White scaling wind

Also head-wind white scaling. A scaling skin disease of the neck, which can spread over the face, nose, and ears. White scaling wind, is attributed to wind-heat that after invading the body through the pores, lies depressed for a long time and gives rise to blood dryness that deprives the skin of nourishment. It occurs after puberty and is more common in males than females. The scales are easily removed by scratching or combing, and develop again. Sometimes some of the scales are yellow and oily, and crustlike. Sometimes there are itchy papules that produce a sticky or bloody fluid when scratched. The condition may be associated with hair loss in the affected areas.

Biomedical correspondence: seborrheic dermatitis; seborrheic ichthyosis.

Medicinal therapy: Dispel wind, moisten dryness, and clear heat. Take Wind-Dispersing Powder (消风散 xiāo fēng sǎn) orally, and rub on Flesh-Moistening Paste (润肌膏 rùn jī gāo) or Reversal Powder (颠倒散 diān dǎo sǎn) prepared as a wash with 1.5g each of finely powdered raw rhubarb (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma Crudi, 生大黄 shēng dà huáng) and sulfur (Sulphur, 石硫黄 shí liú huáng) mixed into 100 ml. of limewash.