bubble_chart Concept

Skin erosion refers to the condition where the skin becomes wet and rotten due to the leakage of lipid fluid after the rupture of blisters or pustules caused by scratching or friction. Because the skin damage is superficial, it does not leave scars after healing. This condition is different from ulcers, which cause deeper damage and leave scars after healing, and therefore, the latter is not within the scope of this discussion.

bubble_chart Pattern Analysis

1. Damp-toxin Erosion︰The erosion surface is bright red, moist, with clear yellowish lipid fluid oozing out, which can spread to other areas and form new blisters. After drying, it forms brownish-yellow crusts. Generally, there are no systemic symptoms, but occasionally fever, aversion to cold, etc., may occur. The tongue is red with a yellow or greasy yellow coating, and the pulse is slippery and rapid. It is caused by the binding of external dampness and toxic pathogens, which invade the skin. It often occurs in summer and autumn when dampness and toxins are more severe, and is commonly seen in children. The characteristics of the skin lesions are: bright red erosion surfaces, moist, and prone to spreading upon contact. Treatment focuses on dispelling dampness and removing toxins, using modified Chushi Detoxification Decoction.
2. Spleen Deficiency with Dampness Retention︰The complexion is eroded, pale or slightly red, moist, with profuse, thin exudate that spreads extensively, forming scabs upon drying. Accompanied by gastric discomfort, anorexia, shallow yellow complexion, possible limb swelling, loose stool, pale tongue with white or greasy coating, and a slow pulse. This is caused by impaired spleen function leading to internal dampness accumulation, which steams outward to the skin. The skin lesions are characterized by a pale, eroded complexion, moistness, and abundant, thin exudate that appears unpredictably. Often accompanied by symptoms of spleen-stomach weakness, such as gastric discomfort, anorexia, shallow yellow complexion, limb swelling, and loose stool. Treatment involves strengthening the spleen and eliminating dampness, commonly using modified Dampness-Expelling Stomach Poria Decoction.
3. Yin Damage with Lingering Dampness︰The complexion is eroded, pale, or dark red, with minimal exudation that persists for a long time, accompanied by recurrent scabs, dry skin, or scaling. There is a dry mouth with thirst but no desire to drink. The tongue texture is deep red with scant moisture, and the coating is clean or slightly greasy at the root. The pulse is thin and slippery or wiry and thin. This condition often arises when blisters rupture and fail to heal over time, leading to prolonged exudation that damages yin and depletes fluids, resulting in persistent dampness despite yin deficiency. The skin lesions are characterized by an eroded, dark red complexion with scant exudation that does not dry easily, while blisters may still be present in other areas. Systemic symptoms include a dry mouth with thirst but no desire to drink. The tongue is deep red with scant moisture, and the coating is clean or slightly greasy at the root. The pulse is thin and slippery. Treatment focuses on enriching yin and eliminating dampness, often using the Enriching Yin and Eliminating Dampness Decoction.

Skin erosion is a common symptom of skin diseases. The causes of these diseases are often related to dampness. The principle of treatment is to eliminate dampness, but it should be based on the deficiency and excess of the syndrome. It may be combined with detoxification for urgent treatment of the symptoms, or with spleen strengthening for a gradual approach to the root cause, or with nourishing yin and eliminating dampness simultaneously.

bubble_chart Documentation

1. Waike Zhengzong．Miscellaneous Sores and Toxins Section: "Pediatric Residue Toxin Rotten Spots, Number One Hundred and Seven. Residue toxin is received in the womb before birth, due to the parents' syphilitic skin lesions where the remaining toxins were not fully expelled, and the essence and blood formed the fetus. Therefore, after birth, when bathed in hot water or when clothes are dried and fumigated, external heat triggers the internal toxins, which must erupt on the surface of the skin, first appearing as red spots, then turning into rotten spots. In severe cases, the corners of the mouth, the anus, the eye sockets, the nose, and the facial skin and flesh all deteriorate, often hindering breastfeeding and causing restless crying."