Can the cicada shell help improve fever in children?

Aug 07, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Sun Lianqing

Introduction

Cicada slough generally refers to the dried exuviae of the cicada. In general, cicada slough may help alleviate fever in children, but it should be used appropriately. When using cicada slough to treat fever in children, the dosage and administration should be determined under the guidance of a qualified physician; self-administration is not recommended. High-quality cicada slough free of impurities should be selected to ensure the medicinal material's quality. If a child's fever is high or persists for an extended period, prompt medical attention should be sought rather than relying solely on cicada slough for relief.

　　Cicada slough generally refers to the dried exuviae of the cicada. Under normal circumstances, cicada slough can help alleviate fever in children, but it should be used appropriately. A detailed explanation is as follows:

　　In traditional Chinese medicine theory, cicada slough has the effect of dispersing wind-heat. For fevers in children caused by wind-heat, its medicinal properties can help expel heat pathogens from the body surface, assist in reducing body temperature, and alleviate discomfort such as irritability caused by fever. Additionally, cicada slough helps regulate qi circulation and, to some extent, promotes body heat dissipation, providing auxiliary benefits for relieving fever symptoms and supporting the child's recovery.

　　When using cicada slough to alleviate fever in children, it is necessary to determine the dosage and method under the guidance of a qualified physician; self-administration is not recommended. High-quality cicada slough free of impurities should be selected to ensure the medicinal material's quality. If the child's fever is high or persists without subsiding, timely medical attention is required; relying solely on cicada slough for relief is not advisable. During treatment, closely monitor the child's response, and if any adverse reactions occur, discontinue use immediately and consult a physician.

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Does cicada shell have any effect on skin diseases?

Cicada slough is cool in nature and can疏散 wind-heat and relieve itching by dispelling wind. If a skin condition is caused by external wind-heat invasion or internal accumulation of heat toxicity, such as skin itching, red rashes, or hives, and the symptoms are relatively mild, combining it with other treatments may help alleviate skin discomfort. However, for rashes caused by allergies, fungal infections such as tinea, or chronic skin conditions like eczema, cicada slough cannot address the underlying causes.

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Is the cicada shell effective for treating tonsillitis?

Cicada slough, scientifically known as Periostracum Cicadae, has properties of dispersing wind-heat and relieving sore throat with reduced swelling. If tonsillitis is caused by wind-heat invasion, presenting symptoms such as a burning sensation in the throat, mild redness and swelling without obvious pus formation, appropriate use of Periostracum Cicadae (e.g., prepared as a decoction for drinking) may help alleviate local inflammation and relieve discomfort, thereby serving as an adjunctive treatment.

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Is the cicada shell effective for sore throat?

Cicada slough, also known as蝉蜕 (Periostracum Cicadae), may help relieve sore throat caused by wind-heat, but has limited effectiveness for sore throat due to wind-cold or severe infection. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Periostracum Cicadae has a sweet taste and cool nature, and functions to疏散风热 (disperse wind-heat), benefit the throat, and reduce swelling. If sore throat is caused by wind-heat invasion or heat accumulation in the throat with symptoms of dryness, heat, and swelling, taking a decoction of Periostracum Cicadae may help alleviate local inflammation.

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Can Cicada Slough Treat Pharyngitis in Children?

Cicada slough generally refers to the exuviae of cicadas. In general, cicada slough can be used as an adjunct in the treatment of pharyngitis in children to some extent. If discomfort symptoms occur, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation and treatment at a qualified hospital. When using cicada slough as an adjunct therapy, it must be administered only after a professional TCM physician has conducted a differential diagnosis and determined the appropriate usage and dosage according to the specific condition of the child. Parents should not purchase or use it on their own.