Psoriasis - Blood-Heat Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for psoriasis with

Psoriasis · Blood-Heat Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Skin

Pattern Overview

Blood-Heat is the most common pattern in progressive psoriasis,

characterized by **excessive keratinocyte proliferation, T-cell-mediated

inflammation, erythematous plaques, silvery scales, and pin-point

bleeding (Auspitz sign). The core pathogenesis is Blood-Heat in the

skin**, leading to rapid keratinocyte turnover and immune inflammation.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

bleeding, rapid lesion spread |

Associated Symptoms

constipation, yellow urine |

Tongue and Pulse

rapid pulse |

Pathogenesis

proliferation |

Etiology

triggers |

Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
Dazhui (GV14) Below the spinous process of C7

cools Blood |

Quchi (LI11) Lateral end of the elbow crease

stops itching |

Hegu (LI4)

metacarpals | Disperses Wind and clears Heat |

Xuehai (SP10) On the medial thigh, 2 cun above the patella

Cools Blood and stops itching |

Geshu (BL17) Lower back, 1.5 cun lateral to T7

of the Blood; cools Blood |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may

combine with pricking at Dazhui to enhance Heat clearing.

Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang (犀角地黄汤) or Liang Xue Huo

Xue Tang (凉血活血汤)

Composition:

Water Buffalo Horn (Shui Niu Jiao), Rehmannia (Sheng Di), Moutan (Mu Dan

Pi), Red Peony (Chi Shao), Arnebia (Zi Cao), Imperata (Bai Mao Gen),

Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Cools Blood, clears Heat, and stops itching.

Modifications

Associated Symptoms Additions/Subtractions
Severe erythema

detoxify |

Intense itching Add Bai Xian Pi, Ku Shen to stop itching
Thirst Add Tian Hua Fen, Ge Gen to generate fluids
Constipation Add Da Huang to drain heat

Western Mechanism Reference

Excessive keratinocyte proliferation with T-cell-mediated immune

inflammation, TNF-α/IL-17/IL-23 axis hyperactivation. Blood-Heat

corresponds to progressive psoriasis, where the IL-17/IL-23 axis

hyperactivation drives keratinocyte hyperproliferation and inflammation.

References

1. Dermatology of TCM - Progressive Psoriasis with Blood-Heat.

2. WHO. (2023). Skin health. World Health Organization.

Explore More

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research papers and clinical case studies on TCM dermatology.

Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly

Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.