Skip to main content

Therapeutic Practices

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Cultural Practices and Dermatoses

Abstract

As the use and breadth of complementary alternative medicine (CAM) continues to grow, familiarization of CAM practices and their potential adverse effects is advantageous for dermatologists and will allow for the delivery of more culturally competent care. Furthermore, given the limited availability of research on these practices, there is a significant need for more studies to investigate the use of alternative medicine for the treatment of dermatological disease and more thoroughly characterize potential adverse effects. Dermatologists should be aware of the cutaneous manifestations associated with these practices, particularly those that may mimic physical abuse. The CAM practices discussed in this chapter include traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture, moxibustion, cupping, skin scraping techniques, Ayurvedic medicine, aromatherapy, gridding, salting, and toothpaste associated treatments.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 39.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info
Hardcover Book
USD 54.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  1. Key findings. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health; 2017.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Shim JM, Schneider J, Curlin FA. Patterns of user disclosure of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use. Med Care. 2014;52(8):704–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Arthur K, Belliard JC, Hardin SB, Knecht K, Chen CS, Montgomery S. Reasons to use and disclose use of complementary medicine use – an insight from cancer patients. Cancer Clin Oncol. 2013;2(2):81–92.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Ernst E. CAM in dermatology: telling fact from fiction. Int J Dermatol. 2003;42(12):979–80.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Mizuguchi RS, Kelly PT, Susan C. Asian cultural habits and practices. Dermatology for skin of color. New York: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2009.

    Google Scholar 

  6. Hoeffel EM, Rastogi S, Kim MO, Shahid H. The Asian population: 2010. Washington, DC: United States Census Bureau; 2012.

    Google Scholar 

  7. Colby SL, Ortman JM. Projections of the size and composition of the U.S. population: 2014–2060. Washington, DC: United States Census Bureau; 2015.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Race. United States Census Bureau; 2019.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Kasprowicz S, Lio P. Complementary and alternative medicine. In: Bolognia J, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, editors. Dermatology. 4th ed. Philadelphia: Elsevier; 2018.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Bhuchar S, Katta R, Wolf J. Complementary and alternative medicine in dermatology: an overview of selected modalities for the practicing dermatologist. Am J Clin Dermatol. 2012;13(5):311–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Yu F, Takahashi T, Moriya J, Kawaura K, Yamakawa J, Kusaka K, et al. Traditional Chinese medicine and Kampo: a review from the distant past for the future. J Int Med Res. 2006;34(3):231–9.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  12. Vashi NA, Patzelt N, Wirya S, Maymone MBC, Zancanaro P, Kundu RV. Dermatoses caused by cultural practices: therapeutic cultural practices. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2018;79(1):1–16.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  13. Eisenberg DM, Davis RB, Ettner SL, Appel S, Wilkey S, Van Rompay M, et al. Trends in alternative medicine use in the United States, 1990–1997: results of a follow-up national survey. JAMA. 1998;280(18):1569–75.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Koo J, Desai R. Traditional Chinese medicine in dermatology. Dermatol Ther. 2003;16(2):98–105.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. Shi ZF, Song TB, Xie J, Yan YQ, Du YP. The traditional Chinese medicine and relevant treatment for the efficacy and safety of atopic dermatitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017;2017:6026434.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  16. Sheehan MP, Atherton DJ. A controlled trial of traditional Chinese medicinal plants in widespread non-exudative atopic eczema. Br J Dermatol. 1992;126(2):179–84.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Zhang W, Leonard T, Bath-Hextall F, Chambers CA, Lee C, Humphreys R, et al. Chinese herbal medicine for atopic eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2005;(2):Cd002291.

    Google Scholar 

  18. Hon KL, Leung TF, Ng PC, Lam MC, Kam WY, Wong KY, et al. Efficacy and tolerability of a Chinese herbal medicine concoction for treatment of atopic dermatitis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Br J Dermatol. 2007;157(2):357–63.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Landis ET, Davis SA, Feldman SR, Taylor S. Complementary and alternative medicine use in dermatology in the United States. J Altern Complement Med. 2014;20(5):392–8.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  20. Yan Y, Liu W, Andres P, Pernin C, Chantalat L, Briantais P, et al. Exploratory clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of a topical traditional Chinese herbal medicine in psoriasis vulgaris. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:719641.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  21. Zhang GW. Treatment of psoriasis by photochemotherapy: a comparison between the photosensitizing capsule of Angelica dahurica and 8-MOP. Zhonghua Yi Xue Za Zhi. 1983;63(1):16–9.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Sheehan MP, Atherton DJ. One-year follow up of children treated with Chinese medicinal herbs for atopic eczema. Br J Dermatol. 1994;130(4):488–93.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Mochitomi Y, Inoue A, Kawabata H, Ishida S, Kanzaki T. Stevens-Johnson syndrome caused by a health drink (Eberu) containing ophiopogonis tuber. J Dermatol. 1998;25(10):662–5.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  24. Lim YL, Thirumoorthy T. Serious cutaneous adverse reactions to traditional Chinese medicines. Singap Med J. 2005;46(12):714–7.

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Rousseaux CG, Schachter H. Regulatory issues concerning the safety, efficacy and quality of herbal remedies. Birth Defects Res B Dev Reprod Toxicol. 2003;68(6):505–10.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. van den Berg-Wolf M, Burgoon T. Acupuncture and cutaneous medicine: is it effective? Med Acupunct. 2017;29(5):269–75.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  27. Iraji F, Saghayi M, Siadat A. Acupuncture in the treatment of chronic urticaria: a double blind study. Int J Dermatol. 2005;3(2). https://ispub.com/IJD/3/2/4196.

  28. Zhao JQ, Ma TM. A meta-analysis of acupuncture therapy for chronic urticaria. Zhen Ci Yan Jiu. 2020;45(1):66–73.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  29. Shi Y, Zhou S, Zheng Q, Huang Y, Hao P, Xu M, et al. Systematic reviews of pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments for patients with chronic urticaria: an umbrella systematic review. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(20):e15711.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  30. Xiang Y, Wu X, Lu C, Wang K. An overview of acupuncture for psoriasis vulgaris, 2009–2014. J Dermatolog Treat. 2017;28(3):221–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. Coyle M, Deng J, Zhang AL, Yu J, Guo X, Xue CC, et al. Acupuncture therapies for psoriasis vulgaris: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Forsch Komplementmed. 2015;22(2):102–9.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Gamret AC, Price A, Fertig RM, Lev-Tov H, Nichols AJ. Complementary and alternative medicine therapies for psoriasis: a systematic review. JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(11):1330–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Kang S, Kim YK, Yeom M, Lee H, Jang H, Park HJ, et al. Acupuncture improves symptoms in patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis: a randomized, sham-controlled preliminary trial. Complement Ther Med. 2018;41:90–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  34. Belgrade MJ, Solomon LM, Lichter EA. Effect of acupuncture on experimentally induced itch. Acta Derm Venereol. 1984;64(2):129–33.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  35. Pfab F, Huss-Marp J, Gatti A, Fuqin J, Athanasiadis GI, Irnich D, et al. Influence of acupuncture on type I hypersensitivity itch and the wheal and flare response in adults with atopic eczema – a blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. Allergy. 2010;65(7):903–10.

