Parasitic Infections

Scabies - ectoparasite infection Scabies is caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. The female mite tunnels into the skin laying her eggs along the burrow. The larvae will hatch within a few days. Scabies is highly contagious and is commonly caught by contact with animals.

The characteristic of intense itching usually begins 30 - 40 days after the mite is acquired. It is most commonly found in the individuals webbing, cubital crease, elbows, lower abdomen and perineum.

The itching is aggravated at night and black wavy burrow lines can be seen around the itching areas due to the burrowing mites. Itching papules will also arise accompanied by inflamed lymph nodules. The actual mite is white in color and can be seen if it is scraped away from the skin and onto a dark back ground.

Chinese Medicine Treatment Of Scabies:

INTERNAL

Damp Heat (early stage) Blisters with eruptions and insomnia due to severe itching.

Herbal Formula: Xiao Feng San (wind) + Huang Lian Jie Du Tang (heat)

Blood Deficiency with Wind Dryness (chronic, late stage) Dry, itchy skin which easily bleeds and has deficiency slow healing scabs.

Herbal Formula: Dang Gui Yin Zi

EXTERNAL -Hu Jiao (pepper) wash -Bai Bu (50g) with wine (50 ml) soak -Di Fu Zi -need to be hygienic due to scabies being highly contagious

Insect Dermatitis - Any type of Dermatitis induced by insects. Usually patient will have a history of an insect bite:

1-physical damage at bite site (ie - local inflammation)

2-toxin stimulation (local and distal effects) - scorpion bite

3-allergic reaction (histamine reaction) - local pain, enters blood - enters nervous system - red local area, , numbness, palpitation

ie - scorpion, centipede, bee sting, leech, … Most common in summer and fall.

Chinese Medicine Principle of Treatment

- clear heat and detoxify

Chinese Medicine Treatment of Insect Dermatitis:

INTERNAL

General Formulas: Wu Wei Xiao Du Yin, Xi Jiao Di Huang Tang

EXTERNAL

Centipede - Wu Ling Zhi Nan Tong She Yao Pian -’snake tablet’ - secret formula (all exterior bites) Cupping on local area to help draw toxins out Apply vinegar, salt, alcohol, pumpkin Leaf, sweet potatoes