What causes temple hollowing and how should it be managed?

Under normal circumstances, the temple refers to the temporal region. Temporal hollowing may be related to genetic factors, aging, rapid weight loss, localized neuralgia, skull fractures, and other factors. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly and receive symptomatic treatment under the guidance of a physician. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Genetic Factors

Genetic factors that cause temporal hollowing are primarily associated with individual skeletal structure and facial fat distribution, traits that may be inherited through genes. Usually, no special treatment is required, and there is no need for excessive concern.

2. Aging

With age, changes in facial fat distribution and gradual alterations in bone structure may lead to reduced fat in the temporal region, resulting in hollowing. This is typically a natural phenomenon and does not require specific treatment.

3. Rapid Weight Loss

A significant decrease in body weight over a short period may lead to overall fat reduction, including in the temporal region, causing hollowing. This may also be accompanied by symptoms such as fatigue, malnutrition, and dry skin. A balanced diet with adequate nutritional intake should be maintained, and excessive weight loss should be avoided. If necessary, medications such as Yupingfeng Powder, Renshen Jianpi Pills, or Shenling Baizhu Powder may be used under medical supervision to alleviate symptoms.

4. Localized Neuralgia

Trauma or infection in the temporal region may cause localized nerve pain, leading to muscle spasms and contractions in the area, which can result in hollowing. This may also be accompanied by a sensation of muscle tension. It is recommended to use medications such as mecobalamin tablets, oat bran extract (gu wei su) tablets, or vitamin B12 tablets under medical guidance to relieve symptoms.

5. Skull Fracture

Skull fracture is a serious head injury that may damage the bony structure of the temporal region, leading to depression or hollowing. Such hollowing is usually accompanied by obvious pain, swelling, and functional impairment. In addition to temporal hollowing, symptoms may include headache, nausea, vomiting, and blurred vision. Pain relief medications such as ibuprofen tablets, acetaminophen tablets, or cefixime dispersible tablets may be taken as directed by a physician.

Patients are advised to protect the temporal region from trauma or infection and ensure adequate rest to help alleviate symptoms.