Conditions database
Skin conditions
Search a skin condition or a symptom and read what Traditional Chinese Medicine says about it: the patterns behind it, the herbs and formulas used, and what conventional medicine says.
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A
- Acne痤疮cuó chuāng Acne is treated by location and by what the lesions contain. Forehead and cheek papules, deep nodules and jawline breakouts that flare before a period are read as three different internal… Patterns: Wind-Heat invading the Lungs, Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency, Phlegm-Heat
- Age spots老年斑lǎo nián bān Age spots are read as the face showing deeper change: declining Kidney and Liver Yin, sluggish Blood, or accumulated phlegm. Most are harmless, and a spot that changes needs review. Patterns: Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing, Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation, and 2 more
- Anal irritation肛门瘙痒gāng mén sào yǎng The anus is the lowest opening of the Large Intestine, where the body is most vulnerable to dampness and heat sinking downward. Bleeding or a new lump is a medical question first. Patterns: Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
- Athlete's foot脚湿气jiǎo shī qì Athlete's foot is read as dampness that has sunk to the lowest point of the body. The feet are where accumulated damp heat collects, and that is why the same problem returns to the same… Patterns: Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Heat and Blood Stagnation in the Lower Burner
- Atopic dermatitis四弯风sì wān fēng The Chinese name for atopic dermatitis means four bends wind, after the creases of the elbows and knees where it settles. It is read as a condition of constitution, not of the surface alone. Patterns: Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Damp-Heat, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Heart Fire blazing, and 1 more
B
- Boils疖jiē A boil is not read as an isolated infection but as the body pushing heat and toxin outward. Where it appears, and how quickly it comes to a head, is what tells the practitioner which… Patterns: Toxic-Heat, Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, Qi and Blood Deficiency, Blood Stagnation, and 2 more
- Breast blister乳疱rǔ pào A blister on the breast is read as internal heat or dampness surfacing where the Stomach and Liver channels pass. A spreading, hot, painful breast with fever needs urgent medical care -… Patterns: Toxic-Heat, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Liver Fire Blazing, Qi and Yin Deficiency
- Breast eczema乳房湿疹rǔ fáng shī zhěn Breast eczema is read through the Liver channel, which runs through the breast. Dampness and heat on the skin, or dryness from Blood deficiency, both point back to an internal pattern. Patterns: Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Blood Deficiency with External Wind
- Breast pruritus乳痒rǔ yǎng The breast is read through the Liver channel, which runs directly through the chest. Itch here is Liver heat, dampness or Wind - and a breast lump is a medical question, not a pattern. Patterns: Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel, Liver Fire Blazing, Heat in the Blood, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, and 1 more
- Bruising瘀伤yū shāng A bruise is stuck blood: blood that has left the vessels and stopped moving. The Liver keeps Qi and Blood flowing, the Spleen keeps blood inside the vessels, and most patterns describe one… Patterns: Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation, Qi Deficiency causing Blood Stagnation, Qi and Blood Deficiency, and 2 more
- Bruising easily易发瘀斑yì fā yū bān Easy bruising is read as the Spleen failing to hold Blood inside the vessels. It is the commonest explanation in this framework, but unexplained or widespread bruising needs blood tests. Patterns: Spleen not controlling Blood, Qi Deficiency causing Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation
- Bullous dermatitis天疱疮tiān pào chuāng Bullous dermatitis is read as heat and dampness bursting out as blisters. It is also a skin condition for which medical treatment is essential, since widespread blistering risks fluid loss… Patterns: Toxic-Heat, Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Qi and Yin Deficiency
- Burning hot skin to the touch肌肤灼热jī fū zhuó rè Skin that feels hot to the touch means heat has risen to the surface - either an outside invader, an internal excess, or a deficiency that produces heat from emptiness. Patterns: Wind-Heat, Toxic-Heat, Heat in the Blood, Damp-Heat, and 2 more
C
- Candidiasis念珠菌病niàn zhū jūn bìng Recurrent yeast overgrowth is read as an environment problem rather than an invasion: the body has become too damp and too warm, and the organism simply thrives in what that environment… Patterns: Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel, Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen, and 1 more
- Cellulitis发fā Cellulitis is a medical emergency first. The tradition describes it as Toxic-Heat lodged in the deeper tissues, and that description explains the speed and severity - not a reason to delay… Patterns: Toxic-Heat Stagnation, Toxic-Heat
- Chickenpox水痘shuǐ dòu Chickenpox is read as epidemic toxin: heat and dampness entering through the mouth and nose. The vesicles are the surface sign, but the patterns that matter are the ones affecting the… Patterns: Wind-Heat invading the Lungs, Toxic-Heat, Toxic-Heat Stagnation, Heat in Pericardium, and 1 more
