After moxibustion, the skin will appear red and hot. No special care is needed since the redness will gradually disappear on its own.
If skin is burned, edema or blistering will occur. Blisters of about 1cm in diameter can be gradually absorbed by the body without any treatment. Larger blisters can be removed by sterilized scissors or punctured by sterilized needles to remove the fluid. Then an anti-inflammatory ointment can be applied to it. There is no need to remove the pus since the scab will form soon. Blistered skin can scab within 5 ~ 8 days, and the scab will fall off without any scar left.
Scarring moxibustion will damage the basal layer of skin which will cause edema, ulceration, fluid exudation, and even form abscesses. Light damages only destroy the basal layer of skin. Damaged skin will scab within 7 ~ 20 days and the scab will fall off, leaving a permanent light scar. Heavy damages will destroy the dermis tissues. Damaged skin will scab with a thick crust and the scab will fall off within 20 ~ 50 days, leaving a permanent thick scar, which is called moxibustion sores. When the moxibustion sores are festering, the patient should not be engaged in heavy work and need to rest well to prevent infection. If infection, mild redness or swelling appears, disinfection and anti-inflammatory treatment around the moxibustion sores is needed. Generally, these symptoms will disappear in a short period of time. If swelling and burning pain are severe, the patient can take oral or external anti-inflammatory medication. If the suppurative parts are comparatively deep, a surgeon’s assistance is needed. The acupuncturist must abide by the law of his/her country when engaging in the scarring moxibustion procedure.