Psoriasis - Damp-Heat Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for psoriasis with
Psoriasis · Damp-Heat Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Skin
Pattern Overview
Damp-Heat is a pattern in psoriasis, characterized by **pustular or
exudative psoriasis, neutrophil infiltration, elevated IL-8, pustule
formation, exudation, and erythema**. The core pathogenesis is
accumulation of Damp-Heat in the skin, causing pustule formation,
exudation, and neutrophilic inflammation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Pustules, exudation, erythema, moist lesions |
|---|
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
feverishness |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
and rapid pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Damp-Heat accumulating in the skin |
|---|
| Etiology |
|---|
consumption, infection |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Yinlingquan (SP9) | Below the medial condyle of the tibia |
|---|
Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |
| Quchi (LI11) | Lateral end of the elbow crease |
|---|
detoxifies |
| Hegu (LI4) |
|---|
metacarpals | Disperses Wind and clears Heat |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus |
|---|
Dampness and nourishes Blood |
| Fenglong (ST40) |
|---|
to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may
combine with cupping to drain Damp-Heat.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Bi Xie Shen Shi Tang (萆薢渗湿汤) or Long Dan Xie Gan
Tang (龙胆泻肝汤)
Composition:
Dioscorea (Bi Xie), Coix Seed (Yi Yi Ren), Phellodendron (Huang Bai),
Atractylodes (Cang Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Alisma (Ze Xie), Plantago (Che
Qian Zi), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Clears Damp-Heat, detoxifies, and reduces pustules.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Pustules | Add Jin Yin Hua, Lian Qiao to clear Heat and detoxify |
|---|
| Exudation | Add Fu Ling, Zhu Ling to promote diuresis |
|---|
| Erythema | Add Dan Shen, Chi Shao to cool blood |
|---|
| Feverishness | Add Shi Gao, Zhi Mu to clear Heat and generate fluids |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Pustular or exudative psoriasis with neutrophil infiltration, elevated
IL-8, pustule formation, and exudation. Damp-Heat corresponds to
pustular or exudative psoriasis, where neutrophil infiltration and
elevated IL-8 contribute to pustule formation and exudation.
References
1. Dermatology of TCM - Psoriasis with Damp-Heat.
2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Damp-Heat → Clearing Pathway.
3. WHO. (2023). Skin health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for skin health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM dermatology.
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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.