- Chilblains冻疮dòng chuāng Chilblains are read as a local cold injury in which deficient Yang fails to warm the limbs. They recur because the internal fire is not reaching the extremities. Patterns: Blood Stagnation, Qi Deficiency causing Blood Stagnation, Yang Deficiency with Cold-Damp, Blood Stagnation with Heat
- Chronic urticaria慢性瘾疹màn xìng yǐn zhěn Chronic hives are read as Wind that keeps returning because the body defence is not holding it out. That shifts the treatment from chasing the trigger to strengthening the shield. Patterns: Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Protective Qi Deficiency, Ying-Wei Disharmony, Qi and Blood Deficiency, and 2 more
- Contact dermatitis接触性皮炎jiē chù xìng pí yán Contact dermatitis has an obvious external cause, and the tradition treats it as an external pathogenic invasion: the skin is overwhelmed at the point of contact, and the rash is the… Patterns: Damp-Heat, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
- Cool or clammy skin sensation皮肤湿冷pí fū shī lěng Cool clammy skin means the body warming energy is not reaching the surface. Sudden cold clamminess with chest pain or breathlessness is a cardiac emergency and comes before any pattern. Patterns: Wind-Cold-Damp, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Yang Deficiency with Cold-Damp, Protective Qi Deficiency, and 1 more
- Corns鸡眼jī yǎn A corn is read as something stuck: Qi, Blood or moisture trapped in the foot where friction presses. Removing the pressure removes the cause, which is why footwear matters as much as herbs. Patterns: Qi And Blood Stagnation, Damp-Heat, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Damp-Phlegm, and 1 more
- Cracked breast skin乳裂rǔ liè Cracked nipple skin is read through the Liver and Stomach channels, which pass through the breast and nipple. Fissures with fever or spreading redness need medical care first, especially… Patterns: Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat, Toxic-Heat, Qi and Blood Deficiency, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency, and 1 more
- Cracked skin皮肤皲裂pí fū jūn liè Cracked skin is read as skin that has lost its moisture and flexibility. When the internal fluids and Blood are low, or the channels are cold and obstructed, the surface splits. Patterns: Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Toxic-Heat, Cold invading the Channels (Joints and Muscles), Spleen Blood Deficiency
- Cyanosis青紫qīng zǐ Cyanosis means blood is not receiving enough fresh Qi, so its colour darkens. Blue lips or fingertips that appear suddenly is an emergency before it is a pattern. Patterns: Qi Deficiency causing Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency, Kidney Yang Deficiency with Water overflowing, and 2 more
D
- Dandruff白屑风bái xiè fēng Dandruff is read as an internal signal, not a surface problem. Whether the flakes are greasy and yellowish or dry and white points to opposite patterns with opposite treatment. Patterns: Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen, Heat in the Blood, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
- Dark face面色黧黑miàn sè lí hēi A dark, dull or purplish face is read as Qi and Blood failing to reach the surface - because flow is blocked, because supply is low, or because cold and phlegm are sitting in the channels. Patterns: Blood Stagnation, Qi Deficiency causing Blood Stagnation, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Heart Blood Stagnation, and 2 more
- Dark nipple colour乳头色黑rǔ tóu sè hēi Nipple colour is read through the Liver and Stomach channels and the Directing and Penetrating vessels. A sudden change in one nipple, retraction or discharge is a breast-clinic matter… Patterns: Blood Stagnation, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing, Qi and Blood Deficiency, Liver Fire Blazing, and 1 more
- Dark skin面色晦暗miàn sè huì àn A dull, darkened complexion is read as Blood not reaching the surface cleanly or Yang not warming it. Sudden generalised darkening is a medical sign, not a cosmetic one. Patterns: Liver Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Kidney Yang Deficiency, and 1 more
- Dark yellow skin阴黄yīn huáng Yellow skin has two faces in this framework. Bright orange is damp heat; a dull, smoky, dark yellow is yin jaundice, from cold-damp or from Blood that has stopped moving. Patterns: Cold-Damp invading the Spleen, Blood Stagnation
- Dermatomyositis皮肌炎pí jī yán Dermatomyositis is read as Heat-Toxin or Wind-Damp lodged in skin, muscle and channels. The skin is the Lungs territory, the flesh belongs to the Spleen, and both show the strain. Patterns: Toxic-Heat, Wind-Damp, Blood Stagnation, Qi and Blood Deficiency, and 1 more
- Diaper rash红臀hóng tún Diaper rash is read as heat and dampness trapped in the Lower Burner. The skin stays warm and wet, so the question is whether the pattern is damp heat, toxicity, or blood stasis after long… Patterns: Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, Toxic-Heat, Blood Stagnation with Heat
- Drug rash药疹yào zhěn A drug rash is read as a clash between the drug toxic nature and the body internal landscape. The first step is always medical: stop the suspected drug and get assessed, because some drug… Patterns: Wind-Heat, Liver and Gallbladder Damp-Heat, Heat in the Blood, Toxic-Heat, and 2 more
