Wet spreading sore

A sore small sore that easily spreads by scratching. A wet spreading sore when first appearing on the skin is about the size of a grain of millet. It itches incessantly, and when scratched, spreads very quickly. In severe cases, it is associated with generalized heat. It is attributed to congealing stagnating heart fire and spleen dampness that after further contraction of external evil becomes depressed in the skin.

Biomedical correspondence: acute eczema and Engman’s disease (dermatitis infectiosa eczematoides).

Medicinal therapy: Dispel wind and overcome dampness; clear heat and cool the blood. Oral: Take Wind-Dispersing Powder (消风散 xiāo fēng sǎn). Topical: Apply Indigo Powder (青黛散 qīng dài sǎn) or Three Stones Powder (三石散 sān shí sǎn). Alternatively, use powdered coptis (Coptidis Rhizoma, 黄连 huáng lián).