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Dai Zhi (Nail Paronychia), commonly known as "Zhao," arises within the nail body. Three to four days later, a yellow spot appears on the nail surface. Initially, there is swelling and heat, with pain severe enough to affect the heart; it is advisable to use 5 qian of Licorice Root (Gancao) and Mirabilite (Puxiao), decocted in water for soaking and washing, which will lead to recovery. If the nail surface turns yellow, it indicates that internal pus has formed but lacks an outlet. A small hole must be pricked with a thread needle near the pus within the nail body to allow drainage; subsequently, gently squeeze out any remaining pus and apply Huanglian Ointment (Coptis Ointment) for easy healing. If treatment is delayed, pus toxicity may invade healthy flesh, causing the nail to become hollow and ulcerated, inevitably leading to its detachment. At this stage, Hupo Ointment (Amber Ointment) should be applied, and recovery can be achieved over time.

Zhu Jie Ding (Segmental Tendon Sheath Infection), also known as She Jie Ding (Snake Joint Carbuncle), occurs at the junction of the middle phalanx and the proximal phalanx of the finger. The entire finger swells around the joint, with color ranging from yellow to purple. It is caused by the coagulation of fire-toxin. The treatment is the same as for Ding Ju (Carbuncles and Ulcers).

Qiu Du Ding (Loach Belly Carbuncle), also named She Fu Ding (Snake Belly Carbuncle), arises on the palmar side of the middle phalanx of the finger. Its shape resembles a fish belly, hence also called Yu Du Du (Fish Belly Toxicity). The entire finger is swollen and hot, with pain radiating to the elbow and arm. It is caused by toxic factors of acrid-heat, wind, and dampness invading the Heart Meridian, manifesting as a syndrome of the Heart Meridian. Since the middle finger connects to all five fingers, if the carbuncle on the middle finger turns purple-black, the toxicity is likely malignant and prone to attacking the Heart. If the Heart is affected by toxicity, symptoms such as vomiting, inability to eat, and coma will occur, constituting an incurable condition. It is essential to have the patient sip Hu Xin Dan (Heart-Protecting Pill) frequently, followed by taking Duo Ming Dan (Life-Snatching Pill) to draw out the toxin. Other treatments are the same as for Ding Ju.

Regarding Shi Ying (Loss of Nourishment) and Ma Dao (Hatchet Scrofula), one is incurable while the other is curable. Because their locations are similar and their shapes resemble each other, they are discussed together. Shi Ying results from long-term stagnation of Liver Yang, unexpressed anger, deficiency of Ying-Nutrient Blood, withering of collaterals, and obstruction of meridians. It is named so because it resembles a tree losing its lushness, with withered branches and scorched bark. It arises behind and in front of the ears and in the neck region. Initially, it resembles a chestnut, with a protruding top and contracted base, looking like a phlegm nodule. It feels hard as stone upon palpation, immovable when pushed, as if nailed into the muscle. There is no chills or fever, nor pain initially, but it gradually enlarges. Later, dull pain sets in, penetrating deep into muscles and bones, and it gradually ulcerates. However, only bloody fluid oozes out without pus. The wound opens wider with internal rotting, resembling a lake stone with concave and convex surfaces. At this stage, pain is excruciating, reaching the heart, accompanied by chest tightness and irritability, indicating scattered spirit and failing Qi reception. Subsequently, bleeding erupts from the sore head like a spray bottle, stopping after some time. Those with weak constitutions may die immediately; those with strong Qi and recovering blood may regain stability. If bleeding recurs, life cannot be prolonged (I have seen cases where death occurred after three or four episodes of bleeding). This syndrome is one of the "Four Desperations" and is difficult to treat. Patients should avoid emotional disturbances and regulate their minds. They should frequently take herbs that nourish blood and Qi and resolve stagnation to prolong life; otherwise, death will be hastened. Applicable formulas include Jiawei Xiaoyao San (Modified Free and Easy Wanderer Powder), Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction), Yiqi Yangying Tang (Tonify Qi and Nourish Ying Decoction), Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction), and Heying Sanjian Wan (Harmonize Ying and Dissipate Hardness Pill), used according to circumstances.

Ma Dao (Hatchet Scrofula) is formed by the knotting of stagnant and rebellious Qi and Fire in the Liver and Gallbladder meridians. It also occurs in the neck region. Its shape is long and hard, but it feels substantial upon palpation (indicating it is not a dead lesion). Sometimes it occurs continuously, extending to the hypochondrium and anterior chest, which is also a malignant sign. If the patient can maintain a cheerful mood and proper care, and undergo treatment with methods to soothe the Liver, scatter pathogens, harmonize Ying, and soften hardness, full recovery can be achieved within half a year to one year. If the patient fails to care for themselves or faces adverse circumstances, the condition will worsen over time. The sore head will break down, discharging large amounts of pus and blood, with increasing induration. Many patients eventually die from consumptive weakness. However, it is not as incurable as Shi Ying. Therefore, these two syndromes are discussed together to clarify their different prognoses regarding life and death. The medicinal usage is the same as for Luoli (Scrofula).