Skin Abscessaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Lumps, Swellings & Abscesses
Sub-symptom(s): Subcutaneous Abscess
What is Skin Abscess?
A skin abscess is a localized infection deep within the skin that results in the accumulation of pus and dead tissue, creating a lump. This condition often arises from bacterial infections, most commonly involving staphylococcus bacteria. Skin abscesses can vary in size, are usually painful, and may appear anywhere on the body. They are characterized by a noticeable swelling, redness, and tenderness, signaling the body's immune response to infection. Prompt treatment is essential to prevent the spread of infection and to alleviate discomfort.
How does TCM view Skin Abscess?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers a unique perspective on skin abscesses, diverging from the pathogen-centric approach of Western medicine. TCM views skin abscesses as manifestations of underlying imbalances and disharmonies within the body's Qi, or vital energy, and its interaction with external pathogenic factors.
It emphasizes the importance of diagnosing the specific pattern of disharmony leading to the abscess, such as the Stagnation of Qi and Blood or the invasion of Toxic-Heat, to tailor an effective treatment strategy. This holistic approach aims to treat both the symptoms and the root cause of the condition, restoring balance and health.
Causes of Skin Abscess According to TCM
In TCM, skin abscesses are primarily attributed to the accumulation of Toxic-Heat, leading to the formation of pus as the body attempts to isolate and expel the pathogenic factors. Toxic-Heat is often linked to environmental factors or internal conditions that introduce or generate heat and toxicity within the body, manifesting externally as abscesses. Understanding the underlying cause is crucial for selecting the appropriate TCM treatment to restore balance and promote healing.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Skin Abscess
TCM treatment for skin abscesses involves the use of specific formulas and herbs that address the identified pattern of disharmony. For conditions resulting from Toxic-Heat, Er Qing Gao, featuring Natural indigo (Qing Dai) with its Salty and Cold properties, is often recommended to clear heat and remove toxicity, effectively treating the abscess.
Another formula, Shi Wei Bai Du San, which includes Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) as a key ingredient, combines Pungent, Sweet, and Warm properties to dispel Wind, Dampness, and Heat, offering a comprehensive approach to treating skin abscesses. These formulas exemplify TCM's nuanced treatment strategies, focusing on harmonizing the body's internal environment to facilitate natural healing processes.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address skin abscess, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- External formulas for external disorders
- Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
- Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
External formulas for External disorders
Skin abscess can be treated by these formulas if it is caused by external factors like wind, cold, or heat leading to symptoms on the body's surface.
One such formula is Er Qing Gao, with natural indigo as a key herb.
Formulas that clear external abscesses and sores
Skin abscess 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 Shi Wei Bai Du San, with saposhnikovia root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear internal abscesses and sores
Skin abscess 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.
TCM Herbs for Skin Abscess
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address skin abscess, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that clear heat and relieve toxicity
- Warm/Acrid herbs that release the exterior
- Herbs that cool the blood
- Herbs that clear heat and purge fire and/or clear summer heat
- Herbs that invigorate the blood
- Warm herbs that transform phlegm and stop cough
- Herbs that regulate qi
- Herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Cathartic herbs that drain downward
- Tonic herbs for qi deficiency
- Herbs for external application
- Purgative herbs that drain downward
- Herbs that drain dampness
Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity
Skin abscess 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 Natural Indigo (Qing Dai), a key herb in some formulas recommended for skin abscess, like Er Qing Gao.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that clear Heat and relieve Toxicity" recommended for skin abscess
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Natural Indigo (Qing Dai) | Er Qing Gao |
| Bistort Rhizomes (Quan Shen) | Not applicable |
| Black Nightshade Herbs (Long Kui) | Not applicable |
| Bushy Sophora Roots (Shan Dou Gen) | Not applicable |
| Chinese Lobelia Herbs (Ban Bian Lian) | Not applicable |
| Chinese Tulip Bulbs (Shan Ci Gu) | Not applicable |
| Paris Rhizomes (Chong Lou) | Not applicable |
| Patrinia (Bai Jiang Cao) | Not applicable |
| Semiaquilegia Root Tubers (Tian Kui Zi) | Not applicable |
| Tokyo Violets (Zi Hua Di Ding) | Not applicable |
Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior
Skin abscess 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 Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie), a key herb in some formulas recommended for skin abscess, like Shi Wei Bai Du San.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Warm/Acrid herbs that release the Exterior" recommended for skin abscess
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Japanese Catnip (Jing Jie) | Shi Wei Bai Du San |
| Saposhnikovia Roots (Fang Feng) | Shi Wei Bai Du San |
| Scallions (Cong Bai) | Not applicable |
Herbs that cool the Blood
Skin abscess 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 Hibiscus Leaves (Fu Rong Ye), a key herb in some formulas recommended for skin abscess, like Er Qing Gao.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that cool the Blood" recommended for skin abscess
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Hibiscus Leaves (Fu Rong Ye) | Er Qing Gao |
| Ox Gallstones (Niu Huang) | Not applicable |
Herbs that clear Heat and purge Fire and/or clear Summer Heat
Skin abscess 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 Barbat Skullcap Herb (Ban Zhi Lian), which is directly recommended for skin abscess.
Herbs that invigorate the Blood
Skin abscess 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 Chinese Sage Herb (Shi Jian Chuan), which is directly recommended for skin abscess.
Warm herbs that transform Phlegm and stop Cough
Skin abscess can be treated by these herbs when it results from phlegm due to cold deficiency, aiming to warm the lungs and dissolve phlegm accumulation.
One such herb is Arisaema (Tian Nan Xing), which is directly recommended for skin abscess.
Herbs that regulate Qi
Skin abscess can be treated by these herbs when resulting from Qi stagnation or imbalance, helping to promote the smooth flow of Qi in the body.
One such herb is Bitter Orange Seeds (Ju He), which is directly recommended for skin abscess.
Herbs that nourish the Heart and calm the Spirit
Skin abscess can be treated by these herbs when it is linked to deficiencies in heart nourishment, addressing both physical and emotional imbalances.
One such herb is Chinese Senega Roots (Yuan Zhi), which is directly recommended for skin abscess.
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Skin abscess 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 Fleeceflower Roots (He Shou Wu), which is directly recommended for skin abscess.
Cathartic herbs that drain downward
Skin abscess can be treated by these herbs when due to excess accumulation in the intestines and stomach, aiding in eliminating waste and toxins through purgation.
One such herb is Kansui Roots (Gan Sui), which is directly recommended for skin abscess.
Tonic herbs for Qi Deficiency
Skin abscess can be treated by these herbs when stemming from a lack of vital energy or Qi, helping to boost energy and overall vitality.
One such herb is Liquorice (Gan Cao), which is directly recommended for skin abscess.
Herbs for external application
Skin abscess 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 Realgar (Xiong Huang), which is directly recommended for skin abscess.
Purgative herbs that drain downward
Skin abscess 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 abscess, like Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang.
Herbs that drain Dampness
Skin abscess 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 Wax Gourd Seeds (Dong Gua Zi), which is directly recommended for skin abscess.