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Factitious panniculitis induced by cupping therapy.
Suk-Ho Moon1, Hyun-Ho Han, Jong-Won Rhie
1Department of Plastic Surgery, College of Medicine, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
The Journal of Craniofacial Surgery
|December 3, 2011
Summary
Cupping therapy can cause rare panniculitis, leading to subcutaneous masses. These lesions often resolve when cupping stops, but may require surgery if infected or tender.
Area of Science:
- Alternative Medicine
- Dermatology
- Medical Complications
Background:
- Cupping therapy is a traditional alternative medicine practice, popular in Asian countries for pain relief.
- While generally considered safe, complications like anemia and skin reactions have been reported.
- Subcutaneous masses due to cupping-induced panniculitis are exceptionally rare.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old woman developed multiple posterior neck and shoulder masses after self-administered cupping therapy.
- The masses enlarged with repeated cupping and decreased in size upon cessation.
- Two tender masses were surgically excised; others resolved spontaneously after stopping cupping.
Findings:
- Cupping therapy can induce panniculitis, presenting as subcutaneous masses.
- Lesion size is directly correlated with the frequency of cupping therapy.
- Spontaneous resolution is common upon cessation of cupping stimulation.
Implications:
- Panniculitis induced by cupping should be considered in patients with subcutaneous masses and a history of cupping.
- Discontinuation of cupping therapy is the primary treatment for these masses.
- Surgical intervention is reserved for complicated cases involving infection or severe tenderness.
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