Acne
Acne (fen ci) is a chronic inflammatory skin condition involving the hair follicles and sebaceous glands, occurring on the face, neck, chest, and back. It is characterized by pinhead- or rice-grain-sized papules on the face, chest, and back, or by blackheads, pustules, nodules, and even cysts. Sometimes, squeezing may express white, grainy material resembling crushed rice. It is common during adolescence and corresponds to acne vulgaris in Western medicine.
TCM Pattern Differentiation and Medication Reference
| Common Symptoms
Clinical Description:
The eruption is mainly comedones, with a few papules that are red in color and may itch or be painful. The tongue is red, with a thin yellow coating; the pulse is rapid.
In Plain Language:
- The eruption consists mainly of comedones, with only a few red papules that may itch or hurt.
- The tongue appears somewhat red.
- The tongue coating is thin and yellowish.
- The pulse is relatively fast.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical Description:
Clear heat from the Lung and Stomach, dispel wind, and detoxify.
In Plain Language:
- In TCM, this approach aims to clear heat from the Lung and Stomach. It is traditionally used for signs such as a sore or swollen throat, thirst, bad breath, or swollen, red gums.
- In TCM, this approach aims to dispel wind and clear pathogenic factors. It is traditionally used for signs such as fever, headache, a sore or swollen throat, or red, swollen sores.
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| Common Symptoms
Clinical Description:
The eruption is red, swollen, and painful, or pustules may be present. There may be bad breath, constipation, and dark yellow urine. The tongue is red with a yellow, greasy coating; the pulse is slippery and rapid.
In Plain Language:
- The rash is red, swollen, and painful; pustules may also appear.
- There may be bad breath, constipation, and yellowish urine.
- The tongue appears somewhat red.
- The tongue coating is yellow and greasy.
- The pulse feels slippery and relatively fast.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical Description:
Clear heat, promote the resolution of dampness, detoxify, and dissipate nodules.
In Plain Language:
- In TCM, this approach aims to clear internal heat and promote the elimination of dampness. It is traditionally used for signs such as fever, thirst, a heavy feeling in the body, or difficulty urinating.
- In TCM, this approach aims to clear pathogenic factors and disperse nodules. It is traditionally used for signs such as painful, swollen sores, a sensation of obstruction in the throat, or lumps in the body.
| 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.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical Description:
The eruption is mainly nodules and cysts and may be accompanied by comedones, papules, pustules, sinus tracts, scars, and other varied lesions. The tongue is dark red or purplish, with a thin yellow coating; the pulse is slippery or choppy.
In Plain Language:
- The eruption consists mainly of nodules and cysts. Comedones, papules, pustules, sinus tracts, and scars may also be present.
- The tongue appears dark red or purplish.
- The tongue coating is relatively thin and yellowish.
- The pulse may feel slippery or choppy and uneven.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical Description:
Transform phlegm, soften hardness, invigorate blood, and resolve stasis.
In Plain Language:
- In TCM, this approach aims to transform phlegm and soften hardened areas. It is traditionally used for signs such as throat obstruction, copious phlegm, or lumps in the body.
- In TCM, this approach aims to promote blood circulation and disperse stasis. It is traditionally used for signs such as pain, bruising, or menstrual irregularities.
| 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.
| Common Symptoms
Clinical Description:
The rash is pale red and consists mainly of papules and nodules. There may be irritability and scanty menstrual flow. The tongue is pale red with a white coating; the pulse is deep and fine or fine and rapid.
In Plain Language:
- The rash is pale red and consists mainly of small papules and nodules.
- There may be irritability and a tendency to become angry.
- Menstrual flow may be scantier than usual.
- The tongue is pale red, rather than a vivid red.
- The tongue has a white coating that is thin, leaving the surface looking relatively clear.
- The pulse may feel deep and fine, or fine and relatively fast.
| Treatment Approach
Clinical Description:
Regulate the Chong and Ren meridians.
In Plain Language:
- In TCM, this approach aims to regulate the flow of the Chong and Ren meridians. It is traditionally used for signs such as menstrual irregularities, painful periods, or abnormal vaginal discharge.
- It aims to promote the smooth flow of qi and blood through the Chong and Ren meridians and support greater physiological balance.
| 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
- Zhao Bian. Chinese Clinical Dermatology [M]. Nanjing: Jiangsu Science and Technology Press, 2009: 116.
- Liu Quanwei. Progress in external treatment of acne with Chinese medicine [J]. Journal of External Therapy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2012, 21(2): 48–49.