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[Discussion on Differentiating Pure Yang Sores and Ulcers]
In the initial stage of a Pure Yang syndrome, swelling is inevitable, accompanied by fever and slight aversion to cold. The apex of the sore protrudes sharply like the character "Jian" (尖), and the swelling resembles a curved bow with a defined base ("Pan"). Within seven days, pain is predominant; by the second week (fourteen days), pus gradually exudes. At this stage, the patient's movements and rest are naturally calm, appetite returns, and bowel and bladder functions are regular without diarrhea or constipation. Once the swelling subsides and pus discharges, mental clarity is restored, necrotic tissue falls off, new tissue grows, and Qi and Blood are replenished. The "Five Good" prognostic signs naturally appear, while none of the "Seven Bad" signs are present. Pain decreases as pus drains, and swelling recedes with relaxed skin. This belongs to Pure Yang syndromes, which are all easy to treat; among a hundred patients, all can be saved and remain safe. (Quoted from *Waike Zhengzong*)

In the initial stage, if the apex is high, the base is active, the color is red and hot, there is swelling and pain, and it becomes increasingly swollen day by day, this is a favorable course (Shun).
When the abscess has formed, if there is severe pain, the skin is thin and shiny, diet is normal, bowel and bladder functions are harmonious, and the body temperature is warm, this is a favorable course.
After ulceration, if the pus is thick, bright in color, and odorless, necrotic tissue sheds spontaneously, swelling dissipates easily, and the body feels light, this is a favorable course.
After ulceration, if the pus is thick and yellow, new flesh generates easily, the wound closes readily, and dietary intake gradually increases, this is a favorable course.

[Discussion on Differentiating Pure Yin Sores and Ulcers]
In the initial stage of a Pure Yin syndrome, the patient may not realize it is a sore; it appears as a millet-sized nodule that is stiff and rigid. It is neither red nor swollen, nor painful, with only slight heat and slight pain, requiring careful vigilance. After seven days, the body feels fatigued. The base of the sore is flat, and the patient prefers washing with decoctions. The apex is not high, the base is not active, the luster is dull, and the necrotic tissue is not ripe. It is soft and sunken without pus, merely forming empty clusters. The pulse may be floating, rapid, large, fine, or erratic. There is no appetite, trembling of the body, and even after taking decoctions, consciousness remains vague. A membrane forms on the sore resembling shed nail plates, and nodules form in the pores as if containing fragrance. Excessive foul-smelling pus makes the body uncomfortable, movements are panicked, and breath is short. If the sore takes on a purple-black color, the face turns greenish-yellow, spirit is confused with heavy snoring, speech is disjointed or self-directed, the mouth is dry with tongue stiffness, and phlegm-wheezing occurs leading to death, this belongs to Pure Yin syndromes, which are all untreatable; among a hundred patients, all will die. (Quoted from *Waike Zhengzong*)

In the initial stage, if the apex is flat, the base is scattered, the color is dark and slightly swollen, there is no heat or pain, and the body feels fatigued, this is a dangerous condition (Xian).
When the abscess has formed, if it is hard and swollen with a purple color, fails to produce pus, does not ulcerate, and presents with dry mouth and irritability, this is an adverse course (Ni).
After ulceration, if the skin rots, the flesh is hard and does not slough, swelling persists, and there is mental restlessness, this is an adverse course.
After ulceration, if the discharge is clear and thin, although necrotic tissue sheds, new flesh does not grow, and the complexion is poor with a foul odor, this indicates a fatal outcome.