    Google Scholar 

  36. Stein DJ. Massage acupuncture, moxibustion, and other forms of complementary and alternative medicine in inflammatory bowel disease. Gastroenterol Clin N Am. 2017;46(4):875–80.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  37. Chen Z, Zhou D, Wang Y, Lan H, Duan X, Li B, et al. Fire needle acupuncture or moxibustion for chronic plaque psoriasis: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Trials. 2019;20(1):674.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  38. Zhang YM, Liu CH, Wang YC, Teng HL, Meng XL, Han XJ. Medicated thread moxibustion for alopecia areata: a case report. Medicine (Baltimore). 2019;98(44):e17793.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  39. Zhong J, Lin C, Fang G, Li JJ, Chen P. Observation on therapeutic effect of plum-blossom needle combined with medicated thread moxibustion of traditional zhuang nationality medicine on postherpetic neuralgia. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2010;30(9):773–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  40. Yan XN, Zhang JR, Zhang CQ, Tian Q, Chen L. Efficacy observation on acupuncture and moxibustion combined with hot compress of TCM herbs for scleroderma. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2013;33(5):403–6.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Yun Y, Shin S, Kim KS, Ko SG, Choi I. Three cases of cutaneous warts treated with moxibustion. Explore (NY). 2016;12(4):277–81.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  42. Tian YS, Chen L, Ren ZW, Wang XY, Liang TY, Wang LS. Observation on therapeutic effect of medicinal moxa stick moxibustion for treatment of tinea pedis. Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 2009;29(7):537–40.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Chua S, Chen Q, Lee HY. Erythema ab igne and dermal scarring caused by cupping and moxibustion treatment. J Dtsch Dermatol Ges. 2015;13(4):337–8.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  44. Soliman Y, Hamed N, Khachemoune A. Cupping in dermatology: a critical review and update. Acta Dermatovenerol Alp Pannonica Adriat. 2018;27(2):103–7.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Cao H, Li X, Liu J. An updated review of the efficacy of cupping therapy. PLoS One. 2012;7(2):e31793.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  46. Tian J. Electroacupuncture combined with flash cupping for treatment of peripheral facial paralysis--a report of 224 cases. J Tradit Chin Med. 2007;27(1):14–5.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. Cao H, Zhu C, Liu J. Wet cupping therapy for treatment of herpes zoster: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Altern Ther Health Med. 2010;16(6):48–54.

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  48. Xu J, Lin R, Wang J, Wu Y, Wang Y, Zhang Y, et al. Effect of acupuncture anesthesia on acne vulgaris of pricking-bloodletting cupping: a single-blind randomized clinical trail. J Tradit Chin Med. 2013;33(6):752–6.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Awad SS. Chinese cupping: a simple method to obtain epithelial grafts for the management of resistant localized vitiligo. Dermatol Surg. 2008;34(9):1186–92; discussion 92–3.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Kim T-H, Kim KH, Choi J-Y, Lee MS. Adverse events related to cupping therapy in studies conducted in Korea: a systematic review. Eur J Integr Med. 2014;6(4):434–40.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Qin Y, Beach RA. Visual dermatology: beyond bruising: cupping in a North American context. J Cutan Med Surg. 2019;23(3):331.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  52. Azizpour A, Nasimi M, Shakoei S, Mohammadi F. Bullous pemphigoid induced by Hijama therapy (cupping). Dermatol Pract Concept. 2018;8(3):163–5.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  53. Vender R. Paradoxical, cupping-induced localized psoriasis: a koebner phenomenon. J Cutan Med Surg. 2015;19(3):320–2.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  54. Marion T, Cao K, Roman J. Gua sha, or coining therapy. JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(7):788.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  55. Tanner BS, Catanese C, Lew EO, Rapkiewicz A. Pitfalls in the interpretation of traumatic socioethnic practices. J Forensic Sci. 2016;61(2):569–72.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  56. Kundu RV, Patterson S. Dermatologic conditions in skin of color: part I. Special considerations for common skin disorders. Am Fam Physician. 2013;87(12):850–6.

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  57. Yang G, Tan C. Lichen planus pigmentosus-like reaction to Guasha. J Cutan Med Surg. 2016;20(6):586–8.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Khandpur S, Malhotra AK, Bhatia V, Gupta S, Sharma VK, Mishra R, et al. Chronic arsenic toxicity from Ayurvedic medicines. Int J Dermatol. 2008;47(6):618–21.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Paranjpe P, Kulkarni PH. Comparative efficacy of four Ayurvedic formulations in the treatment of acne vulgaris: a double-blind randomised placebo-controlled clinical evaluation. J Ethnopharmacol. 1995;49(3):127–32.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Kalasannavar SB, Sawalgimath MP. Molluscum contagiosum: a novel Ayurvedic approach. Anc Sci Life. 2013;33. India2013.:49–51.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  61. Mangal G, Sharma RS. Clinical efficacy of Shodhana Karma and Shamana Karma in Mandala Kushtha (Psoriasis). Ayu. 2012;33(2):224–9.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  62. Heng MC, Song MK, Harker J, Heng MK. Drug-induced suppression of phosphorylase kinase activity correlates with resolution of psoriasis as assessed by clinical, histological and immunohistochemical parameters. Br J Dermatol. 2000;143(5):937–49.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Pandey S, Jha A, Kaur V. Aqueous extract of neem leaves in treatment of Psoriasis vulgaris. Indian J Dermatol Venereol Leprol. 1994;60(2):63–7.

