Scrofula

Scrofula is a chronic suppurative disease affecting the neck. It is so named because the nodules occur in clusters, resembling a string of beads. It is also known as “scrofula of the neck” or “rat sore,” and corresponds to cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis in Western medicine.

TCM Pattern Identification and Medication Reference

|Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

Often seen in the early stage of scrofula, with firm masses and no obvious systemic symptoms. The tongue coating is yellow and greasy; the pulse is wiry and slippery.

In Plain Language:

  • Often seen in the early stage of nodular lumps on the side of the neck or in the armpit.
  • The lump feels relatively hard and firm and is not easily compressed.
  • There are generally no obvious whole-body symptoms, such as fever or fatigue.
  • The tongue coating appears yellow and greasy.
  • The pulse feels taut and somewhat slippery when palpated.

|Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Soothe the Liver and regulate qi; transform phlegm and dissipate nodules.

In Plain Language:

  • May help soothe Liver qi and promote the smooth flow of qi, easing discomfort such as distension in the chest and flanks, low mood, or frequent sighing.
  • May help transform phlegm and disperse lumps, easing symptoms such as difficulty expectorating phlegm, a sensation of obstruction in the throat, or masses in the body.

|Related Products

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

|Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

The nodules gradually enlarge and become attached to the overlying skin, which turns dark red. There is tidal fever in the afternoon and night sweats. The tongue is red with little coating; the pulse is thin and rapid.

In Plain Language:

  • The lumps gradually enlarge, and the subcutaneous nodules join together; the local skin becomes dark red.
  • Tidal fever may occur in the afternoon, and sweating may occur during sleep at night.
  • The tongue is somewhat red, with little coating.
  • The pulse often feels thin and somewhat rapid.

|Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Nourish yin and reduce fire.

In Plain Language:

  • May help nourish yin and ease discomfort such as dry mouth and throat, heat in the palms and soles, or a sensation of body heat.
  • May help reduce deficiency fire and ease symptoms such as restlessness, insomnia, night sweats, or facial flushing.

|Related Products

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

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan

|Common Symptoms

Clinical Description:

The sores discharge thin pus mixed with flocculent, necrotic material. The person is thin, lethargic, and has a dull complexion. The tongue is pale and tender, with a thin coating; the pulse is thin.

In Plain Language:

  • The wound discharges thin pus containing fragments that look like decayed cotton.
  • The person appears thin.
  • They seem low in energy and tire easily.
  • The complexion appears dull.
  • The tongue is pale and appears soft and delicate.
  • The tongue coating is thin.
  • The pulse feels thin.

|Treatment Approach

Clinical Description:

Tonify qi and nourish blood.

In Plain Language:

  • May help support the body’s qi and ease discomfort such as weakness, shortness of breath, or easy fatigue.
  • May help nourish the blood and ease signs such as a pale complexion, dizziness, palpitations, or poor nourishment of the skin.

|Related Products

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

Shi Quan Da Bu Tang

References

  1. Wang Li. TCM Understanding and Treatment of Scrofula[J]. Kai Juan You Yi—Seeking Medical Advice, 2016(1): 24-25.
  2. Yang Huanjie, Zhang Honghai, Wu Chengdong, et al. Clinical Efficacy and Anti-inflammatory Study of Ultrafine Compound Huadu Gao in Treating Acute Swellings[J]. World Chinese Medicine, 2008(5): 272-274.
  3. Cao Wei. TCM Discussion of Keloids and Clinical Experience with Heibu Yaogao Treatment[J]. Chinese Journal of Dermatovenereology of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine, 2011(5): 308-309.
  4. Huang Yujuan, Yao Ximei. Treatment of 1,268 Surgical Cases with Compound Tiegu San Ointment and Zhitong San Ointment[J]. Shaanxi Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2005(6): 529.
  5. Shi Dongming, Gao Yan. Summary of Treatment Experience with the “Shi Scrofula Root-Resection Procedure” (with an Observation of Outcomes in 658 Cases)[J]. Shanghai Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1957(11): 23-26.
  6. Li Gusong. Notes on Experience in Treating Scrofula[J]. Jiangsu Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1960(4): 20-22.
  7. Yong Mei. Nursing Experience in External Treatment of 90 Cases of Scrofula Complicated by Sinus Tracts[J]. Modern Journal of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, 2009(3): 321-322.