Objective : The purpose of this paper is to report the improvement of a patient with folliculitis treated by herb medication based on Shanghanlun disease pattern identification diagnostic system.

Methods : According to ‘Disease Pattern Identification Diagnostic System based on Shanghanlun Provisions’, the patient was diagnosed with Soeum-byung number 318 provision, and took Hoeyeok-san herb medication for 30days. The result of administration was evaluated by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and skin findings.

Results : After administration of Hoeyeok-san 30 days, based on 318 provision of Hoeyeok-san diagnosed according to Shanghanlun provisions, NRS about erythma decreased from 10 to 3, NRS about papules decreased from 10 to 1 and NRS about pustules decreased from 10 to 1.

Conclusions : Taking herbal medicine improved skin findings. This case report suggests that the word ‘咳’, ‘悸’ on the 318 provision of Shanghanlun need to be checked during diagnosis as they can act as a trigger for folliculitis.

Key words : Folliculitis, Acne, Hoeyeok-san (回逆散), Shanghanlun