    Google Scholar 

  64. Mehta CS, Dave AR, Shukla VD. A clinical study of some Ayurvedic compound drugs in the assessment quality of life of patients with Eka Kushtha (psoriasis). Ayu. 2011;32(3):333–9.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  65. Nema NK, Maity N, Sarkar BK, Mukherjee PK. Determination of trace and heavy metals in some commonly used medicinal herbs in Ayurveda. Toxicol Ind Health. 2014;30(10):964–8.

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  66. Saper RB, Kales SN, Paquin J, Burns MJ, Eisenberg DM, Davis RB, et al. Heavy metal content of ayurvedic herbal medicine products. JAMA. 2004;292(23):2868–73.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Stevensen CJ. Aromatherapy in dermatology. Clin Dermatol. 1998;16(6):689–94.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Gupta D, Thappa DM. Dermatoses due to Indian cultural practices. Indian J Dermatol. 2015;60(1):3–12.

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  69. Hay IC, Jamieson M, Ormerod AD. Randomized trial of aromatherapy. Successful treatment for alopecia areata. Arch Dermatol. 1998;134(11):1349–52.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Buck DS, Nidorf DM, Addino JG. Comparison of two topical preparations for the treatment of onychomycosis: Melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) oil and clotrimazole. J Fam Pract. 1994;38(6):601–5.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Bassett IB, Pannowitz DL, Barnetson RS. A comparative study of tea-tree oil versus benzoylperoxide in the treatment of acne. Med J Aust. 1990;153(8):455–8.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Deyno S, Mtewa AG, Abebe A, Hymete A, Makonnen E, Bazira J, et al. Essential oils as topical anti-infective agents: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2019;47:102224.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  73. Uter W, Schmidt E, Geier J, Lessmann H, Schnuch A, Frosch P. Contact allergy to essential oils: current patch test results (2000–2008) from the Information Network of Departments of Dermatology (IVDK). Contact Dermatitis. 2010;63(5):277–83.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. Kaddu S, Kerl H, Wolf P. Accidental bullous phototoxic reactions to bergamot aromatherapy oil. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001;45(3):458–61.

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  75. Ravanfar P, Dinulos JG. Cultural practices affecting the skin of children. Curr Opin Pediatr. 2010;22(4):423–31.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Pappano DA. Gridding: a form of folk medicine for respiratory illness. Pediatr Emerg Care. 2009;25(9):603–4.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  77. Lowe DO, Knowles SR, Weber EA, Railton CJ, Shear NH. Povidone-iodine-induced burn: case report and review of the literature. Pharmacotherapy. 2006;26(11):1641–5.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Yercen N, Caglayan S, Yucel N, Yaprak I, Ogun A, Unver A. Fatal hypernatremia in an infant due to salting of the skin. Am J Dis Child. 1993;147(7):716–7.

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Swerdlin A, Berkowitz C, Craft N. Cutaneous signs of child abuse. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2007;57(3):371–92.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  80. Ghosh SK, Bandyopadhyay D. Dermatoses secondary to Indian cultural practices. Int J Dermatol. 2014;53(4):e288–9.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  81. Ghosh SK, Bandyopadhyay D. Concurrent allergic contact dermatitis of the index fingers and lips from toothpaste: report of three cases. J Cutan Med Surg. 2011;15(6):356–7.

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2021 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this chapter

Montgomery, S.N., Elbuluk, N. (2021). Therapeutic Practices. In: Vashi, N.A. (eds) Cultural Practices and Dermatoses. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-68992-6_1

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-68992-6_1

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-030-68991-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-030-68992-6

  • eBook Packages: MedicineMedicine (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics