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 |

Chronic Cough · Phlegm-Dampness Accumulation in the Lung Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Chest

Pattern Overview

Phlegm-Dampness Accumulation in the Lung is a common pattern in chronic cough, characterized by airway mucus hypersecretion, cough with profuse white sputum, chest tightness, and poor appetite. The core pathogenesis is Spleen deficiency generating Dampness, which accumulates in the Lung, leading to mucus hypersecretion and cough.

Gout · Phlegm-Dampness Obstruction Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Joints

Pattern Overview

Phlegm-Dampness Obstruction is a common pattern in gout, characterized by high purine diet, hyperuricemia, urate crystal deposition, swelling, heavy sensation, and nodule formation. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Phlegm-Dampness in the joints, leading to purine metabolism disorder and urate crystal deposition.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

Hypothyroidism · Phlegm-Dampness Internal Obstruction Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Whole Body

Pattern Overview

Phlegm-Dampness Internal Obstruction is a common pattern in hypothyroidism, characterized by glycosaminoglycan deposition, myxedema, heavy sensation, sticky mouth, and fluid retention. The core pathogenesis is accumulation of Phlegm-Dampness in the body due to impaired Spleen transformation, leading to interstitial fluid retention and myxedema.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |

Infertility · Phlegm-Dampness Pattern

Updated: June 23, 2026

Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM

Reading Time: 7 min

Body Area: Pelvis

Pattern Overview

Phlegm-Dampness is a common pattern in infertility, characterized by obesity-related ovulation disorders (PCOS-associated), insulin resistance, chronic anovulation, and thin endometrium. The core pathogenesis is Phlegm-Dampness accumulation obstructing the uterus, leading to chronic anovulation, insulin resistance, and impaired fertility.

Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points

| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |