Sudden clusters of blisters on the skin, resembling burning fiery beads, accompanied by needle-like pain—this is likely herpes zoster. It’s not just a skin disease but a hidden "nerve assassin." What should you do?
What Causes Herpes Zoster?
Liver-Gallbladder Damp-Heat (Severe Pain During Outbreak)
Triggers: Staying up late, alcohol consumption, irritability, excessive spicy or grilled foods.
Symptoms: Bright red, burning blisters; stabbing pain; bitter taste in mouth; dark yellow urine; yellow, greasy tongue coating.
Spleen Deficiency with Damp-Toxicity (Blisters with Oozing)
High-risk Groups: Chronic consumption of cold foods, sedentary lifestyle, diabetes patients.
Visible Signs: Pale-colored blisters; thick, sticky oozing; slow healing; swollen tongue with teeth marks.
Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis (Postherpetic Neuralgia)
Peak Suffering: Lingering, drilling pain after blisters subside; sleepless nights.
Clinical Signs: Numbness in affected area; dark purple tongue with blood stasis spots.
How Does TCM Treat Herpes Zoster Pain?
Dr.Que Poh Yuen Albert a TCM dermatology expert from Singapore’s Gong Fang Fang TCM Clinic, states that over 50% of patients develop postherpetic neuralgia, with a critical treatment window of just 72 hours.
Dr. Que shares a century-old external remedy—Xiong Wu San (Centipede-Realgar Powder). Despite containing only five herbs, it achieves over 90% efficacy in relieving acute-phase pain.
Formula: Realgar, Indigo Naturalis, Angelica dahurica (Bai Zhi), Centipede, Borneol.
Application: Apply from the periphery of the blisters inward, 4-6 times daily. No rinsing or reapplication needed. Typically heals within 7 days.
Realgar: Detoxifies, kills pathogens, dries dampness, and prevents oozing.
Indigo Naturalis: Clears heat, cools blood, reduces redness and pain.
Bai Zhi: Relieves wind-pain, reduces swelling, and promotes pus drainage.
Centipede: Calms nerves, disperses toxins, and alleviates neuralgia.
Borneol: Enhances penetration, cools heat, and relieves discomfort.
Combined, these herbs clear heat, reduce swelling, dispel stasis, and resolve herpes zoster.
Case Study
Patient: Ms. Lin, 36
Chief Complaint: Clustered blisters on left ribcage with unbearable pain (unable to wear clothes). Diagnosed with herpes zoster; 3 days of antiviral drugs ineffective.
Symptoms: Blisters spreading with turbid oozing; nighttime pain causing convulsions.
Initial Consultation: Red tongue with thick yellow coating; wiry, rapid pulse.
Treatment:
Xiong Wu San applied hourly.
Acupuncture: Surrounding needle technique with bloodletting at blister edges to expel toxins.
Outcome: Oozing stopped on Day 1; blisters darkened. Scabbed fully by Day 3 (pain score: 2/10). Scabs shed by Day 7 with no scarring.
