Allergic Purpura
AliasPetechiae
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
Allergic purpura, also known as purpura wind, falls under the category of dermatological diseases in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). According to the classic text "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," allergic purpura is caused by the invasion of wind-heat, which damages the meridians and collaterals, leading to the uncontrolled flow of blood. The condition is characterized by purple-red ecchymoses on the skin, accompanied by symptoms such as itching and pain.
In TCM clinical practice, the core pathogenesis of allergic purpura is invasion of wind-heat, damaging the collaterals, with blood overflowing outside the vessels. Common triggers include irregular diet, emotional distress, and overexertion. During syndrome differentiation, attention should be paid to the following key points:
1. Cold, heat, deficiency, and excess: Wind-heat damaging the collaterals syndrome is characterized by red purpura, acute onset, and itching, belonging to excess; Yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity syndrome is characterized by recurrent purpura, low-grade fever and night sweating, belonging to deficiency.
2. Disease location: The lesion is mostly seen on the skin, but may also involve the joints, gastrointestinal tract, etc.
Overall direction of regulation: In TCM clinical practice, treatment should follow the principles of dispersing wind and clearing heat, cooling blood and stopping bleeding. For wind-heat damaging the collaterals syndrome, formulas that disperse wind and clear heat, cool blood and stop bleeding may be selected; for Yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity syndrome, it is appropriate to nourish Yin and reduce fire, calm the collaterals and stop bleeding. Traditional Chinese medicine holds that by regulating the Yin-Yang balance of the body, the therapeutic goal can be achieved.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Wind-heat injury to the collaterals syndrome
Main Manifestations: Petechiae with red color, acute onset, and itching
Management Approach: Relieve wind and heat, cool blood and stop bleeding
Yin deficiency with excessive fire
Main Manifestations: Petechiae recurrence, low fever, night sweats
Management Approach: Nourish yin and reduce fire, calm the meridians and stop bleeding
The above syndrome information is based on traditional Chinese medicine textbooks and clinical standards. Specific differentiation should be completed by a practicing traditional Chinese medicine physician in person.
Physician's Clinical Insights
Patients with allergic purpura mostly present with blood heat as the main factor. Clearing heat and cooling blood, invigorating blood and resolving stasis often relieve symptoms.
— Wang Zhengxiang Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner
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This page is for the popular science of traditional Chinese medicine knowledge and does not constitute medical advice. Specific diagnosis should be completed by a licensed traditional Chinese medicine practitioner in person.
This article has been reviewed by licensed TCM physicians at Hangzhou Kezhentang TCM Clinic. It is for TCM popular science reference only and does not involve specific treatment plan recommendations.
References: Internal Medicine of TCM (13th Five-Year Plan Textbook), Diagnostic and Therapeutic Effectiveness Standards for TCM Diseases and Syndromes (ZY/T001.1-94), Classification and Codes of TCM Diseases and Syndromes (GB/T 15657-2021)