Overview: Understanding HS from the TCM Perspective

Overview: Understanding HS from the TCM Perspective

Hidradenitis Suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, relapsing skin condition marked by painful nodules, abscesses, and sinus tracts, commonly affecting the underarms, groin, and other apocrine gland-rich areas. While Western medicine primarily manages HS with antibiotics, biologics, and surgical intervention, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) focuses on internal imbalances, immune dysregulation, and chronic inflammation at the root.

In TCM theory, HS often falls under the categories of:

• “Ding Chuang” (疔疮, carbuncles/boils)

• “Liu Huo” (流火, spreading fire toxins)

• “Niu Pi Xian” (牛皮癣-like syndromes involving phlegm-damp blockage and heat-toxin)

Core TCM Pathogenesis

• Heat-Toxin Accumulation: Repeated infection, inflammation, and pus formation indicate excessive internal heat and toxin stagnation, often associated with Lung, Stomach, or Liver fire.

• Damp-Phlegm Stasis: Chronic lesions and sinus tracts reflect phlegm-damp obstruction, particularly in those with Spleen deficiency.

• Qi and Blood Stagnation: Painful nodules and scarring signal stagnation in the channels, often due to emotional stress, diet, or hormonal imbalance.

• Underlying Deficiency: Recurrence and delayed healing often involve Spleen and Kidney deficiency, leading to poor detoxification and immune regulation.

Recommended Herbal Strategies

1. Acute Phase (Suppurative Stage): Clearing Heat and Toxins

🔹 Modified Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin + Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao, Pu Gong Ying, Zi Hua Di Ding
→ To clear internal heat, cool the blood, and eliminate toxic swelling.

🔹 Addition: Huang Qin, Bai Jiang Cao (if pus and pain are prominent); Jin Yin Hua topical wash.

2. Subacute / Chronic Phase: Resolve Dampness and Phlegm, Promote Tissue Repair

🔹 Modified Er Chen Tang + Yi Yi Ren, Fu Ling, Ban Xia, Bai Zhu
→ Drain dampness, strengthen the Spleen, resolve phlegm stagnation.

🔹 Add: Tao Ren, Hong Hua, Dan Shen to promote circulation and reduce fibrosis.

3. Underlying Deficiency Support (Recurrent or Long-Term HS)

🔹 Modified Shen Ling Bai Zhu San + Huang Qi, Dang Shen, Shan Yao, Gou Qi Zi
→ Reinforce Qi, support immunity, and prevent recurrence.

External Therapies

• Herbal Fomentation / Sitz Bath: Jin Yin Hua, Da Qing Ye, Ku Shen decoction used for local cleansing.

• Acupuncture: Points such as LI11, SP9, ST36, Ashi points to reduce inflammation and regulate immunity.

• Cupping Therapy: Applied during quiescent stages to reduce residual nodules and improve lymphatic circulation.

Dietary and Lifestyle Guidance

• Avoid greasy, spicy, sweet foods, which contribute to damp-heat.

• Prioritize foods that clear heat and strengthen the spleen (e.g., mung beans, winter melon, lotus seed).

• Stress management is crucial; Liver Qi stagnation may exacerbate flare-ups.

• Maintain hygiene without over-washing or friction to sensitive areas.

Why Personalized Consultation is Essential

While the above formulas represent classic approaches, every case of HS is different — influenced by constitution, emotional state, menstrual cycle, diet, and more. Tongue diagnosis, pulse assessment, and symptom mapping are essential in selecting the right herbal combinations and dosages.

🌿 Start Your Personalized Healing Journey

To ensure accurate guidance, we offer one-on-one online consultation with our senior TCM experts. You are invited to:

• Share a photo of your tongue, any recent lab reports, and symptom history.

• Receive a tailor-made herbal and lifestyle plan, adjusted by clinical experience.

• Access natural therapies with minimal side effects and whole-body benefits.

👉 Registration is symbolic – just $1 USD — as we are a non-profit platform.
🎁 Once registered, your consultation and treatment plan are completely free.

🔗 Click here to register now and book your consultation
Let healing begin with understanding — the TCM way.