- Dry and hot skin皮肤干热pí fū gān rè Dry and hot skin at once means fluids are low while heat is present. The reference distinguishes heat that is drying the surface from heat generated by depletion underneath. Patterns: Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency, Heat in the Blood, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Wind-Heat
- Dry scalp头皮干燥tóu pí gān zào The scalp sits at the highest point of the body, and the reference says it is often the first place to show when Blood and Yin run low. Dryness here is a supply problem reaching the top. Patterns: Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency, Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat, Qi and Yin Deficiency, and 2 more
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- Ear eczema旋耳疮xuán ěr chuāng Ear eczema is read through moisture: delicate skin around the ear where dampness rises and gets trapped in the channels. Severe ear pain or hearing change is a medical matter first. Patterns: Damp-Heat, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Blood Deficiency with External Wind
- Eczema湿疹shī zhěn Eczema is not one thing in Chinese medicine. Its appearance - red and weeping, or dry and thickened - is read as the signature of a particular internal imbalance, and the treatment follows… Patterns: Damp-Heat invading the Spleen, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Wind-Heat, and 1 more
- Elbow swelling肘肿zhǒu zhǒng The elbow is a crossroads where several channels pass. Swelling there is read as Qi and Blood blocked by injury, or damp heat settling into the joint - but a hot swollen joint with fever… Patterns: Blood Stagnation, Qi and Blood Deficiency, Painful Obstruction due to Damp Heat in Channels
- Erysipelas丹毒dān dú Skin condition Erysipelas 丹毒 dān dú Erysipelas is fire toxin in the skin: a bright red, raised, clearly bordered plaque that spreads fast and burns. It needs antibiotics promptly, and the… Patterns: Toxic-Heat, Wind-Heat, Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, Blood Stagnation with Heat, and 1 more
- Erythema infectiosum传染性红斑chuán rǎn xìng hóng bān Fifth disease is read as Wind-Heat lodging in the Lungs, which govern the skin. The slapped-cheek rash is the surface sign of a mild childhood illness - but pregnancy and some blood… Patterns: Wind-Heat invading the Lungs
- Erythema multiforme猫眼疮māo yǎn chuāng The traditional name means cat-eye sore, from the target-like rings of this eruption. Some cases are an infection reaction; widespread blistering or skin peeling is a medical emergency. Patterns: Wind-Heat, Damp-Heat, Wind-Cold, Toxic-Heat
- Erythema nodosum结节性红斑jié jié xìng hóng bān Erythema nodosum is read as heat and dampness settling in the deeper tissues, producing tender nodules on the shins. What the nodules feel like - hot or cool - decides the pattern. Patterns: Toxic-Heat Stagnation, Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, and 1 more
- Erythromelalgia红斑性肢痛症hóng bān xìng zhī tòng zhèng Erythromelalgia is read as heat and Blood disturbance producing burning redness of the hands and feet. The pattern decides whether the heat is in the Blood, in the channels, or arising from… Patterns: Heat in the Blood, Blood Stagnation with Heat, Painful Obstruction due to Damp Heat in Channels, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
F
- Face itching面痒miàn yǎng The face is the most exposed part of the body and the most visible mirror of internal heat. Facial itch is read as Wind on that surface, stirred by heat, dampness, dryness or cold. Patterns: Wind-Heat, Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, and 2 more
- Facial plaque黧黑斑lí hēi bān A facial plaque is read as pigment that has settled where Qi and Blood are not moving cleanly. The name 黧黑斑 also appears on the Melasma page, and a plaque that changes needs skin-cancer… Patterns: Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
- Facial swelling面肿miàn zhǒng The face is where the three organs that manage water show their state. Puffiness here is read as a fluid problem of the Lungs, Spleen or Kidneys - but sudden swelling with throat tightness… Patterns: Wind-Cold-Water invading the Lungs, Wind-Heat invading the Lungs, Cold-Damp invading the Spleen, Spleen Yang Deficiency, and 2 more
- Folliculitis毛囊炎máo náng yán Folliculitis is read at the follicle, where dampness that has accumulated inside meets heat and pushes out through the skin. The bump is the visible end of that process. Patterns: Damp-Heat invading the Spleen, Toxic-Heat, Blood Stagnation with Heat, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency, and 2 more
- Foot and lower leg skin rashes and fungal infections下肢癣xià zhī xuǎn Rashes on the lower legs are read as dampness sinking downward, and that is why fungal infections return there. Spreading redness with fever or an open sore is a medical matter first. Patterns: Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Heat in the Blood
- Foot dorsum redness足发背zú fā bèi Redness on the top of the foot is read as heat, dampness or stagnation affecting the channels that cross there, especially the Stomach channel. Red streaks moving up the leg mean infection… Patterns: Toxic-Heat Stagnation, Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Blood Stagnation
