Herpes Zoster

Snake-shaped sores (shechuan chuang) correspond to herpes zoster in modern medicine. This common skin condition is characterized by clusters of blisters distributed in a band on one side of the body and accompanied by pain of varying intensity.

TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference

| Common Symptoms

Clinical description:

Skin lesions are flushed, with tense blister walls and burning, pricking pain. Associated signs may include a bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, irritability, dry stools, dark yellow urine, a red tongue with a yellow coating, and a wiry, slippery, or rapid pulse.

In plain language:

  • The affected skin is red and feels hot, with a flushed, warm appearance.
  • The skin over the blisters feels very tight and taut.
  • The affected area may feel both hot and prickling, with noticeable pain.
  • Other possible symptoms include a bitter taste in the mouth, a dry throat, irritability, hard stools, and yellowish urine.
  • The tongue may appear red with a yellow coating.
  • The pulse may feel taut like a stretched string; it may also feel slippery or faster than usual.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical description:

Clear liver fire, resolve toxins, and relieve pain.

In plain language:

  • In TCM terms, this approach aims to clear excessive liver fire and may help ease symptoms such as dizziness, red eyes, irritability, or a bitter or dry mouth.
  • It aims to dispel pathogenic factors and relieve pain, which may help with discomfort such as a sore, swollen throat, red and swollen sores, or body pain.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

Longdan Xiegan Tang

| Common Symptoms

Clinical description:

Pain persists in the affected area after the rash has cleared, accompanied by restlessness and disturbed sleep. The tongue may be pale or purplish-dark, or have purple spots; the coating may be white or yellow, and the pulse may be wiry and choppy or wiry and thready.

In plain language:

  • The affected area continues to hurt after the rash has cleared, and the pain does not readily subside.
  • You may feel restless and have trouble sleeping at night.
  • The tongue may look pale or purplish-dark, with possible purple spots on its surface.
  • The tongue coating may be white or yellow.
  • The pulse may feel taut and rough, or taut and thin.

| Treatment Approach

Clinical description:

Invigorate blood, resolve stasis, promote the movement of qi, and relieve pain.

In plain language:

  • In TCM terms, this approach aims to promote blood circulation and resolve blood stasis, and may help ease signs such as bruising, menstrual irregularity, or localized lumps.
  • It aims to regulate the flow of qi and relieve pain, which may help with discomfort such as chest or rib-side tightness and distension, abdominal distension and pain, or other body pain.

| Related Products

The products below are provided for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or a prescription. Follow the product packaging and instructions, and use under the guidance of a doctor or pharmacist.

References

  1. Sun Wu, Sun Yongliang, Xu Fengqin. Shuanghuanglian powder injection for 30 cases of herpes zoster[J]. Yiyao Daobao, 1999, 18(3): 160.
  2. Wang Lingfei. Observation of 54 cases of herpes zoster treated with Houttuynia injection[J]. Shiyong Zhongyiyao Zazhi, 2001, 17(1): 26.
  3. Li Weixing. Oral and topical treatment of herpes zoster with Jidesheng Snake Medicine[J]. Shiyong Zhongyi Neike Zazhi, 1993(3): 34.
  4. Wang Xi, Zheng Minhua, Lin Jinru. Observation of the therapeutic effects of Yinhuang oral liquid in 30 older adults with herpes zoster[J]. Haixia Yaoxue, 2000, 12(2): 74.
  5. Hu Ping. Huangshi Xiangsheng Pills for 37 cases of herpes zoster[J]. Zhongguo Minjian Liaofa, 2001, 9(1): 34.
  6. Zhang Mingxing. Daqili Powder for 18 cases of herpes zoster[J]. Zhongguo Minjian Liaofa, 1999, 12(12): 45.
  7. Huang Shuhua, Jiang Hongqing, Yu Fangying. 37 cases of herpes zoster treated with Qili Powder both internally and externally[J]. Zhongguo Minjian Liaofa, 2002, 10(6): 29.
  8. Dong Helian. Zijin Ding for 381 cases of herpes zoster[J]. Guangxi Zhongyiyao, 1996, 19(6): 15.
  9. Wang Hai. Observation of the therapeutic effects of Longzhu Ointment in 150 cases of herpes zoster complicated by secondary suppurative skin disease[J]. Guizhou Yiyao, 2003, 27(1): 70.
  10. Zhang Xiaolin, Wang Hualin. Observation of the therapeutic effects of Jingwanhong Ointment for herpes zoster[J]. Jiefangjun Huli Zazhi, 2000, 17(6): 13.
  11. Zhang Xiaoling, Lu Xianchang. Observation of the therapeutic effects of Shengji Yuhong Ointment in 156 cases of herpes zoster[J]. Zhejiang Zhongyi Xueyuan Xuebao, 1997, 21(4): 17.
  12. Sun Li, Xu Jinping, Su Jinfeng, et al. Observation of the therapeutic effects of ultraviolet negative-ion spray and Chuangzhuo Ointment in 122 cases of herpes zoster[J]. Shandong Yiyao, 2002, 42(12): 63.
  13. Lei Yungen. Mayinglong Musk Hemorrhoid Ointment for 56 cases of herpes zoster[J]. Zhejiang Zhongyi Zazhi, 2003, 7: 281.
  14. Zhang Jilong, Jiang Xiuli. Observation of the therapeutic effects of topical Houzheng Pills in 30 cases of herpes zoster[J]. Linchuang Pifuke Zazhi, 1995, 24(1): 44.
  15. Dong Qingqu, Meng Qinglei. Zhuhuang Powder for 62 cases of herpes zoster[J]. Zhongyi Waizhi Zazhi, 1997(4): 37.