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Lu Xiaoyu treated the magistrate of Xu County. At the end of autumn and beginning of winter, the patient developed boils all over his body, varying in size, with redness, pain, itching, and profuse yellow discharge. Some attributed it to wind-heat and prescribed Fangfeng Tongsheng San (Windproof Unblocking Hero Decoction), but after several doses, there was no improvement. Others, citing the principle that "all painful sores and ulcers belong to heart fire," prescribed herbs such as Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Lianlian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Shanzhi (Gardeniae Fructus), and Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix). After ten doses, the condition worsened, and appetite gradually decreased. The pulse was slightly rapid on superficial palpation (floating) and slow and weak on deep and moderate palpation. Lu said: "Generally, wind-heat manifests mostly as urticaria (wind rash), not necessarily as boils or sores. Although classics state that sores can belong to heart fire, the pulse is usually weak and faint, indicating deficiency of primordial qi. A slow pulse indicates dampness. Although a rapid pulse indicates heat, a slightly rapid pulse cannot be solely blamed on fire toxin. Based on today's symptoms, fire toxin is the branch (manifestation), and dampness is the root (cause). Tracing the etiology, dampness is the branch, and deficiency of primordial qi is the root. This must have occurred because he bathed while sweating due to deficiency, allowing dampness to soak into the muscle and interstices. Over time, heat eroded the tissue, turning it into pus and water, causing pain and itching." He used Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Yiren (Coicis Semen), and Fuling (Poria) as sovereign herbs to dry dampness; Renshen (Ginseng Radix), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Huangqi (Astragali Radix), and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix) as minister herbs to tonify qi; Liaoqiao (Forsythiae Fructus) and Chantui (Cicadae Periostracum) as assistant herbs to clear heat; and Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix) and Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) as envoy herbs entering the Yangming muscle layer. After two doses, pain and itching were significantly reduced, and appetite improved. After ten doses, the patient fully recovered.

Ziheyzi treated Han Jiqing from Yingao. From the thigh to the foot, he developed wet sores, large as coins and small as beans. When itchy, scratching caused them to break, and fluid spread like insects crawling in socks. They healed only to recur, leaving depressed scars, persisting for over ten years without healing. Ziheyzi laughed and said: "This is a wet sore, caused by water-dampness, hence often appearing on the feet." He administered Zhouchewan (Boat Cart Pill) and Jichuan Jian (River Crossing Decoction) to induce severe purgation, resulting in more than ten bowel movements, after which the disease vanished instantly.

A provincial clerk had recurrent acne and boils on his back and neck. Ziheyzi said: "This is excess blood in the Taiyang channel." He first induced vomiting to drain pathogenic factors, then pricked the Weizhong (BL40) acupoint to release dark purple blood, after which the disease never recurred. Mr. Zhang Gongchang liked to bake his back and feet with hot fires and consumed meat from dead animals. Over time, his feet frequently developed boils that recurred for over half a month. He was given Qingliang Yinzi (Cooling Drink) to purge, expelling accumulated dark purple-black blood in stool. After more than a month, the accumulated toxins were removed, demonstrating how accumulated heat-toxins cause abscesses.

Xue Lizhai treated the wife of scholar Shen Nichuan. In summer, she developed facial acne and boils. Due to exposure to cool air and wind, her face and eyes swelled. Two days later, her left arm became swollen and painful, with urticaria resembling erysipelas. Swollen lumps appeared on her back, flanks, thighs, and legs. The skin color was not red, but pain was severe, causing day-and-night crying. She experienced alternating chills and fever and lost her appetite. Huoming Yin (Life-Saving Decoction) and Qi-moving detoxifying agents worsened the condition. The liver pulse was floating and choppy; the spleen pulse was wiry and weak. This indicated disharmony of Ying-nutrient qi in these two channels, with wind pathogens invading the meridians due to deficiency. First, Bazhen Tang (Eight-Treasure Decoction) plus Huangqi, Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), and Qingpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) was used, causing the lumps to gradually turn red. Then, Shiquan Dabu Tang (Ten Substances Great Tonifying Decoction) plus Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), Baizhi, Longdancao (Gentianae Radix), and Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus) was administered for over ten doses. The flank and leg lesions ulcerated, discharging about a bowl of pus, while other lumps flattened. Continued administration of Shiquan Dabu Tang for a month led to stability. Had purely wind-dispelling and toxic-clearing methods been used, failure would have been inevitable.

Zhang Zhongan treated frostbite using Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex) calcined to retain its properties, ground fine, and mixed with egg white for topical application. For broken skin, dry powder was applied directly, yielding miraculous results.

