Urticaria - Stomach-Intestine Damp-Heat Pattern

TCM differentiation and treatment for urticaria with

Urticaria · Stomach-Intestine Damp-Heat Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Skin


Pattern Overview

Stomach-Intestine Damp-Heat is a pattern in urticaria, characterized by

**food allergy or gut dysbiosis-induced wheals, abdominal pain,

diarrhea, sticky mouth, and nausea**. The core pathogenesis is

accumulation of Damp-Heat in the Stomach and Intestines, causing gut

dysbiosis, increased intestinal permeability, and immune-mediated wheal

formation.


Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

Differentiation Dimension Manifestations
Primary Symptoms

nausea |

Associated Symptoms

foul-smelling stools |

Tongue and Pulse

and rapid pulse |

Pathogenesis

Intestines |

Etiology

food intake |


Acupuncture Point Prescription

Point Location Function
Tianshu (ST25) 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus

of Large Intestine; regulates bowel function |

Zusanli (ST36)

to the tibial crest | Strengthens Spleen and Stomach; harmonizes

digestion |

Quchi (LI11) Lateral end of the elbow crease

stops itching |

Hegu (LI4)

metacarpals | Disperses Wind and clears Heat |

Yinlingquan (SP9) Below the medial condyle of the tibia

Transforms Dampness and drains Heat |

Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; may

combine with cupping on Tianshu to drain Damp-Heat.


Herbal Formula

Base Formula: Fang Feng Tong Sheng San (防风通圣散) or Chu Shi Wei

Ling Tang (除湿胃苓汤)

Composition:

Saposhnikovia (Fang Feng), Schizonepeta (Jing Jie), Ephedra (Ma Huang),

Rhubarb (Da Huang), Mirabilite (Mang Xiao), Gardenia (Zhi Zi),

Scutellaria (Huang Qin), Gypsum (Shi Gao), Licorice (Gan Cao)

Action: Clears Damp-Heat, harmonizes the Stomach-Intestine, and

stops itching.

Modifications

Associated Symptoms Additions/Subtractions
Food-related wheals Add Jiao San Xian to promote digestion
Abdominal pain

|

Diarrhea

diarrhea |

Sticky mouth Add Huo Xiang, Pei Lan to transform Dampness

Western Mechanism Reference

Food allergy or gut dysbiosis-induced urticaria with increased

intestinal permeability and elevated food-specific IgG.

Stomach-Intestine Damp-Heat corresponds to food allergy-related

urticaria, where gut dysbiosis and increased intestinal permeability

contribute to immune-mediated wheal formation.


References

1. Dermatology of TCM - Urticaria with Stomach-Intestine Damp-Heat.

2. Zang-Fu Pattern Differentiation: Large Intestine Damp-Heat → Clearing

Pathway.

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


Explore More

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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.