- Foul body odour狐臭hú chòu Foul body odour is read as dampness and heat steaming outward through the skin. The smell itself - pungent, musty or sour - points to which channel is congested. Patterns: Liver and Gallbladder Damp-Heat, Toxic-Heat Stagnation, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat, and 1 more
- Frostbite冻疮dòng chuāng Frostbite is read as a contest between external cold and internal Yang. Cold freezes the flow of Qi and Blood in the small channels, and the stage of the injury decides whether it is… Patterns: Cold invading the Channels (Joints and Muscles), Toxic-Heat Stagnation, Qi Deficiency causing Blood Stagnation, Collapse of Yang
- Fungal infection癣xuǎn A fungal infection is read as the body becoming a hospitable environment: dampness and heat accumulating until pathogens can settle. Killing the fungus without changing the environment… Patterns: Damp-Heat, Heat in the Blood, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Blood Stagnation, and 2 more
H
- Hand eczema手部湿疹shǒu bù shī zhěn Hand eczema is read as fluid and Blood imbalance reaching the surface, and hands make it worse because they meet water, soap and work all day. The pattern decides whether to drain, nourish… Patterns: Damp-Heat, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Yin and Blood Deficiency, and 2 more
- Heat rash痱子fèi zi Heat rash is blocked sweat pores, but the reference says the root is internal: dampness and heat that the skin cannot vent. The weather triggers it; the pattern explains why it keeps… Patterns: Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen, Heat in the Blood, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
- Henoch Schonlein purpura过敏性紫癜guò mǐn xìng zǐ diàn Henoch-Schonlein purpura is a systemic condition, not only a rash. In this framework it is Heat agitating the Blood, and the reason it matters is what the same process does to the gut and… Patterns: Heat victorious agitating Blood, Wind-Heat, Painful Obstruction due to Damp Heat in Channels, Blood Stagnation with Heat, and 2 more
- Herpes simplex infection热疮rè chuāng Cold sores are read as heat rising to the surface, with the Stomach channel running around the mouth and nose. Recurrence is the tell: it points to depletion rather than fresh exposure. Patterns: Bright Yang Stomach Heat, Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
- Herpes zoster infection蛇串疮shé chuàn chuāng Shingles is described as internal heat and dampness that finally breaks through, and its belt-like distribution follows the Liver channel along the ribs. Patterns: Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Qi And Blood Stagnation
- HIV-associated pruritus艾滋病瘙痒ài zī bìng sào yǎng Itch in HIV is read as Blood, Spleen and Liver depletion showing on the skin. The HIV care comes first, and any new widespread rash on medication needs urgent review, because drug reactions… Patterns: Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Qi and Blood Deficiency, Qi and Yin Deficiency, Damp-Heat, and 2 more
I
- Ichthyosis鱼鳞病yú lín bìng Ichthyosis is read as skin that cannot hold moisture because Blood and Yin are low, leaving fish-scale dryness. Most forms are inherited, so the aim is management rather than cure. Patterns: Yin and Blood Deficiency, Qi and Blood Deficiency, Wind-Heat, Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen, and 1 more
- Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura紫癜zǐ diàn ITP means the blood is leaking because the vessels are not held. In this framework that is either heat agitating the Blood or the Spleen failing to contain it - and the platelet count is a… Patterns: Heat in the Blood, Qi not controlling Blood, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency, Blood Stagnation
- Impetigo黄水疮huáng shuǐ chuāng Impetigo is described as dampness and heat meeting on the skin surface, producing the honey-coloured crust that gives the condition its Chinese name, yellow water sore. Patterns: Summer Heat with Dampness, Toxic-Heat, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat, and 1 more
- Itchy ears耳痒ěr yǎng The ear is a crossroads of channels in this framework: the Kidney opens into the ear, and the Liver and Gallbladder channels pass through. Itch is read as heat, wind or deficiency arriving… Patterns: Liver and Gallbladder Damp-Heat, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Kidney Yin Deficiency With Empty-Heat Blazing, Wind-Heat
- Itchy genitalia阴痒yīn yǎng Genital itch is read through the Liver channel, which runs through the groin, and the Kidneys, which govern the lower orifices. Damp heat predominates, but dryness points to deficiency. Patterns: Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel, Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Blood Deficiency
- Itchy scalp头皮瘙痒tóu pí sào yǎng Scalp itch is read as Wind rising to the highest point of the body. What stirred the Wind decides the treatment: heat, dampness, Blood deficiency or stress. Patterns: Heat in the Blood, Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat
- Itchy skin皮肤瘙痒pí fū sào yǎng Itch is given a name in this framework: Wind. Wind moves, comes and goes, and worsens at night, which is why the treatment depends on whether the skin is dry, red, oozing or hot. Patterns: Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Wind-Heat, Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen, Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat, and 2 more