For summer skin ulcers caused by scratching or sitting/lying on damp ground during heavy sweating, a wet nurse suggested applying dry wall soil powder, which healed immediately.

For stubborn malignant sores unresponsive to various medicines, old rice formed into tight balls, calcined, and mixed with sesame oil and Nifen (Calomel) was applied. Su Taoguang suffered from fragmented sores above the ear for over two months with pain and itching, unresponsive to hundreds of medicines. Ji Changchuan shared this formula. Initially skeptical, Su tried it and healed daily. When it recurred in the Xin Chou year, Lv Xianmo advised treating summer phlegm-fluid retention patterns. Thus, soap calcined to retain properties, mixed with raw oil and Nifen, proved excellent.

Xue Lizhai treated a 43-year-old man who, since age 40, experienced summer fevers and fatigue, worsening at noon and improving in the evening. Facial sores appeared, along with slight swelling of tendons below the ear and three to four small nodules attached to the tendons. Xue diagnosed this as "Zhuxia" (Summer Malaise) caused by kidney yin deficiency failing to control heart fire due to sexual indiscretion in summer. The patient rejected this, taking cooling and detoxifying herbs, which exacerbated dry mouth, fatigue, night fevers, afternoon leg weakness, hot soles, and tendon pain. Xue explained: Dry mouth and fatigue indicate sinking of middle qi; night fever indicates yang qi sinking into the yin level; afternoon leg weakness and hot soles indicate severe yin deficiency with hyperactive fire; tendon pain indicates blood deficiency failing to nourish tendons. Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) with minimal Chaihu and Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), plus Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), and Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) resolved symptoms quickly. Zishen Wan (Nourish Kidney Pill) completed the cure. Using cold/detoxifying herbs for seasonal symptoms could be dangerous. Headache, leg weakness, poor appetite, and body heat in late spring/early summer with a wiry-large pulse match Zhang Zhongjing’s description of "worse in spring/summer, better in autumn/winter," known as Zhuxia.

The Prefect of Zhaozhou, a northerner over forty, had multiple head/face sores preferring cold drinks, unbroken for days despite clearing heat/detoxifying meds. His pulse was rapid but firm on pressure. Fengwang Tongsheng San cured him in two doses, followed by Jingfang Baidu San (Aster and Saposhnikovia Detoxifying Decoction). Another male with limb sores, also excess pattern, healed with Huanglian Jiedu Tang (Coptis Detoxification Decoction).

Miu Zhongchun treated a woman with an arm boil using Liaoqiao, Baizhi, Baiji (Bletillae Rhizoma), Huafen (Trichosanthis Radix) each 2 qian; Ganju (Chrysanthemi Flos) 1 liang; Zihuadiding (Viola Herba) and Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos) each 5 qian; Gancao, Shengdi, Qiancao (Rubiae Radix) each 3 qian; Diyu (Sanguisorbae Radix) 4 qian; Zaoci (Gleditsiae Spina) and Niubangzi (Arctii Fructus) each 1 qian. Pus and blood drained within half a day, curing her. For a man with a knee boil, adding Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix) 3 qian caused immediate rupture and bleeding, curing him.

Ding Youwu’s verified formula for bedsores: Songxiang (Rosin) 5 qian, Xionghuang (Realgar) 1 qian, ground fine. For wet/itchy cases, add Cangzhu 3 qian. Mix powders, wrap in cotton paper, twist into two torches, soak in December pig lard, ignite, and collect dripping oil for topical application.

Xue Lizhai treated a man over forty with weak stomach qi, frequent facial sores, night sweats, and fever. Huangqi Jianzhong Tang (Astragalus Decocting Middle Decoction) helped slightly; Buzhong Yiqi Tang resolved it. Li Dongyuan stated: Qi deficiency leads to loose interstices, allowing pathogens to invade muscles, causing sores. Sweet-warm tonics strengthen the root, securing interstices and preventing disease.

Zhang Sheng developed lacquer dermatitis with vomiting due to weak middle qi and lacquer toxicity. Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) plus Sharen (Amomi Fructus), Huoxiang (Agastaches Herba), and Jiushaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba preparata) worked. Ignoring this, he took Liaoqiao Xiaodu San, worsening vomiting. Returning to the original prescription plus external iron rust powder mixed in sesame oil cured him.

Zhao Qianbing had leg sores; detoxifying herbs caused loss of appetite and swelling, indicating spleen deficiency with damp-heat sinking. Liujunzi Tang plus Cangzhu, Shengma, and Jiushaoyao internal, plus a plaster of Huangla (Yellow Wax), sesame oil, and Qingfen (Calomel) external cured him. Lower body sores are rarely unrelated to spleen/kidney deficiency.

