Damp lichen

Lichen (skin conditions characterized by slight elevation of the skin, watery discharge, scaling, and itching) arising as a result of wind-damp-heat invading the skin. Damp lichen is characterized by redness, ulceration, itching, a feeling of worms creeping in the skin. Scratching causes exudation of watery discharge and gradual spread of the sore.

Biomedical correspondence: acute eczema, dermatitis.

Medicinal therapy: Eliminate dampness and kill worms. Use Dampness-Eliminating Stomach-Calming Poria Five Decoction (除湿胃苓汤 chú shī wèi líng tāng) as oral medication and Cnidium Seed Powder (蛇床子散 shé chuáng zǐ sǎn) mixed with sesame oil.

Acumoxatherapy: Select ouch points (阿是穴 ā shì xué), GV-14 (Great Hammer, 大椎 dà zhuī), BL-12 (Wind Gate, 风门 fēng mén), BL-40 (Bend Center, 委中 wěi zhōng), LI-11 (Pool at the Bend, 曲池 qū chí), LI-4 (Union Valley, 合谷 hé gǔ), SP-9 (Yīn Mound Spring, 阴陵泉 yīn líng quán), SP-10 (Sea of Blood, 血海 xuè hǎi), and HT-7 (Spirit Gate, 神门 shén mén). Needle with drainage. For pronounced itching, add Itch Reliever (止痒 zhǐ yǎng).