Library

Dun Ju (Thick Abscess) often occurs on the toes with pain. The swelling is red and vibrant, discharging pus and blood upon rupture. If there is no foul odor or necrotic tissue due to blood dryness and essence depletion, the etiology is related to excessive consumption of rich foods damaging the Spleen and excessive sexual activity damaging the Kidney.

[Note] This condition mostly occurs on the toes, occasionally on the fingers. Excessive intake of rich and greasy food damages the Spleen; excessive sexual activity damages the Kidney. When the Spleen is damaged, blood production decreases; when the Kidney is injured, essence inevitably depletes. Combined with the accumulation of damp-heat, the disease manifests. Initially, small yellow millet-like nodules appear, with severe pain as if scalded by hot water or burned by fire. The color is red and vibrant, without black halos around the swelling. Upon rupture, pus is discharged, and the necrotic tissue shows no signs of putrefaction, indicating that the blood vessels have not yet died. However, although this condition lacks signs of putrefaction, it originates from internal organ dysfunction and should not be regarded as a minor toxicity. The treatment principle requires urgent administration of herbs that nourish Yin, rescue dryness, tonify blood, and regulate the Spleen. In the early stage, administer Jiedu Jisheng Tang (Detoxification and Life-Preserving Decoction) and Liuwei Dihuang Tang (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill). After ulceration, administer Renshen Yangrong Tang (Ginseng Nourishing Harmony Decoction) and Guifu Dihuang Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Aconite Rehmannia Pill). Externally, in the early stage, apply Ketou Badu San (Tadpole Detoxifying Powder); just before ulceration, apply Chansu Bing (Toad Venom Cake) and simultaneously apply Bagao (Ba Paste). After ulceration and necrosis, switch to applying Shengji Yuhong Gao (Muscle-Regenerating Jade Red Ointment) to promote granulation and wound closure. Moxibustion is strictly prohibited throughout the course. Patients should maintain a clear mind and few desires for recuperation to avoid complications.

Jia Ju (Nail Fungus/Ingrown Nail Abscess) is mostly caused by injury during nail trimming. Overgrown nails invading the flesh cause ulcers. Hyperplastic tissue protrudes with unbearable pain; methods to resolve stasis and transform necrosis are highly effective.

[Note] This condition results from cutting ingrown nails injuring the flesh, trimming nails injuring the flesh, overgrown nails invading the flesh, or wearing tight boots/shoes, leading to swelling, rupture, and erosion beside the nail. It frequently oozes yellow fluid, with hyperplastic tissue protruding and unbearable pain, making it impossible to wear shoes or socks. Originally, healthy tissue is injured. It is suitable to wash with salt water solution, apply Huatuo Leixiao San (Huatuo’s Repeatedly Effective Powder) externally, and cover with Baigaoyao (White Plaster). Healing occurs once the hyperplastic tissue subsides.

Huatuo Leixiao San
Ruxiang (Frankincense), Sharen (Amomum Fruit) (1 qian each), Qingfen (Calomel), Ganlanhe (Olive Pit, burnt to retain its nature, 3 pieces), Huangdan (Lead Tetroxide) (0.3 fen).
Grind all into fine powder, mix with sesame oil, and apply to the affected area.

[Prescription Song] Huatuo’s repeatedly effective powder treats ingrown nails,
With lead tetroxide, calomel, frankincense, and amomum fruit.
Burn olive pits and grind them fine together,
Mix thickly with sesame oil and apply to the lesion.
Baigaoyao (White Plaster) (See Ulcer Section)