Scarlet Feveraccording to TCM
Symptom families: Infectious Diseases, Bacterial Infections
What is Scarlet Fever?
Scarlet fever, also known as scarlatina or streptococcal scarlet fever, is an infectious disease marked by a bright red rash covering most of the body, a high fever, and a sore throat. The condition is caused by the same bacteria responsible for strep throat and can affect individuals of all ages, though it primarily occurs in children. The disease can be serious but is generally treatable with antibiotics.
How does TCM View Scarlet Fever?
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, scarlet fever is understood through a holistic lens, considering the imbalance of internal energies rather than focusing solely on the infectious agent.
TCM recognizes that symptoms and diseases, including scarlet fever, are the result of disharmonies within the body's Qi, Yin, Yang, and Blood. Effective treatment in TCM thus depends on accurately identifying the underlying pattern of disharmony.
Causes of Scarlet Fever According to TCM
In TCM, the root causes of scarlet fever are typically attributed to specific patterns of disharmony. One common pattern involves an imbalance in the Heat in Qi Level according to the 4 level theory , where excessive Heat accumulates in the Stomach and Intestines, manifesting as high fever, red rash, and other symptoms.
Another pattern may be related to the invasion of External Pathogenic Factors like Wind-Cold or Wind-Heat, which disrupt the normal functioning of Qi and Blood in the body. Identifying these patterns is crucial for TCM practitioners to provide effective treatment.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Scarlet Fever
TCM employs various formulas and herbs to address scarlet fever, each tailored to specific patterns of disharmony. For instance, Bai Hu Tang, containing Gypsum (Shi Gao) - a Pungent, Sweet, and Cold herb - is often used to treat Bright Yang Stomach Heat and Toxic-Heat patterns. Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang, also with Gypsum, provides similar benefits.
In cases where Phlegm Fire harasses the Pericardium, Hui Chun Dan, featuring Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang), or Zi Xue Dan with Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), can be effective. Additionally, Da Chai Hu Tang, which includes Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), is used for patterns like Liver Yang Rising, while Da Qing Long Tang with Ephedra (Ma Huang) treats Phlegm-Fluids in the limbs and Exterior Cold with Interior Heat.
For patterns involving Blood Stagnation, Tao He Cheng Qi Tang with Peach Kernels (Tao Ren) is recommended. Each formula is chosen based on the specific TCM pattern presented in the patient.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address scarlet fever, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that clear qi-level heat
- Formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices
- Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat
Scarlet fever can be treated by these formulas when it results from an intense heat condition at the qi level, affecting the body's energy flow.
One such formula is Bai Hu Tang, with gypsum as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear qi-level heat" recommended for scarlet fever
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Bai Hu Tang | Gypsum (Shi Gao) |
| Zhu Ye Shi Gao Tang | Gypsum (Shi Gao) |
Formulas that clear Heat and open sensory orifices
Scarlet fever 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 Hui Chun Dan, with ox gallstone as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat and open sensory orifices" recommended for scarlet fever
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Hui Chun Dan | Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang), Musk (She Xiang) |
| Zi Xue Dan | Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao), Saiga Antelope's Horns (Ling Yang Jiao), Musk (She Xiang) |
Formulas that release the Exterior and purge the Interior
Scarlet fever can be treated by these formulas if it is due to external pathogens combined with internal accumulation, needing actions that address both aspects.
One such formula is Da Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Scarlet fever 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.
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
Scarlet fever 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.
TCM Herbs for Scarlet Fever
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address scarlet fever, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Cool/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that open the orifices
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Herbs that pacify internal liver wind and stop tremors
Herbs that cool the Blood
Scarlet fever 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 Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for scarlet fever, like Hui Chun Dan.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for scarlet fever
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang) | Hui Chun Dan |
| Water Buffalo Horns (Shui Niu Jiao) | Zi Xue Dan |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Scarlet fever 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 scarlet fever, like Bai Hu Tang.
Cool/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Scarlet fever 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 Bupleurum Roots (Chai Hu), a key herb in some formulas recommended for scarlet fever, like Da Chai Hu Tang.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Scarlet fever 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 scarlet fever, like Da Chai Hu Tang.
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Scarlet fever 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 scarlet fever, like Da Qing Long Tang.
Herbs that open the Orifices
Scarlet fever 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 scarlet fever, like Hui Chun Dan.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Scarlet fever 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 scarlet fever, like Tao He Cheng Qi Tang.
Herbs that pacify Internal Liver Wind and stop Tremors
Scarlet fever 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 scarlet fever, like Zi Xue Dan.