Chinese Cupping: A Simple Method to Obtain Epithelial... : Dermatologic Surgery (original) (raw)

ORIGINAL ARTICLE

A Simple Method to Obtain Epithelial Grafts for the Management of Resistant Localized Vitiligo

*Department of Dermatology & Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt

Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Sherif S. Awad, MD, PhD, 8, Abdel Menam Garby Square, Minia 61111, Egypt, or e-mail: [email protected]

The authors have indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.

Abstract

BACKGROUND

The introduction of surgical techniques provided a major development in the management of resistant vitiligo and replaced other conventional unsuccessful therapies. Most of these procedures require special devices and experience that prevent many dermatologists from utilizing them.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this work is to evaluate the introduction of a new simple technique that can be used in epithelial grafting for recalcitrant patches of vitiligo.

METHODS

Twenty vitiligo patients, nonresponding to classic phototherapy, were candidates in this study. A simple Chinese cupping device was used to induce blisters on the inner aspect of the thighs of the patients and the resulting blister roofs were used for grafting on dermabraded vitiliginous patches. The patients were followed up for 1 year.

RESULTS

Blister roofs induced by Chinese cupping were able to repigment vitiliginous patches in 80% of the patients with admirable coloring match, and the donor areas did not show any cosmetic disfigurement at the end of the study.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Chinese cupping is a simple and easy-to-use method to obtain epithelial grafts for vitiligo management.