The difference between blisters and burns caused by moxibustion

Generally speaking, there is a clear difference between blisters caused by moxibustion and blisters caused by burns. Blisters caused by moxibustion are usually not burns, but a symptom of treatment during the moxibustion process. This situation is called scorching flowers. Of course, if the operation is not done properly, blisters may occur, but burns are different. Burns are caused by overheating of the skin, which leads to blisters on the skin.

The difference between blisters and burns caused by moxibustion

If you get one or two blisters due to hanging moxibustion or mild moxibustion, and the moxa stick is "ten miles away" from the skin, it cannot be called a burn (because the fire does not directly burn the skin). In addition, it is difficult to distinguish whether it is a burn or moxibustion burn if blisters have already appeared. It can be understood that you don't feel it's hot at first, but later blisters appear on the moxibustion site, which you call moxibustion flowers. If you can't bear the heat and blisters appear, or if the flames burn yourself, you call it burn blisters.

How to avoid burns during moxibustion

Many people get blisters when doing moxibustion, and even get purulent infections and bleeding. It is obvious at a glance that these are serious burns. So, how to avoid burns from moxibustion?

1. Environmental ventilation : The environment should be kept ventilated to avoid excessive concentration of moxa smoke which may harm the human body. Patients with respiratory diseases, especially asthma, should use moxibustion with caution.

2. Moxibustion sites : The abdomen and lumbar sacral area of ​​pregnant women should not be moxibustioned; the facial features, genitals, and areas with large blood vessels should not be directly moxibustioned; the head, chest, and extremities should not be moxibustioned too much where the skin is thin and there are many tendons and bones.

3. Tool quality : Choose moxa of good quality. Inferior quality moxa is hard and not clumping together. It burns with great intensity and can easily cause patients to feel burning pain. It may even cause stone particles to fall off and burn the skin during fumigation. Also, use a moxibustion box. If you are afraid of being burned by falling sparks, you can flick off the ash from time to time.

4. Pay attention to the number of times : For those with strong constitution, mild condition and short course of illness, moxibustion treatment 1-2 times is sufficient; for those with poor constitution, severe condition and long course of illness, moxibustion can be applied for several months or even more than 1 year. When first starting to use moxibustion, apply it once a day; for long-term moxibustion treatment, after 3 times, change to once every 2-3 days.

5. Avoid burns : When applying moxibustion, the distance between the fire and the skin should be adjusted in time. Some patients have severe local coldness and, when first receiving moxibustion, have a strong tolerance to the moxa fire. They often unknowingly bring the moxa fire close to their skin, resulting in burning pain. In fact, the best time to moxibustion is until the skin turns red, and each time should last for 10-15 minutes.

How to deal with blisters caused by moxibustion

1. If blisters appear locally, allow them to absorb naturally as long as they are not scratched. But if the blister is large, you can use a sterilized needle to puncture the blister from the bottom to release the fluid, and then apply sesame oil mixed with wormwood ash;

2. Disinfect the needle with alcohol, then poke one or several small holes, use a banknote to gently press out the water, and then use moxa to hang for 5 to 10 minutes. Use moxibustion once or several times a day to disinfect it. In this way, the scar will not be too big after healing;

3. Use a sterilized needle to puncture the area below the blister to let the water flow out, then apply iodine or gentian violet. Bandage with sterile gauze, remember not to use Band-Aids, and let the skin heal naturally. If it itches, apply iodine or gentian violet to avoid infection.