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This is a severe condition among carbuncles and sores (Yong Ju), as its location corresponds to the Heart, Lungs, and Umbilicus. When occurring on the lower back, it is called "Da Shou" (Hand-Reaching Carbuncle), named because the hand can reach the affected area. If there is severe redness, swelling, and pain, it should be termed Back Carbuncle (Bei Yong). The treatment methods are detailed in the Yang Syndrome section under Carbuncles and Boils. If the color is white with swelling and pain, it should be treated according to the method for Liu Zhu (Flowing Abscess). If the lesion is flat and painless, it should be treated according to the method for Yin Sore (Yin Ju). These all belong to Yin Back Carbuncle. If cold-natured medicines are mistakenly taken, cooling plasters are mistakenly applied, or cold ointments are mistakenly pasted, the toxin will inevitably attack the internal organs, leading to untreatable conditions.

Ma stated: There are many conditions presenting as flat and painless, which cannot all be classified as Yin Sore. Whenever a sore begins, there must be a head (pustule).

When the ring finger of the hand or foot suffers from whiteness and severe pain, it is Tuo Gu Ju (Bone-Stripping Gangrene). Various medical texts record that if the finger is promptly amputated, life can be saved; otherwise, swelling will spread to the dorsum of the hand or foot, rendering it untreatable. Little do they know that for this type of sore, adults may use Yang He Tang (Cordyceps Decoction), children may use Xiao Jin Dan (Little Golden Pill), and for the most severe cases, Xi Huang Wan (Rhino Horn Pill) can be used to dissipate the lesion. If the color is red, treat it according to the methods for Hot Boils or Snake Head Sores.

Ma stated: This condition, whether on the hand or foot, is formed by the concretion of Fire Toxin, Damp-Heat. It also occurs when pathogenic factors sink into the Lower Jiao during warm epidemic diseases. In such cases, Yang He Tang must absolutely not be administered.

It is further said: Tuo Ju without whiteness will necessarily present with red-purple discoloration, accompanied by either pain or no pain, or numbness and coldness. Each of the ten fingers has its governing meridian. Whichever meridian receives the toxin manifests on that specific finger. It may also spread across four fingers. However, it mostly occurs on the toes and rarely on the fingers, both caused by the internal accumulation of Fire Toxin. Xiao Jin Dan is also inappropriate here.

Tao stated: Tuo Gu Ju begins on the toes, gradually spreading up to the knee, turning black, with unbearable pain, leading to death as joints fall off sequentially. It can also occur on the hands. The prescription uses earth bee nests ground into fine powder, mixed with vinegar, which heals upon application. Truly a miraculous prescription.

The lesion occurs on the finger, resembling a snake's head, hence the name. If red and swollen, take a segment of white radish, hollow out a hole, insert 3 fen of Realgar (Xiong Huang), steam until half-cooked, and fit it over the finger. Alternatively, take the kernel of a Chinese Plum (Wu Mei), chew it thoroughly, apply it to the finger, along with tender plaster, which will cause the lesion to dissipate. If the lesion is white, taking Xiao Jin Dan will lead to recovery.

Ma stated: Tian She Tou (Heavenly Snake Head) is essentially Ding Chuang (Ding Carbuncle/Furuncle), not a condition suitable for Xiao Jin Dan. If the color is white, indicating Jiang Jie Zhu (Stiff Joint Rot/Necrosis), then Xiao Jin Dan can be taken. One must not fail to examine this carefully.