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Ancient texts state that one should apply a plaster to the top of the lesion and apply medication around the four sides for enclosure. For large swellings and toxic sores that are about to suppurate, first apply Wujin Gao (Black Gold Plaster) to the head of the sore, then apply Wanquan Gao (Perfect Safety Plaster) over it, and surround the area with Furong Gao (Hibiscus Plaster). The area covered by the plaster is intended to promote pus discharge, while the area covered by the medicated powder is intended to promote resolution. This method can also bind the root of the swelling, preventing it from spreading. This three-layer application method consists of: the first layer applying Wujin Gao to the head of the sore. If there is diffuse swelling without a distinct head, paste a wet paper sheet on it; the place where the paper dries first indicates the location of the sore's head. The second layer applies Wanquan Gao. The third layer surrounds the area with Furong Gao. However, I have occasionally used Wanquan Gao to completely cover the swollen area, binding the root together as well. The parts that were meant to resolve naturally resolved, and the parts meant to ulcerate naturally ulcerated, ultimately achieving complete success. This demonstrates the efficacy of plasters.

In treating carbuncles and furuncles, if the opening is small but the pus is abundant, the pus may not drain or may not drain completely. Thin pus may drain easily, while thick/hard pus is difficult to expel, leading to stasis remaining and new tissue failing to grow, resulting in prolonged and difficult healing. The treatment method should be to cauterize and enlarge the opening, allowing all stasis and pus to exit, which is optimal. Among cauterizing medications, Wu Jin San (Black Gold Powder) is the best. It removes necrotic flesh without damaging new tissue and causes little pain, making it extremely effective. If there is a sinus tract, wrap the medication in cotton paper twists and insert them into the tract, changing several pieces frequently until the necrosis dissolves. In cases of extreme hardness where Wu Jin San cannot remove the necrosis, Huafu Zixia Gao (Corrosion-Removing Purple Cloud Plaster) should be applied. Nevertheless, nothing is as stable and reliable as Wu Jin San.

The most difficult aspect of treating carbuncles and furuncles is closing the wound, which is caused by mixed necrotic flesh and incomplete drainage of stagnant pus. Unskilled practitioners fail to recognize this and recklessly use astringent and tonifying agents to force closure, fearing that internal toxins may relapse later, potentially worse than before. Only Haifu San (Sea Float Powder), which I use, can be considered a supreme treasure. Applying this powder causes necrotic flesh to detach naturally, eliminating the need for surgical excision. New flesh grows naturally without harboring toxins, ensuring every application is appropriate. The general protocol is to first wash the area with Fangfeng Tang (Saposhnikovia Decoction), then apply the powdered medicine. During washing, avoiding wind exposure is paramount. Ancient texts state that frequent washing with decoctions must strictly avoid wind drafts, which aligns with this principle. For patients with weak constitutions who cannot close wounds, internal administration of tonifying medicines is required to assist the process.