- Itchy vesicular rashes湿疹shī zhěn A vesicular rash is read as dampness and heat surfacing as small blisters. Whether it weeps, burns or scales determines whether the treatment clears, drains or nourishes. Patterns: Liver and Gallbladder Damp-Heat, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Wind-Heat, and 1 more
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K
L
- Lateral malleolus redness外踝红肿wài huái hóng zhǒng The outer ankle is a crossing point for the Gallbladder and Bladder channels, so redness there is read as obstruction: damp heat, stagnation, or a deficiency that leaves the joint… Patterns: Painful Obstruction due to Damp Heat in Channels, Blood Stagnation, Painful Obstruction with Liver and Kidney Deficiency, Qi and Blood Deficiency
- Lichen planus紫癜风zǐ diàn fēng Lichen planus is read as Purpura Wind: heat disturbing the Blood so that it leaks from the vessels or erupts as papules. Its oral and genital forms are treated with the same logic. Patterns: Heat in the Blood, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency, Qi not controlling Blood, Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel
M
- Macular rash斑疹bān zhěn A macular rash is flat colour with no raised edge, and the reference reads its faintness or brightness as a measure of how deep the heat has gone - from the surface to the Blood. Patterns: Heat in the Ying Level, Wind-Heat invading the Lungs, Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen, Heat in the Blood, and 2 more
- Macules斑bān A macule is a flat change in colour that does not fade on pressure or rise above the skin. The reference reads facial dark spots as a visible sign that Qi and Blood are not flowing cleanly. Patterns: Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, and 1 more
- Melasma黄褐斑huáng hè bān Melasma is read as the face showing an internal stasis. Classical texts call it face dust or dark patches, and the reference is explicit that its root lies deeper than the surface. Patterns: Liver Qi Stagnation, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Qi And Blood Stagnation, and 2 more
- Moist skin sensation皮肤湿润pí fū shī rùn Skin that feels persistently moist is read as fluid metabolism out of balance. The temperature of that moisture - hot, clammy or merely damp - decides whether to clear, drain or warm. Patterns: Damp-Heat, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Damp-Cold, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency, and 1 more
- Mottled skin肌肤甲错jī fū jiǎ cuò The traditional name for mottled skin means armour-like scaling, skin so dry and rough it looks like fish scales. It is read as a sign that Blood and fluids are not reaching the surface. Patterns: Blood Stagnation, Qi and Blood Deficiency, Yin Deficiency, Damp-Heat, and 2 more
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O
- Oily or clammy skin sensation皮肤粘腻pí fū nián nì Skin that feels oily or clammy is read as dampness: a heavy sticky fluid that builds when fluid metabolism is impaired. The Spleen and Stomach are the organs at the centre of it. Patterns: Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Liver and Gallbladder Damp-Heat, Phlegm-Dampness in the Middle-Burner
- Oily skin面垢miàn gòu Facial oil is read as the visible state of digestion and emotion. Greasy shine is dampness; waxy oil is damp-phlegm; a flushed oily face points to Liver fire. Patterns: Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen, Damp-Phlegm, Liver Fire Blazing, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
- Oily sweat油汗yóu hàn Oily sweat is read as damp heat pushing a sticky turbid fluid out through the skin, with the Stomach and Spleen most often involved. Sudden profuse oily sweating with weakness or confusion… Patterns: Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen, Liver and Gallbladder Damp-Heat, Collapse of Yin
P
- Papules丘疹qiū zhěn A papule is a small raised lesion with no fluid in it. The reference reads the papule as the lungs failing to protect the surface, or as an internal pattern pushing outward through it. Patterns: Damp-Heat, Wind-Heat, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Yin and Blood Deficiency, and 1 more
- Paronychia沿爪疔yán zhǎo dīng Paronychia is read as heat and dampness entering through a tiny break around the nail. It usually needs medical care, and red streaks spreading up the finger need it immediately. Patterns: Toxic-Heat Stagnation, Damp-Heat, Blood Stagnation with Heat
- Pemphigus天疱疮tiān pào chuāng Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease that needs medical treatment. The tradition reads it as heat, dampness and toxin, and that reading is explanatory - not a substitute for… Patterns: Toxic-Heat, Damp-Heat, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Qi and Yin Deficiency
- Perioral dermatitis口周皮炎kǒu zhōu pí yán The mouth is the Spleen opening and the Stomach channel runs around the lips, so papules here are read as digestive heat rising. Topical steroids often make it worse, which is why they need… Patterns: Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen, Wind-Heat, Bright Yang Stomach Heat, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
