Library

Tianpao Chuang (Blistering Erysipelas) belongs to the category of erysipelas but presents with blisters. It is caused by epidemic pathogens leading to hyperactivity of Shaoyang Ministerial Fire, hence named Tianpao. This occurs because heat-fire pathogenic factors lodge between the skin layers; unable to vent outward, the stagnant heat causes blood coagulation and blister formation, resembling variola vera (smallpox). The base is red with a white head, or the head may also be red. Lesions appear anywhere. If the pathology moves from interior to exterior, occurs in spring and summer, and involves heat in all three Jiaos, Tongsheng San should be administered. If lesions start only on the head, neck, and hands, this indicates heat in the Upper Jiao, so Liangge San should be taken. If lesions start below the waist, Huanglian Jiedu Tang combined with Siwu Tang should be used. If occurring in autumn and winter, Shengma, Gegen, and Xijiao are appropriate, possibly adding one or two herbs such as Huangbai or Huangqin. Externally, Machixian, Wulan, Chixiaodou, or Zhugen can be applied; these herbs detoxify and reduce swelling, suitable for the initial stage. Alternatively, Hake shells, Gujia, or Shuishelongji can be calcined to retain their properties and applied to dry dampness and promote tissue regeneration, suitable after the lesion has spread extensively.

Cuo (Acne-like boils) and Xiao Ji (small furuncles), commonly known as Re Ji (heat boils), are described by Wang Bing: they are sized like sour jujube seeds or beans, red in color, containing pus and blood internally. Zhang Yuansu (Haizang) stated: "Sweating followed by exposure to dampness generates Cuo and Feizi." Feizi refers to furuncles. "Sweat from labor exposed to wind, cold constrains the surface, stagnation leads to Cuo." Cuo appears red with internal pus and blood.

Xuanfu Hua Wan (Inula Flower Pill)
Xuanfuhua (3 liang), Fangfeng, Baizhi, Ganjuhua, Nanting, Banxia, Shigao, Chuanxiong, Chenpi, Baifuzi (each 0.5 liang), Xieshao, Jiangcan (stir-fried, each 3 qian).
Grind all into fine powder. Form pills using ginger juice paste, size of Sophora japonica seeds. Take 30-50 pills with warm ginger decoction after meals.

Heimozi (Black Powder) treats Ji Du (furuncle toxicity).
Burn sheep horn including the inner bone until it retains its properties, grind into powder. Mix with wine, take 3 qian, divided for upper and lower body administration, the toxin will dissipate.
Note: I have not personally used this prescription; it is likely a secret formula. It is often used to treat sudden red patches on the face or body, accompanied by itching or malignant sores, which can be fatal if untreated. Burn sheep horn until it retains its properties, grind into extremely fine powder, apply with egg white; this is very effective. Bencao also records this.