This blog is to share the latest research and development of acupuncture and raise the awareness of alternative treatments for your conditions, and is for information only.

Tuesday, 1 July 2014

Gold acupuncture induced facial multiple epidermal cysts

Permanent placement of gold acupuncture needle for facial skin rejuvenation caused multiple epidermal cysts according to a case report in journal Annals of Dermatology.

Doctors in Korea reported a case study describing a 58-year-old woman with multiple tiny papules having comedo-like openings on her face. Three years ago patient had a facial skin rejuvenation treatment by using permanent placement of gold acupuncture needles under skin performed by an unlicensed acupuncturist. The acupuncture sites were swollen for three months following procedure. Multiple papules with pungent odour appeared at the same sites.

Punch biopsies were performed on the lesioned sites in the infraorbital and forehead. The gold needles were found on the lesion sites. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of multiple epidermal cysts associated with acupuncture gold needles. The patient was treated with relevant medications.

Inserting acupuncture needles into different facial acupoints has been used for facial skin rejuvenation. However its mechanism and safety have not been proven. The adverse effects include skin irritation, hematoma, bleeding, fainting.

The authors acknowledged that this is the first case of multiple epidermal cysts following permanent placement of gold needles.

Reference:
Park KY et al., Multiple Epidermal Cysts as a Complication of Gold Acupuncture. Ann Dermatol. June 2014; 26(3):405-406.   http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4069658/

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