Quick Facts
| Health Topic | Skin Wellness |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Pimples, Acne breakouts, Facial acne, Zits, Acne vulgaris-like spots |
| Common Symptoms | Inflamed spots or bumps on the face, chest or back, which may be red, pustular or lingering dark marks. Breakouts can relate to the menstrual cycle, diet or stress, and the skin may feel oily in affected areas. |
| Related TCM Patterns | Damp-Heat · Lung Heat · Stomach Heat |
| Related Classical Formulas |
Skin Acne in Traditional Chinese Medicine
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, acne is often discussed in relation to Lung-Stomach heat or damp-heat, though formula coverage in the current set is still limited. Differentiation would consider oiliness, menstrual links and whether systemic heat signs are present. Accompanying signs such as tongue appearance, pulse quality and the presence of heat or cold help distinguish one presentation from another. This page outlines how the tradition has organised such presentations for educational reference.
TCM Patterns Associated With Skin Acne
The same presentation may be understood through more than one pattern. Pattern differentiation weighs the accompanying signs, not the symptom on its own.
| Pattern | Common Features | Related Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Damp-Heat濕熱證Damp Patterns | A heavy body with a sense of heat, sticky or bitter taste in the mouth, scanty dark urine, and discomfort that worsens in hot humid weather. There may be greasy skin, sticky stools, or yellowish discharge. Thirst is present but drinking may not feel satisfying. Tongue red with a yellow greasy coating; pulse slippery and rapid. | |
| Lung Heat肺熱證Heat Patterns | Cough with yellow or sticky phlegm, thirst, a feeling of heat in the chest, and possible shortness of breath or flaring of the nostrils in stronger presentations. Fever may be present without marked chills, and the throat can feel sore or dry. Tongue red with a yellow coating; pulse rapid, possibly slippery. | |
| Stomach Heat胃熱證Heat Patterns | Burning or discomfort in the epigastrium, thirst with preference for cold drinks, bad breath, and a tendency toward constipation or dry stools. The gums may feel swollen or sore, and appetite can be strong yet unsettled. Tongue red with a yellow coating, possibly dry in the centre; pulse slippery and rapid. |
Classical Formulas Traditionally Associated
Associated with 9 classical formulas
Listed for study. Which formula fits, if any, depends on the pattern rather than the symptom.
Pi Pa Qing Fei Yin
枇杷清肺飲 · Pí Pá Qīng Fèi Yǐn
Lung HeatHeat-Clearing FormulasWu Wei Xiao Du Yin
五味消毒飲 · Wǔ Wèi Xiāo Dú Yǐn
Damp-HeatHeat-Clearing FormulasXian Fang Huo Ming Yin
仙方活命飲 · Xiān Fāng Huó Mìng Yǐn
Damp-HeatHeat-Clearing FormulasHuang Lian Jie Du Tang
黃連解毒湯 · Huáng Lián Jiě Dú Tāng
Damp-HeatHeat-Clearing FormulasQing Wei San
清胃散 · Qīng Wèi Sàn
Stomach HeatHeat-Clearing FormulasLiang Ge San
涼膈散 · Liáng Gé Sàn
Stomach HeatHeat-Clearing FormulasQing Shang Fang Feng Tang
清上防風湯 · Qīng Shàng Fáng Fēng Tāng
Wind-HeatHeat-Clearing FormulasChai Hu Qing Gan Tang
柴胡清肝湯 · Chái Hú Qīng Gān Tāng
Liver FireHeat-Clearing FormulasShi Liu Wei Liu Qi Yin
十六味流氣飲 · Shí Liù Wèi Liú Qì Yǐn
Qi StagnationQi-Regulating FormulasRelated Health Topic
Skin Wellness — Formulas that clear heat and toxins and support healthy skin from within.
Health Topic
See all Skin Wellness conditions
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This library is educational. It describes how Traditional Chinese Medicine has traditionally understood these presentations. It is not a diagnosis, and it is not a treatment recommendation.
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