- Petechiae紫斑zǐ bān Petechiae are pinpoint bleeds: blood that the vessels failed to contain. Whether they appear with a fever or gradually over weeks changes the urgency entirely. Patterns: Wind-Heat, Heat in the Blood, Spleen not controlling Blood, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency, and 2 more
- Pityriasis rosea玫瑰糠疹méi guī kāng zhěn Pityriasis rosea is read as Wind-Heat or dampness on a surface that is already vulnerable. The herald patch and the oval scaling lesions are the surface expression of that process. Patterns: Wind-Heat invading the Lungs, Damp-Heat, Blood Deficiency with External Wind
- Psoriasis白疕bái bǐ Psoriasis is read here as a disorder of the Blood rather than of the surface. The plaque is the visible end of a process, and its colour and thickness are treated as the diagnostic clue. Patterns: Heat in the Blood, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Blood Stagnation with Heat
- Psoriatic arthritis白疕痹bái bǐ bì Psoriatic arthritis is read as two problems meeting: a Blood-level skin condition and a painful obstruction in the joints. The treatment has to answer both. Patterns: Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp, Painful Obstruction due to Damp Heat in Channels, Heat invading the Channels (Joints and Muscles)
- Purple face面紫miàn zǐ A purple or dusky face is read as Blood that is not moving, with the Heart governing the vessels. Sudden purple or blue discolouration, especially with chest pain or breathlessness, is an… Patterns: Blood Stagnation, Heart Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation, Qi Deficiency causing Blood Stagnation, and 1 more
- Purpura紫癜zǐ diàn Purpura is blood escaping the vessels without a break in the skin. The reference describes two routes: heat making blood reckless, or a weak Spleen failing to hold it in. Patterns: Wind-Heat, Heat in the Blood, Qi not controlling Blood, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency causing Heat in the Blood, and 2 more
- Pus and discharge脓漏nóng lòu Pus is heat and toxin cooking the body fluids and tissue. The character of the discharge - thick and foul, or thin and watery - is what tells the practitioner whether to clear or to support. Patterns: Toxic-Heat, Toxic-Heat Stagnation, Damp-Heat, Qi and Blood Deficiency
- Pustule脓疱nóng pào A pustule is heat and dampness fighting at the surface, with the heat cooking the fluids into pus. The density of the pustules and the redness of their halos tell the practitioner how… Patterns: Summer Heat with Dampness, Toxic-Heat, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness
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- Raynaud's disease雷诺病léi nuò bìng Raynaud's is read as Qi and Blood failing to reach the fingers and toes. The colour change during an attack, and what triggers it, tell the practitioner why the supply is failing. Patterns: Cold invading the Channels (Joints and Muscles), Qi and Blood Deficiency, Kidney Yang Deficiency, Blood Deficiency with disharmony of Liver and Spleen, and 1 more
- Red and swollen feet足红肿zú hóng zhǒng The feet are the lowest point of the body, so heat, fluid and blood all tend to sink there. Red swollen feet may be damp heat, toxicity or a deficiency - and spreading redness with fever is… Patterns: Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, Blood Stagnation, Toxic-Heat, Qi and Blood Deficiency, and 1 more
- Red elbow肘痈zhǒu yōng A red swollen elbow is read as heat and toxin collecting where several channels cross. When it throbs with pus and fever, it is an abscess and needs medical drainage, not herbs alone. Patterns: Toxic-Heat Stagnation, Liver and Gallbladder Damp-Heat, Blood Stagnation, Qi and Blood Deficiency
- Rhinophyma酒齄鼻jiǔ zhā bí Rhinophyma is read as heat that has settled in the nose for years, thickening the tissue. The earlier patterns are heat and blood; the late pattern is stagnation with a nodular, thickened… Patterns: Lung Heat, Bright Yang Stomach Heat, Heat in the Blood, Toxic-Heat, and 1 more
- Rosacea酒渣鼻jiǔ zhā bí Rosacea is described as heat that rises. The Stomach channel reaches the nose and cheeks, so internal heat from food and alcohol is said to have a direct route to the face. Patterns: Bright Yang Stomach Heat, Toxic-Heat, Qi And Blood Stagnation
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- Scabies疥疮jiè chuāng Scabies is a parasitic invasion that needs a scabicide, for the whole household. The tradition calls the mite parasitic toxin, and asks why some people react with far more inflamed skin… Patterns: Wind-Heat, Damp-Heat, Blood Deficiency with External Wind
- Scleroderma皮痹pí bì Scleroderma is read as skin impediment: pathogenic factors obstructing the channels of the skin, while deficiency underneath means the skin is not nourished. The two run together. Patterns: Painful Obstruction with Wind-Cold-Damp, Painful Obstruction due to Damp Heat in Channels, Qi and Blood Deficiency, Blood Stagnation, and 2 more
- Scrotal eczema肾囊风shèn náng fēng The Liver channel runs through the genital area, so scrotal eczema is read as damp heat congesting that channel. The source gives this condition one pattern, and treats it thoroughly. Patterns: Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel
