Scalp furuncle refers to the occurrence of furuncles on the scalp area.

The pediatric summer furuncle described in the literature, specifically occurring on the head, is referred to as "mole cricket boil (folliculitis abscedens et suffodiens)", also known as "eel head boil" or "eel [疒貢] head boil". There are also cases where a single furuncle occurs or two to three furuncles appear without forming a chain, which are called summer furuncles.

As for furuncles that occur all over the body, appearing and disappearing in different areas but not on the scalp, they are not within the scope of this discussion.

bubble_chart Pattern Analysis

1. Summer-heat Toxin︰It often occurs in summer, presenting as oval-shaped boils resembling chicken eggs or plums, with three to five connected lesions. The affected area appears swollen and moist, fluctuating upon pressure, and may rupture with pus discharge without closing. Over time, the scalp may develop hollow tunnels resembling mole cricket burrows. Mild cases show pus heads that rupture and drain, leading to healing. Severe cases may repeatedly rupture and persist, becoming difficult to cure. The tongue is red with slightly yellow and greasy coating, and the pulse is rapid. This condition arises from summer heat attacking and accumulating in the skin, known as summer furuncle. If residual toxins remain or care is improper, leading to small wounds and poor pus drainage, the summer heat toxins cannot be expelled, resulting in severe, persistent cases. It is more common in children. Mild cases resemble typical summer furuncles, while severe cases involve multiple interconnected boils with hollowed scalp. Treatment for mild summer furuncles is the same as for typical cases. Internal use of clearing heat and draining dampness herbs is recommended, such as modified Saposhnikovia Sage-Inspired Powder. Severe cases may require external application of Qian Chui Gao plaster.
2. Dampness-heat︰Boils on the scalp initially present as raised swellings without a defined base, accompanied by mild pain. After a few days, they soften, form pus, and the skin lifts, eventually rupturing to discharge pus and heal. In some cases, several red boils the size of fruit pits may appear simultaneously, slightly painful with white heads, which subside within days. The tongue appears red, and the pulse is wiry and forceful or slippery and rapid. This condition often arises from an inherent excess of dampness-heat, excessive yang qi, or overconsumption of rich and sweet foods, leading to dampness-heat pathogens accumulating in the skin, fluctuating in severity and causing recurrent scalp boils. Once pus has formed, it must be drained effectively. Apply Taiyi Plaster mixed with Jiuyi Powder externally. After the pus is fully discharged, switch to Granulation-Promoting Powder.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. 《Chinese Medicine Clinical Essentials: Head and Facial Symptoms: Summer Furuncle》"It mostly occurs on the head and face, and is more common in summer and among children. It is mainly caused by exposure to summer heat that cannot be expelled, becoming trapped between the skin and muscles, hence it is also called 'summer furuncle'. Initially, the local skin becomes red, followed by swelling and pain the next day, but without a deep root and within a limited area. A pus head soon appears, and it heals upon spontaneous rupture and discharge of pus."