Acne · Phlegm-Dampness Congealing Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Face/Skin
Pattern Overview
Phlegm-Dampness Congealing is a pattern in acne, characterized by nodular cystic acne, sebaceous gland duct hyperkeratosis, deep inflammation, fibrosis, and persistent lesions. The core pathogenesis is Phlegm-Dampness congealing in the skin, causing sebaceous gland duct hyperkeratosis, deep inflammation, and nodule formation.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|---|
| Primary Symptoms | Nodular cystic acne, persistent lesions, fibrosis, scarring |
| Associated Symptoms | Sticky mouth, heavy sensation, fatigue, loose stools |
| Tongue and Pulse | Pale and swollen tongue with white greasy coating, slippery pulse |
| Pathogenesis | Phlegm-Dampness congealing in the skin |
| Etiology | Chronic acne, poor diet, constitutional Phlegm-Dampness, inadequate treatment |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Fenglong (ST40) | 8 cun above the lateral malleolus, 2 cun lateral to the tibial crest | Transforms Phlegm and Dampness |
| Yinlingquan (SP9) | Below the medial condyle of the tibia | Transforms Dampness and promotes diuresis |
| Sanyinjiao (SP6) | 3 cun above the medial malleolus | Regulates Dampness and nourishes Blood |
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus | Front-Mu point of Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
| Hegu (LI4) | Dorsum of the hand, between the 1st and 2nd metacarpals | Regulates Qi and promotes circulation |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, even method; may combine with cupping to transform Phlegm and drain Dampness.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Er Chen Tang (二陈汤) + Hai Zao Yu Hu Tang (海藻玉壶汤)
Composition:
Tangerine Peel (Chen Pi), Pinellia (Ban Xia), Poria (Fu Ling), Sargassum (Hai Zao), Kelp (Kun Bu), Fritillaria (Zhe Bei Mu), Forsythia (Lian Qiao), Licorice (Gan Cao)
Action: Transforms Phlegm, softens nodules, and resolves masses.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|---|
| Nodular lesions | Add Xia Ku Cao, Zhe Bei Mu to soften and resolve masses |
| Fibrosis | Add San Leng, E Zhu to break up stasis |
| Scarring | Add Dan Shen, Ji Xue Teng to improve microcirculation |
| Heavy sensation | Add Huo Xiang, Pei Lan to transform Dampness |
Western Mechanism Reference
Nodular cystic acne with sebaceous gland duct hyperkeratosis, deep inflammation, and fibrosis. Phlegm-Dampness Congealing corresponds to nodular cystic acne, where sebaceous gland duct hyperkeratosis and deep inflammation contribute to persistent nodular lesions and fibrosis.
References
- Dermatology of TCM - Acne with Phlegm-Dampness Congealing.
- Xiong Jibai: Phlegm-Dampness uses Er Chen Tang.
- 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.