Skin scars, referred to as "scars," are the result of tissue proliferation after skin injury, where the skin becomes raised and uneven, resembling a centipede.

This condition can occur on any part of the skin but is most commonly found on the chest and back where there has been a wound or pressure, and rarely on healthy skin. Later generations have named it "saw scar disease" or "claw keloid" due to its shape. The ancient texts mention "flesh turtle sore," which is similar to this condition, but some medical experts disagree with this view, and further research is needed.

bubble_chart Pattern Analysis

1. Static Blood︰Scars often develop three to six months after healing from wounds caused by metal, blades, water, or fire. The skin lesions gradually rise above the skin surface, slightly larger than the original injury area, appearing bright red or dark red, with a smooth texture, firm or elastic to the touch, and occasionally exhibiting root-like hyperplasia resembling crab legs or centipedes. There is a combination of itching and pain, with no systemic symptoms. The progression is slow, and after reaching a certain extent, expansion usually stops. Very few cases may fade over time. The color is often bright red or dark red, firm or elastic to the touch, with slow and gradual enlargement, frequently exceeding the original injury area. Local stagnation of qi and blood prevents smooth circulation, leading to frequent itching and pain. The tongue texture often appears purplish-dark or with ecchymosis. Due to static blood obstruction, treatment should focus on invigorating blood and resolving stasis, softening hardness, and dissipating masses. The recommended prescription is the modified Peach Kernel, Carthamus, and Four-Ingredient Decoction, taken with Rhubarb and Ground Beetle Pill.
2. Dampness-heat︰Scars often occur after injuries from metal, blades, water, fire, boils and sores, furuncles, carbuncles, cellulitis, or preventive injections. The skin lesions align with the wound area, raised above the skin surface, with no further expansion, thickened and hardened, wrinkled in appearance, pale red or normal in color, accompanied by itching—especially on cloudy days—and slight exudation when scratched. The edges may resemble crab legs or tree roots, usually without systemic symptoms. Individuals with a constitution predisposed to dampness-heat, combined with trauma, often develop scars due to the obstruction of qi and blood circulation by dampness-heat. Hence, the scars typically appear pale red or match the normal skin tone, align with the wound, show little progression, feel hard to the touch, and are notably itchy on cloudy days. Treatment involves clearing dampness-heat, supplemented by promoting blood circulation and softening hardness. The recommended formula is Qi-Clearing and Phlegm-Resolving Pill as the primary remedy, taken with Minor Golden Pill.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. "Chinese Medical Dictionary: Rou Gui Sore": "This condition is caused by the invasion of evil in the heart and kidney meridians, appearing on the chest, back, and both sides of the ribs, resembling the shape of a turtle, with head, tail, and four limbs all present. The skin color is not red, raised two inches, and the pain is unbearable. It is advisable to take internally Schizonepeta and Saposhnikovia Toxin-Vanquishing Powder with smallpox powder, frankincense, and myrrh. Externally, use a divine needle to pin the tail (remove the needle after taking the medicine), and moxibustion on the four limbs with 38 moxa cones will cure it."