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Near the joint of the little finger close to the palm, swelling, pain, and redness occur; this condition is called *Chongyao Jie* (Important Joint). (*Waike Zhengzong*)

Wang Kentang stated: *Hongjian Ding* (Red Coccal Carbuncle) arises from excessive Heart Fire transmitting to the Spleen Meridian, causing toxins to manifest at the four extremities. The lesions resemble water droplets or blisters, indistinguishable from blood blisters (Xue Pao, blisters formed by subcutaneous bleeding), and commonly appear between the hands, feet, chest, and back. Modern people fail to recognize it, misdiagnosing it as *Huodan* (Fire Erysipelas) or *Banchuang* (Spotted Sores), thereby delaying treatment and causing severe complications. In the initial stage, when red in color, it is appropriate to puncture with a needle to evacuate bad blood, and internally administer formulas such as *Qingxin Baidu Huanglian Wan* (Coptis Pill for Clearing Heart Heat and Resolving Toxins). If the color turns purple, the condition is critical; if it becomes grayish-black, death is inevitable. The progression is rapid; puncturing to evacuate bad blood can slow the toxin's spread. The treatment follows the methods for *Ding* (Carbuncles). (*Yixue Zhunsheng*)

Wang Kentang stated: *Biaoju* (Acute Ulcerative Gangrene) manifests as sudden nodules within the flesh, resembling bean grains; small ones are like millet seeds, large ones like plums or peaches. They may be red, white, green, or black, with variable shapes. They have a root but do not initially swell diffusely; touching them causes pain radiating to the heart. The root penetrates deeply into the muscle. After prolonged duration, swelling spreads in all directions, and blisters darken to purple-black, capable of rotting muscles and bones. If the toxin disperses along the meridians into the Zang organs, it is fatal. People in the South call it *Tuo Zhuo Du* (Touching Poison). In areas with thick flesh, it is surgically excised; alternatively, cauterization with hot iron until charred like charcoal, or moxibustion of one hundred cones, may be used. This disease favors the ten fingers, resembling *Daizhi* (Subungual Abscess); because people do not recognize it, they call it *Daizhi*. If not treated urgently, the toxin ascends along the meridians into the Zang organs, causing death. Southerners often amputate the affected finger upon diagnosis. Initially, dark blisters appear on the fingertip, followed by swelling, redness, blackening, and dullness, with excruciating pain penetrating the heart. (*Yixue Zhunsheng*)

Chen Shigong stated: *Biaoju*, also known as *Shezhang* (Snake Miasma), is common in miasma-prone regions such as Sichuan and Guangdong. It begins as red spots that turn black, rotting muscles and bones. Lesions range from small like millet/beans to large like plums/peaches, appearing in unpredictable locations. In the early stage, cover with *Chansu Bing Gao* (Toad Venom Cake Paste). For spreading redness and swelling, apply *Zhenjun Miaotie San* (Miraculous Adhesive Powder of the True Lord) mixed with Realgar (Xionghuang) externally to arrest the disease. After ulceration, if the Spleen and Stomach are weak and tonifying/supportive treatments fail, and only clear, foul fluid is discharged, the condition is incurable. (*Waike Zhengzong*)

Feng Luzhan stated: *Biaoju* presents in several varieties. Lesions are small like millet/beans or large like plums/peaches, varying in color (green, black, red, white) unpredictably. They may appear on arms, kidney regions, mouth/teeth, or umbilicus, with no fixed location, though most frequently occurring between fingers. The root penetrates deep into muscle, with swelling traveling up the arm. Toxic blood flows and accumulates, traversing sinews and vessels, rotting flesh to expose bone, with massive hemorrhage. Symptoms such as delirium, restlessness, and confusion indicate the toxin attacking the Heart, which is incurable. (*Jinnang*)

Gu Shicheng stated: *Biaoju* can arise anywhere and is prevalent in miasma-prone regions like Sichuan and Guangdong. Pain is excruciating and unceasing, rotting muscles and bones. Upon ulceration, pus resembles bean curd dregs; after wiping dry today, the pus refills by tomorrow. It recurs after apparent healing.