- Sebaceous cysts粉瘤fěn liú A sebaceous cyst is read as phlegm nodule: dampness thickened into something that sits under the skin. The rule that matters is clinical - a painless soft nodule is one thing, a hot painful… Patterns: Phlegm in the Channels (Joints and Muscles), Toxic-Heat Stagnation, Blood Stagnation with Heat
- Seborrheic dermatitis面游风miàn yóu fēng Seborrheic dermatitis is read as heat and dampness rising along the Stomach channel to the face, which is why the same redness and greasy scaling keeps returning to the same areas. Patterns: Damp-Heat in Stomach and Spleen, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency
- Senile pruritus风瘙痒fēng sào yǎng Itch in later life is read as dryness from declining Blood and Yin. The skin loses its moisture and Wind moves in - but persistent itch with weight loss or jaundice needs medical review… Patterns: Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney Yin, Wind-Heat, Damp-Heat
- Severe drug induced skin reactions重症药疹zhòng zhèng yào zhěn A severe drug eruption is a medical emergency. The tradition calls it drug toxicity, and its role here is explanatory only - stop the culprit drug and get emergency care immediately. Patterns: Wind-Heat, Heat victorious agitating Blood, Damp-Heat
- Shoulder redness肩红jiān hóng Shoulder redness is read as heat, blood stasis, dampness or cold obstructing the channels that cross the shoulder. A hot swollen shoulder with fever needs infection excluded first. Patterns: Heat invading the Channels (Joints and Muscles), Blood Stagnation, Liver Fire Blazing, Damp-Heat, and 2 more
- Skin abscess痈yōng An abscess is read as a local battle between defensive Qi and an invading pathogen, with heat and dampness collecting into pus. Deep, spreading or facial abscesses need medical drainage,… Patterns: Toxic-Heat Stagnation, Blood Stagnation with Heat, Damp-Heat
- Skin blisters水疱shuǐ pào Blisters are read as heat and dampness trapped under the skin. Two questions decide everything: is the fluid clear or cloudy, and is the blister spreading with fever? Patterns: Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Toxic-Heat
- Skin burns烧伤shāo shāng A burn is fire toxin scorching the skin and penetrating inward. The acute phase is excess heat; the aftermath is depletion, and that is where the reference says the danger shifts. Patterns: Toxic-Heat, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency, Qi not controlling Blood, Qi and Yin Deficiency, and 1 more
- Skin dryness皮肤干燥pí fū gān zào Dry skin is read as a supply problem. The Lungs spread moisture to the surface, the Spleen makes it, the Liver stores the Blood that carries it, and the Kidneys are the root of all fluid. Patterns: Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency, Qi and Yin Deficiency, Damp-Phlegm, and 1 more
- Skin erosion皮肤糜烂pí fū mí làn An erosion is a superficial loss of skin that has not scarred - the surface is broken and weeping. The reference reads it as dampness working its way out, and treats infection as the… Patterns: Damp-Heat, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Qi And Blood Stagnation, and 1 more
- Skin hypersensitivity to touch皮肤感觉过敏pí fū gǎn jué guò mǐn Skin that hurts or stings to touch is read as a weakened surface defence letting Wind and Heat irritate the nerves. Sudden swelling or breathing difficulty is an emergency first. Patterns: Wind-Heat, Damp-Heat, Heat in the Blood, Blood Deficiency with External Wind
- Skin infection疮疡chuāng yáng A skin infection is read as the visible sign that the body balance has tipped. The sore is local, but the pattern behind it is not. Patterns: Toxic-Heat Stagnation, Liver Blood Stagnation, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Qi and Blood Deficiency
- Skin inflammation皮炎pí yán Inflammation on the skin is described as a conversation between the internal organs and the outside world: the Lungs guard the surface, the Spleen manages moisture, the Liver moves Blood. Patterns: Damp-Heat, Heat in the Blood, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, and 1 more
- Skin irritation worsened by bathing湿疮shī chuāng Skin that flares after washing is read as a struggle between internal dampness and external water. How the skin behaves - oozing, dull, or dry - decides the pattern. Patterns: Damp-Heat, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Blood Deficiency with External Wind
- Skin lesions皮损pí sǔn A lesion is read as an organ speaking through the skin. Its colour, moisture and hardness say more about what is happening inside than its size does. Patterns: Heat in the Blood, Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, and 1 more
- Skin numbness肌肤麻木jī fū má mù Numbness means the skin is not receiving Qi and Blood. Sudden numbness on one side of the body is a stroke warning and must be treated as an emergency, not a pattern. Patterns: Qi and Blood Deficiency, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Liver Blood Deficiency, Blood Stagnation, and 2 more
- Skin pigmentation黄褐斑huáng hè bān Pigmentation on the face is read as Qi, Blood and fluids not reaching the skin cleanly. The Liver, Spleen and Kidneys are the organs involved, and a spot that changes needs medical review… Patterns: Liver Qi Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency
- Skin rashes皮疹pí zhěn A rash is treated as a message about what is happening beneath it. The same red patch can mean heat pushed to the surface, dampness working its way out, or skin left dry because Blood is… Patterns: Damp-Heat, Heat in the Blood, Wind-Heat, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, and 3 more
