Petechiae
AliasAllergic Purpura
Traditional Chinese Medicine Definition
In traditional Chinese medicine, purpura, also known as "purple spots," falls under the category of blood disorders. According to the "Internal Medicine of Traditional Chinese Medicine," purpura refers to purple or reddish ecchymoses appearing on the skin, varying in size, predominantly located on the extremities, particularly the lower limbs, accompanied by itching or pain. The pathogenesis is attributed to internal heat, which drives blood to flow recklessly, causing it to overflow from the meridians.
In clinical practice of traditional Chinese medicine, the core pathogenesis of purpura is blood heat flowing recklessly, indicating an imbalance in blood circulation, with internal heat driving blood to flow erratically, leading to the appearance of ecchymoses on the skin. Common precipitating factors include irregular diet, emotional disturbances, and excessive fatigue, all of which can lead to disharmony in the body's Qi and blood, and the generation of heat toxins internally.
In the process of differentiation, it is crucial to distinguish between cold and heat, as well as deficiency and excess. Wind-heat injury to the collaterals manifests as an acute onset, red purpura with itching, and the treatment should focus on dispelling wind and clearing heat, and cooling blood to stop bleeding. Blood heat flowing recklessly presents with deep purple skin ecchymoses, fever, and thirst, and the treatment should primarily involve clearing heat and detoxifying, and cooling blood to stop bleeding.
The overall direction of treatment suggests that traditional Chinese medicine focuses on adjusting the balance of Yin and Yang in the body and restoring the normal flow of Qi and blood. During the treatment process, it is essential to adhere to the principles of clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling blood to stop bleeding, and to adopt corresponding treatment measures based on specific patterns. Meanwhile, patients should pay attention to dietary adjustments, avoid spicy and greasy foods, maintain a positive mood, and get adequate rest to aid in the recovery of the condition.
Common Syndrome Types and Key Points of Differentiation
Wind-heat injury to the collaterals syndrome
Main Manifestations: Acute onset, purple petechiae with red color, and a sensation of itching
Management Approach: Relieve Wind-Heat, Cool Blood and Stop Bleeding
Blood heat delirium syndrome
Main Manifestations: Pifu Yuban seshen, Fare Shakka
Management Approach: Clear Heat and Detoxify, Cool Blood 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
The physician's insight is that purpura patients often have widespread bleeding points, and treatment should focus on clearing heat and detoxifying, and activating blood circulation to resolve stasis.
— 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)