Gangrene is a type of tissue death caused by a lack of blood supply. Symptoms may include a change in skin color to red or black, numbness, swelling, pain, skin breakdown, and coolness. The feet and hands are most commonly affected.
In Chinese Medicine theories, the main cause of gangrene is due to the deficiency of spleen and kidney Yang accompany with Qi and blood deficiency.
Patient, M, 53yrs
First consultation: 21st of August, 2018
Complaints: 1st toe of the right foot was infected after the blister from wearing new shoes 3 weeks ago. The gangrene removal surgery was done 1 week ago. The wound and the skin of the 1st right toe is dark- black. Pale tongue with thick white greasy coating, slippery pulse.
Prescription:1. Avoid cold and raw food and drink
2. Herbal medicine: Huangqi Chishao Chuanxiong Danggui
Dilong Honghua Shanyao Guizhi
Danshen Maiya *11 days
Second consultation: 1st of September, 2018
Complaints: The skin colour of the 1st right toe became better, close to the normal skin colour. No pain. Pale tongue with thick white coating, slippery pulse.
Prescription: Shudi Chuanxiong were added to the above formula * 7days
Third consultation: 8th of September, 2018
Complaints: Red tongue with thin coating.
This patient suffered from gangrene for 1 week due to Kidney Yang deficiency which resulted in Qi and Blood stasis in the toe local area. We use Bu Yang Huan Wu Tang to benefit his Yang energy which will improve the cold condition of the body and improve the blood circulation. To maintain his health in future, he need to avoid the cold and/or raw food or drink in order to balance his body cold condition.