Fat sore

Also sand-heap perverse crop. A scalp disease characterized by yellow scabs. Fat sores start with small papules or pustules like millet grains that exude yellow water after rupture to gradually form sulfur-colored platelike scabs transpierced by hairs. Falling of the scabs reveals an eroded wound, which when it finally heals leaves a scar. Fat sores are itchy and have a strange smell similar to that of rat’s urine. They are attributed to spleen-stomach damp-heat sweltering the scalp or to contact infection.

Biomedical correspondence: favus (also known as honeycomb ringworm and formerly known by the term tinea favosa).

Medicinal therapy: Wash with a decoction of scallions or sophora twigs (Sophorae Ramulus, 槐枝 huái zhī) and remove the scabs. Apply Fat Oil Paste (肥油膏 féi yóu gāo). It may help to pluck the affected area of hair.