The difference between heat and dampness

Heat toxins and dampness toxins are both diseases on the surface of human skin. Many people confuse these two diseases. In fact, this is wrong. However, the two have many similarities, but there are also certain differences. However, many people do not know the specific differences between the two or have not understood the characteristics of these two diseases. So what is the difference between heat toxins and dampness toxins?

Eczema can occur anywhere on the body, but is often more common on the head, flexor sides of the limbs, genitals, and the backs of the hands and feet. It is often distributed symmetrically and is generally confined to certain parts of the body, while systemic generalized eczema is very rare.

Skin lesions are polymorphic, that is, various rashes such as erythema, papules, papulovesicles, blisters, erosions, exudations, crusts, and desquamation can be seen interchangeably. That is to say, 3 to 4 or more of the above-mentioned damages may occur at the same lesion site within the same period of time.

The inflammatory reaction in the affected area is usually more obvious, especially in the central part, and is often accompanied by erosion, exudation, etc. However, the boundaries of the lesions are unclear and the swelling is relatively mild.

The patient feels severe itching, and the degree of itching varies depending on the site of the disease and personal tolerance. The itching is particularly severe at night and can affect sleep. In addition, due to itching, bacterial infection is prone to occur, which can lead to purulent skin diseases such as folliculitis, furuncle, impetigo, lymphangitis, and lymphadenitis. Traditional Chinese medicine divides the external factors that cause disease into six types, called the Six Evils, namely wind, cold, summer heat, dampness, warmth, and heat. Heat poison is only one of them.

The main symptoms of patients with severe heat and toxicity are fever, joint and muscle aches all over the body, skin erythema, irritability or coma, dry and hard stools, oliguria, sore throat, thirst, and preference for cold drinks. The tongue is red, the coating is yellow, and the pulse is stringy and rapid. This type of patient has heat syndrome. "Shennong's Herbal Classic" says "treat cold with hot medicine and treat heat with cold medicine." Medicine and food have the same origin and the same principles. We can also say "treat cold with hot (warm) food, and treat heat with cold (cool) food." Patients of this type should eat cold or cool foods. Cold or cooling foods have the functions of clearing away heat, purging fire, detoxifying and promoting diuresis.

The body's internal heat generally manifests as real heat and false heat. If it is false heat, it often causes heat in the palms and soles. If it is real heat, it may be a case of heat toxicity, which may be related to dampness toxicity. If it is real heat, it may manifest as symptoms of heat toxicity, which is also more serious. However, dampness toxicity does not necessarily manifest as symptoms of heat toxicity. Therefore, you need to go to the hospital for diagnosis and strengthen your diet.