bed sore
AliasPressure Injury
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
In traditional Chinese medicine, bedsores, also known as "pressure sores," are classified under the category of surgical diseases. According to the classical text "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," bedsores are caused by prolonged lying or sitting, leading to obstructed circulation of Qi and blood, insufficient nourishment of the local skin, and ultimately resulting in skin breakdown and the formation of ulcers. Characterized by local skin redness, swelling, pain, and the discharge of pus after rupture, bedsores often fail to heal promptly.
In clinical practice, the pathogenesis of bedsores in traditional Chinese medicine revolves around obstructed circulation of Qi and blood and insufficient nourishment of the skin. Common precipitating factors include prolonged lying or sitting, malnutrition, and localized pressure. During differentiation of symptoms, attention should be paid to distinguishing between cold and heat, deficiency and excess. For cases with deficiency of Qi and blood, which manifest as pale wound surfaces, thin pus, and slow healing, the therapeutic approach is to tonify Qi and nourish blood, and promote granulation and healing. In cases of damp-heat and blood stasis, the wound surface is red and swollen, with excessive secretion and surrounding erythema, and the treatment focuses on clearing heat, promoting diuresis, and activating blood circulation to resolve stasis. The overall therapeutic approach suggests that in clinical practice, a combined internal and external treatment method is often employed. Internal medication is used to harmonize Qi and blood, while external medication is applied to clear heat, detoxify, and promote granulation and healing. Simultaneously, attention is given to improving the patient's lifestyle, avoiding localized pressure, and promoting wound healing.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Deficiency of Qi and blood syndrome
Main Manifestations: Wound pale, pus thin and not healing for a long time
Management Approach: Tonify Qi and nourish blood, promote granulation and heal sores
Damp-heat and blood stasis syndrome
Main Manifestations: Wound redness and swelling, abundant exudate, and a red halo around the wound
Management Approach: Clear heat and resolve phlegm, soften hardness and disperse nodules
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
The care for bedsores patients requires meticulous attention, with emphasis on preventing dampness and keeping warm. The appropriate treatment should be chosen based on the skin condition.
— Tang Yulan Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner (Apprentice)
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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)