impetigo and ringworm, to more serious conditions like cellulitis and erysipelas. They manifest in various forms, including redness, swelling, heat, pain, and sometimes discharge, significantly impacting the skin's appearance and function. Sub-symptoms like erysipelas and cellulitis underscore the varied nature of skin infections, highlighting the body's struggle to ward off invasive microbial attacks.
How does TCM view Skin Infection?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on skin infections, viewing them as manifestations of internal disharmonies rather than mere external issues. According to TCM, the skin is a reflection of the body's internal health, and skin infections signal underlying imbalances or the invasion of external pathogens.
TCM emphasizes the importance of identifying the specific pattern of disharmony—whether it be Qi Stagnation, Damp-Heat accumulation, or Blood Stagnation—to tailor treatment effectively. This approach allows for a more holistic healing process, addressing both the symptoms on the skin and the root causes within the body.
Causes of Skin Infection According to TCM
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, skin infections are often attributed to the invasion of external pathogenic factors such as Wind, Dampness, Heat, and occasionally Cold, penetrating the body's defenses. For example, Damp-Heat is a common culprit, believed to accumulate in the body due to imbalances in lifestyle, diet, or exposure to humid environments, leading to the proliferation of infections on the skin. TCM's nuanced understanding of the patterns underscores the importance of a personalized diagnosis to effectively clear the pathogen and restore the body's harmony.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Skin Infection
To combat skin infections, TCM employs a variety of herbs known for their ability to expel pathogenic factors and harmonize the body's Qi. For instance, Knotgrass (Bian Xu), recognized for its bitter, sweet, and cool properties, is commonly used to drain Dampness and clear Damp-Heat, particularly from the Lower Burner, making it effective against infections characterized by dampness and heat accumulation.
The choice of herbs is meticulously tailored to the individual's specific pattern of disharmony, ensuring the treatment not only alleviates the external symptoms but also addresses the internal cause, promoting a comprehensive healing process.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address skin infection, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Skin infection can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Da Qing Long Tang, with ephedra as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear wind-Cold" recommended for skin infection
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Da Qing Long Tang | Ephedra (Ma Huang) |
| Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang | Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Skin infection can be treated by these formulas if it arises from poor blood circulation or stagnation of blood, which often manifests in pain or swelling.
One such formula is Tao He Cheng Qi Tang, with peach kernel as a key herb.
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
Skin infection can be treated by formulas that clear external abscesses and sores if it is due to localized infections or inflammations on the skin.
One such formula is Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin, with honeysuckle flowers as a key herb.
Acupoints for Skin Infection
Explore below some acupoints used to address skin infection, organized by meridian.
- By Meridian
- Large Intestine Channel
- Spleen Channel
Quchi LI-11
When the elbow is flexed, Quchi LI-11 is in the depression at the lateral end of the cubital crease, midway between Chize LU-5 and the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.
Xuehai SP-10
When knee is flexed, Xuehai SP-10 is 2 cun above the medial upper border of the patella, in a depression on the vastus medialis muscle.
TCM Herbs for Skin Infection
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address skin infection, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that drain dampness
- Laxative herbs that drain downward
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Skin infection 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 skin infection, like Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for skin infection
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Honeysuckle Flowers (Jin Yin Hua) | Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin |
| Black Nightshade Herbs (Long Kui) | Not applicable |
| Forsythia Fruits (Lian Qiao) | Not applicable |
| Patrinia (Bai Jiang Cao) | Not applicable |
| Purslane (Ma Chi Xian) | Not applicable |
| Tokyo Violets (Zi Hua Di Ding) | Not applicable |
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Skin infection can be treated by these herbs when it stems from stagnation or poor circulation of blood, helping to improve blood flow and alleviate related discomfort.
One such herb is Peach Kernels (Tao Ren), a key herb in some formulas recommended for skin infection, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that invigorate the Blood" recommended for skin infection
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) | Tao He Cheng Qi Tang |
| Scarab Grubs (Qi Cao) | Not applicable |
Herbs that cool the Blood
Skin infection 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 Woad Leaves (Da Qing Ye), which is directly recommended for skin infection.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for skin infection
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Woad Leaves (Da Qing Ye) | Not applicable |
| Woad Roots (Ban Lan Gen) | Not applicable |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Skin infection 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 Ephedra (Ma Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for skin infection, like Da Qing Long Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for skin infection
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ephedra (Ma Huang) | Da Qing Long Tang |
| Notopterygium Roots (Qiang Huo) | Jiu Wei Qiang Huo Tang |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Skin infection 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 Knotgrass (Bian Xu), which is directly recommended for skin infection.
Laxative herbs that drain downward
Skin infection can be treated by these herbs when there's a need for a milder form of bowel movement to alleviate constipation and regulate digestion.
One such herb is Flax Seeds (Ya Ma Zi), which is directly recommended for skin infection.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Skin infection 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 Greater Burdock Fruits (Niu Bang Zi), which is directly recommended for skin infection.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Skin infection 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 skin infection, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.