Multiple Epidermal Cysts as a Complication of Gold Acupuncture

• DOI: 10.5021/ad.2014.26.3.405
• Publication Date: 2014-06-24T00:14:57Z
• Authors: Kui Young Park; Woo Sun Jang; In Su Kim; Eun Jung Ko; Seong Jun Seo; Chang Kwun Hong
• Keywords: Epidermal Cyst

Dear Editor:

A 58-year-old woman presented with multiple tiny papules having comedo-like openings on her face (Fig. 1A). Three years previously, she had received gold acupuncture permanent needles for facial skin rejuvenation that was performed by an unlicensed acupuncturist. After the procedure, treatment site swollen 3 months. At same site, a pungent odor appeared. Punch biopsies were lesions in infraorbital and forehead areas to confirm diagnosis of epidermal cysts associated acupuncture, detected from 1B). Histopathological analysis revealed cyst lined stratified squamous epithelium containing granular layer, cavity filled laminated keratinous material 2). Therefore, confirmed. The patient treated intralesional triamcinolone injections 2% salicylic acid cysts, which resulted mild improvement lesions. A few larger removed via simple excision. However, most foul-smelling remained, discontinued follow-up personal reasons.

Fig. 1

(A) Facial developed after procedure. Multiple erythematous-based nodules can be observed periorbital area. Numerous skin-colored foul ...

Fig. 2

Histopathological right lesion (H&E, ×100).

Acupuncture has recently attracted enormous interest Asian countries, gained some degree acceptance Western medicine1. To potentiate effects treatment, various stimulation methods such as electroacupuncture, ultrasound laser aqua-acupuncture, implantation at acupoints have been over last half century combining new medical techniques2. Traditional Chinese involves placing into subcutaneous tissues along predefined meridians then removing all later. unique type known 'Hari' placement fine tissues3. These are made gold, silver, or stainless steel, may placed anywhere body4. Acupuncture is also used rejuvenation. Barrett5 reported achieved inserting different points. mechanism not clear its safety yet proven. adverse include bleeding, hematoma, sweating, fainting, fever, irritation1. there no description caused involving needles. Epidermal common cutaneous derived follicular infundibulum. primary, they arise disrupted structures traumatically implanted epithelium. They develop trauma, radiotherapy, surgical procedures needle biopsy lumbar puncture use stylet. our knowledge, this first case Insertion might cause disruption epithelium, leading occurrence these cysts. Implanted could induce injuring blocking opening. We assume despite their rare occurrence, possible complication Only well-trained practitioners should perform efforts minimize risks related Informed consent patient's photographs obtained.