- Skin swelling皮肤肿胀pí fū zhǒng zhàng Swelling is read as fluid metabolism going off track. Whether it is hot and red, puffy and heavy, or cold and pitting tells the practitioner what kind of fluid problem it is. Patterns: Damp-Heat, Wind-Damp, Damp-Phlegm, Qi and Blood Deficiency, and 2 more
- Skin tightness肌肤紧绷jī fū jǐn bēng Skin that feels tight is rarely a surface issue. The reference reads it as Qi, Blood or fluids not reaching the skin - either because supply is low, flow is blocked, or there is cold in the… Patterns: Qi and Blood Deficiency, Blood Stagnation, Damp-Heat, Wind-Cold-Damp, and 1 more
- Spider veins蜘蛛痣zhī zhū zhì Spider veins are read as blood pooling in small vessels because the Liver is failing to keep it moving. Most patterns trace that back to stagnation, heat, or a deficiency that leaves the… Patterns: Blood Stagnation with Heat, Liver Blood Stagnation, Heat in the Blood, Damp-Heat in the Liver, and 2 more
- Subcutaneous lipomas and nodules脂瘤zhī liú Lipomas are read as Phlegm: not mucus, but a thicker stubborn pathological fluid that collects where the Spleen has failed to transform fluids. A lump that grows fast or becomes hard is a… Patterns: Damp-Phlegm, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Qi And Blood Stagnation, Toxic-Heat Stagnation
- Sunburn日晒疮rì shài chuāng Sunburn is read as fire toxin: an external heat pathogen strong enough to overwhelm the skin defensive Qi. How deep it went decides whether the treatment is cooling, moistening or both. Patterns: Toxic-Heat, Heat in the Blood, Damp-Heat, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency, and 1 more
- Swollen ankle踝肿huái zhǒng The ankle is a crossroads where several channels converge, so swelling here is read as blockage: Blood stopped by injury, or dampness sinking into the lowest joint. Patterns: Qi And Blood Stagnation, Dampness invading the Channels (Joints and Muscles), Painful Obstruction due to Damp Heat in Channels
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- Thickened or insensitive skin皮痹pí bì Thickened, hard or numb skin is read as skin impediment: an obstruction lodged in the skin channels, with deficiency or dampness underneath. Rapid spread needs medical assessment, not herbs… Patterns: Wind-Cold-Damp, Blood Stagnation, Painful Obstruction due to Damp Heat in Channels, Phlegm in the Channels (Joints and Muscles), and 1 more
- Tinea癣xuǎn Ringworm is described as dampness, heat and wind lodging in the skin, which can only take hold where the inside is already weakened. Patterns: Damp-Heat in the Lower Burner, Damp-Heat invading the Spleen, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, Blood Stagnation, and 1 more
- Tissue necrosis组织坏死zǔ zhī huài sǐ Tissue necrosis means blood has stopped reaching tissue, and the tissue is dying. This is a surgical emergency: no herbal pattern replaces restoring blood supply, and delay costs tissue. Patterns: Qi And Blood Stagnation, Blood Stagnation with Heat, Kidney Essence Deficiency, Phlegm in the Channels (Joints and Muscles), and 1 more
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- Vitiligo白癜风bái diàn fēng Vitiligo is read as a failure of supply rather than a surface problem: the skin loses colour where Qi and Blood are not reaching it, and the pattern describes why they are not. Patterns: Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Liver Qi Stagnation, Blood Stagnation, Qi And Blood Stagnation, and 2 more
- Vulvar eczema阴部湿疮yīn bù shī zhěn Vulvar eczema is read through the Liver channel, which runs through the genital area. Itch and redness are damp heat; dryness with night itch is deficiency - and persistent white or… Patterns: Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel, Spleen Deficiency with Dampness, Yin and Blood Deficiency, Wind-Heat
- Vulvar leukoplakia外阴白斑wài yīn bái bān Vulvar leukoplakia is read as depletion of the Liver, Kidney and Spleen showing as white atrophic patches. It needs medical monitoring, because the condition carries a small risk of… Patterns: Kidney and Liver Yin Deficiency, Liver Blood Stagnation, Damp-Heat in the Liver Channel, Spleen and Stomach Qi Deficiency, and 1 more
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- Warm skin皮肤发热pí fū fā rè Skin that feels warm can mean heat stuck at the surface, heat generated inside, or heat from emptiness. The way it behaves - dry or moist, day or night - tells the practitioner which. Patterns: Damp-Heat, Wind-Heat, Heat in the Blood, Liver Qi Stagnation that transforms into Heat, and 2 more
- Warts疣yóu Warts are read as Wind-Heat toxins that have lodged in the local channels where defensive Qi is weak. The treatment is directed at both the toxin and the obstruction it settles into. Patterns: Wind-Heat, Blood Stagnation with Heat, Damp-Heat, Blood Deficiency with External Wind, and 1 more
- Wrinkled and shrunken skin皮肤皱缩pí fū zhòu suō Loose, wrinkled or shrunken skin is read as losing its support: deficient Qi, Essence or fluids. Sudden shrivelling with sunken eyes and confusion is dehydration or shock and needs… Patterns: Spleen and Kidney Qi Deficiency, Empty-Heat caused by Yin Deficiency, Blood Stagnation, Phlegm in the Channels (Joints and Muscles), and 1 more