Do the Sanfu herbal patches help with rheumatic diseases?

Generally, during the dog days of summer, the application of herbal patches (sanfu贴) may have some auxiliary effect in relieving discomfort such as joint cold sensitivity and pain caused by certain types of rheumatic diseases. However, for acute episodes or severe cases of rheumatic disease, the patches may not significantly improve symptoms. If in doubt, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

If the rheumatic disease is in the remission phase and the main symptoms are cold sensitivity of the joints and worsening pain upon exposure to cold, and if the skin tolerates the ingredients of the sanfu patches well, the patches may provide slight relief by applying warmth to regulate local blood circulation and Qi, thus offering some support in improving physical condition.

If the rheumatic disease is currently in an acute phase, with obvious joint redness, swelling, severe pain, or if the condition is serious enough to affect joint function, the sanfu patches cannot control the progression of inflammation, and their effects cannot replace standard medical treatment. Relying solely on sanfu patches at this stage may delay proper treatment.

The sanfu patches should be applied only by trained professionals at legitimate healthcare institutions. Before application, individuals should inform the practitioner about their health status and avoid applying the patches on areas of broken skin. If severe redness, swelling, or blistering occurs after application, the patch should be removed promptly and medical attention should be sought.