Skin & Haircuóchuāng fěncì

Acne & Pimples

Also called:AcnePimplesSpotsBreakouts

From the TCM perspective: TCM 'fen ci' / lung-wine acne; located in skin, related to lung, spleen-stomach and liver.

Overview

Acne is chronic inflammation of the pilosebaceous units presenting as comedones, papules, pustules or nodules. TCM calls it 'fen ci' (lung-wine acne), caused mainly by lung-channel wind-heat, spleen-stomach damp-heat, liver constraint with phlegm stasis, or grease-toxin accumulating and steaming the face.

☯Common patterns (syndrome differentiation)

Lung-channel wind-heat

Key distinguishing signs: Red facial papules and comedones with mild itch/pain, dry mouth, possibly sore throat and dry stool, red tongue tip, thin yellow coat, floating rapid pulse.
Treatment principle: Dispel wind and clear lung heat

Spleen-stomach damp-heat

Key distinguishing signs: Painful red lesions with many pustules, oily skin, bitter/bad taste, stomach oppression, constipation, dark urine, red tongue with yellow greasy coat, slippery rapid pulse.
Treatment principle: Clear heat, drain dampness and unblock the bowel

Liver constraint with phlegm stasis

Key distinguishing signs: Lesions tied to menstruation and mood, persistent and dark with pigmentation or scarring, chest/rib fullness, dark tongue with stasis dots, wiry choppy pulse.
Treatment principle: Soothe liver, quicken blood and dissipate phlegm nodules

Phlegm-damp grease-toxin binding

Key distinguishing signs: Dominated by nodules, cysts and scars, recurrent, with oily skin and tendency to overweight, greasy coat, slippery pulse.
Treatment principle: Resolve phlegm, drain dampness, resolve toxin and dissipate nodules

Daily self-care

Wash gently once or twice daily; avoid over-cleansing, scrubbing and squeezing; use non-comedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen.
Reduce high-glycemic foods, dairy (especially skim milk) and greasy foods; sleep regularly and avoid late nights.
Do not misuse steroid creams; moderate-severe, nodulocystic acne or acne affecting mood warrants dermatology treatment.

When to seek medical help

The following warning signs require prompt medical evaluation — do not rely on self-treatment:

Sudden severe worsening with fever and marked red-hot facial swelling: prompt care.
Severe rash after starting medication, or low mood/self-harm thoughts: contact a clinician immediately.
Repeated cysts/nodules causing large scars or spreading infection: seek proper treatment.

Medical disclaimer: Educational content about traditional Chinese medicine for information only; it is not a diagnosis or treatment and does not replace a qualified clinician. If symptoms worsen or warning signs appear, seek medical care.

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