Melasma (chloasma) is a pigmentary skin disorder that occurs most commonly on the face of women in early or middle adulthood. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) literature, melasma has also been referred to as “dark facial pigmentation,” “liver-related facial pigmentation,” “facial dust,” and “pregnancy spots.” When attributed to liver disease, it is also called “liver…
Lin syndrome refers to a group of conditions attributed to dietary factors, overexertion, or invasion by damp-heat. Its main pathomechanisms are kidney deficiency, damp-heat in the bladder, and impaired qi transformation. It is primarily characterized by frequent, urgent urination; dribbling after urination; painful, difficult urination; cramping in the lower abdomen; and pain radiating to the…
Strangury syndrome refers to a group of disorders attributed to dietary factors, overexertion, or invasion by damp-heat. Its main underlying patterns are kidney deficiency, damp-heat in the urinary bladder, and impaired qi transformation. It is characterized clinically by frequent, urgent urination; dribbling; painful, difficult urination; lower abdominal tightness; and pain radiating to the lower back…
Lin syndrome (strangury) refers to a group of disorders attributed to dietary factors, overexertion, or invasion by damp-heat. Its main pathomechanisms include kidney deficiency, damp-heat in the bladder, and impaired qi transformation. Its principal clinical manifestations are frequent, urgent urination; dribbling or incomplete urination; urethral discomfort or pain; cramping in the lower abdomen; and pain…
Sensitive skin (SS), also known as sensitive skin syndrome, refers to highly reactive, poorly tolerant, or allergy-prone skin. It is a skin condition characterized by subjective sensations triggered by susceptibility to various factors. Clinical manifestations are predominantly subjective and include tightness, irritation, burning, pain, and itching. There may be no objective skin lesions or clinical…
Tinea manuum and tinea pedis are superficial fungal infections caused by dermatophytes that affect the palmar surfaces and palms of the hands, or the toe webs, sides, soles, and heels of the feet. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), tinea manuum falls within the category known as “goose-palm wind” (e zhang feng). The term first appeared…
Genital herpes is a common viral sexually transmitted infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV has two types: HSV-1 and HSV-2. HSV-1 and HSV-2 can both cause infection and recurrence in the same person. In general, HSV-1 causes infections in the upper body (above the waist), while HSV-2 more commonly affects the lower body…
Seborrheic dermatitis is a chronic, superficial inflammatory skin condition characterized by papulosquamous lesions. It occurs in areas with increased sebum production, commonly affecting sebaceous-gland-rich areas such as the scalp, face, and trunk. It is most common in adults and newborns and may be accompanied by varying degrees of itching. In traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), it…
Alopecia areata is a condition involving the sudden onset of localized, patchy hair loss. It can occur anywhere on the body where hair grows. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), alopecia areata is called “You Feng” (油风), and is also known as “Ghost Licked Head” (鬼舐头) or “Ghost-Shorn Head” (鬼剃头). TCM Pattern Differentiation and Treatment Reference…
Dermatomyositis is an autoimmune disease characterized by inflammation affecting the skin, striated muscles, and small blood vessels. It can involve multiple organs. Myositis without skin involvement is called polymyositis, while skin inflammation without myopathy is called clinically amyopathic dermatomyositis. Dermatomyositis and polymyositis often occur alongside other autoimmune diseases. Dermatomyositis resembles “muscle impediment” (肌痹, jī bì)…
