典藏书目

Weng Kentang stated: Onychocryptosis (Ingrown Nail), also known as Jia Ju, occurs because the three Yin meridians of the foot all originate from the toes. When Qi and Blood stagnate and fail to circulate freely, they knot between the nail and the surrounding tissue, forming Jia Ju. This is not merely a disease of the muscle but results from the flow and distribution of the meridians. It may arise from injuring the skin while trimming nails, from long nails invading the flesh, or from ill-fitting footwear that obstructs the circulation of Qi and Blood, leading to putrefaction, ulceration, and abscess formation. In severe cases, it can cause finger necrosis and spread upward to the region between the tibia and knee. Although the wound may heal spontaneously, since the pathology is located at the extremities, internal treatment is not necessarily required; healing can be achieved by applying topical medications, washing to remove foul matter and impurities, and ensuring proper footwear. (From *Yixue Zhunsheng Liuyao*)

He further stated: The toes are located at the lowest part of the human body, where Qi and Blood are prone to stagnation, and medicinal efficacy is difficult to reach. In individuals with deficiency, even minor injuries can lead to sores that fail to heal for a long time, let alone severe onychocryptosis. The ancient saying that "diseases in the extremities need not be treated internally" is not a universal truth.

Dou Hanqing stated: The three Yin meridians of the foot originate from the feet. When Qi and Blood stagnate and fail to circulate, ulceration occurs between the nail and the tissue. Alternatively, tight shoes may obstruct Qi and Blood circulation, causing putrefaction and ulceration that eventually leads to finger necrosis. One should soak and wash the area with a decoction of scallion and Sichuan pepper, use a sharp knife to cut away the ingrown nail corner, dry the area where the nail has penetrated the flesh, and apply powder made from calcined alum (Bai Fan). If the area remains moist, reapply; repeated changes will resolve the condition.

Chen Shigong stated: Onychocryptosis arises from long nails invading the muscle, injury to healthy tissue during nail trimming, or narrow boots and shoes. The symptom manifests as flesh enveloping the nail, accompanied by severe swelling and pain. One should use Bai Jiang Dan (White Reduction Paste) to cauterize and remove necrotic tissue, followed by Zhenzhu San (Pearl Powder) to promote wound closure. (From *Waike Zhengzong*)

Shen Douyuan stated: Ingrown fingers, i.e., onychocryptosis, are not caused by disharmony of Qi and Blood, but rather by short/narrow footwear or kicking/compression, leading to the growth of hyperplastic tissue under the nail, constant discharge of fluid, and unbearable pain that resists various treatments. Quack doctors mistakenly diagnose it as Zhi Gan (chronic ulcer of the finger) and apply ineffective medications. It is necessary to have a pedicurist trim the ingrown flesh and nail, then apply Shengji San (Flesh-Generating Powder) for spontaneous healing. (From *Qixuan Milu*)