A man with damp-heat sinking causing leg sores healed with Renshen Baidu San plus Cangzhu and Huangbai internally, and Jinhuang San (Golden Yellow Powder) externally. Another chronic case healed with Chu Ban Hui (Ship Board Ash) and Qingfen externally, plus Huangbai, Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Fangji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix), Longdancao, Fuling, Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Huangqi, and Baizhu internally. Body-wide or leg pain responds to Danggui Niantong Tang (Angelica Pain-Relieving Decoction).

A woman with purple-dark ankles scratched open leaked fluid. Wind-dispelling/blood-letting agents flattened it over a year. Caowu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix) caused generalized itching, bloody discharge, internal heat, fatigue, anorexia, and amenorrhea (pulse large-rapid-choppy). Dry herbs damaged spleen blood. Buzhong Yiqi Tang plus Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Chuanxiong, and Wuweizi for ten doses, then Jiawei Xiaoyao San (Modified Free Wanderer Powder) plus Shudi and Gouteng (Uncariae Ramulus Cum Uncis) for twenty doses, finally Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) plus Chuanxiong and Shudi prevented recurrence.

A ascetic woman had limb lesions like tinea/eczema, weeping when itchy, reddening with anger. Wind-detox herbs turned redness into weeping sores, with afternoon fever, night sweats, amenorrhea, dry mouth, and sore throat. This was depression injuring spleen blood. Guipi Tang and Xiaoyao San cured her in two months.

A scholar eating rich foods had fever, thirst for cold drinks, leprosy-like sores, and black stools. Cold herbs worsened it. Blood-level heat required cooling. Siwu Erlian Tang (Four Substances with Two Coptises Decoction) cooled blood; Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia) nourished kidney yin. Chaihu Zhizi San (Bupleurum and Gardenia Decoction) finished treatment.

An irritable woman with irregular menses, internal heat, bitter taste, and sores worsened by detox herbs had weeping, fever, headache, and afternoon exacerbation. Jiawei Xiaoyao San helped. Anger caused flooding menstruation, red eyes, tearing. Siwu Tang plus Zhizi, Chaihu, Huangqin, and Huanglian cured her. Later, white spots on limbs grew with scaling, night sweats, and bi-monthly menses. Anger triggered chills/headache, chest distension, abdominal pain, hematuria, dysuria, or leukorrhea. Liver wood suppressing spleen earth with qi deficiency caused these changes. Buzhong Yiqi Tang plus Heishanzhi (Black Gardenia) and Jiawei Guipi Tang alternately cured her in six months.

A chronically depressed woman with limb sores (ankles worse) worsened by cold/detox herbs developed afternoon fever, sweats, amenorrhea, dry mouth/throat. Depression-fire injured spleen. Guipi Tang and Xiaoyao San for fifty doses cured her.

Liu Songhuang’s experience: Chen Yutian’s wife had "Heaven Snake" venomous sores. An old man used a water snake, removing head/tail, scraping flesh, wrapping the skin around the finger. It tightened naturally, wrapped in paper. The patient felt whole-body cooling, and the disease healed. Days later, a groove like a fly was found on the finger, and a complete small snake inside the skin.

Sun Simiao touched a tree with his left middle finger on July 15, 731 AD. By dawn, unbearable pain ensued. Ten days later, the sore rose high, colored like cooked adzuki beans. Using a formula heard from elders, Pugnongying (Taraxaci Herba) juice applied cured it immediately, though it relapsed before ten days passed.

Ziheyzi noted: Master Ma’s wife had unbearable toe pain. Tongjing San (Unblocking Channels Powder) 1.5 qian with wine induced vomiting, relieving pain. He recalled Chen Wuzeng’s similar case misdiagnosed as insect bite or toxic plant contact, lasting months until pus drained. This formula made him laugh.

Wang Sizhong treated a man with pox and scrotal swelling like a bucket, unable to walk. Diagnosed as "Sores Gu," adding forty-nine wheat stalks to surgical herbs resolved it.

During the flood of Wushen year, immersion caused painful skin sores. Bathing in boiled Shuijingtiao (Vitex trifolia var. simplicifolia) branches cured it instantly.

In Liangxi, a man with a painful knee boil was treated by Miu Zhongchun. After drinking several cups of wine with the prescription, the boil ruptured with fresh blood, curing him. Formula: Liaoqiao 3 qian, Baizhi 2 qian, Fen Gancao (Licorice) water-fried 3 qian, Jinyinhua 5 qian, Niuxi 3 qian, Shengdi 3 qian, Diyu 4 qian, Zaoci 1 qian, Niubangzi (Niuniuzi) wine-fried and ground 1 qian.