EFFECT OF WET CUPPING THERAPY ON VIRULENT CELLULITIS SECONDARY TO HONEY BEE STING – A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Cellulitis is clinical condition that is caused by the inflammation of sub-cutaneous tissue. Conventional treatment of cellulitis is based on the use of antimicrobials. Treatment by Cupping is one of the oldest ways of healing for more than 5000 years; now reemerging in this modern age and is being practice in many countries such as USA, UK, Germany and China. This is the first reported case in which, twice a healthy subject was stung by honeybee and was effectively treated by cupping therapy. In the first attack of honeybee sting, a virulent cellulitis developed on the ventral surface of the right forearm. The subject was treated with antimicrobials with no response. Later as an adjunctive treatment, cupping therapy was applied at the site of cellulitis with remarkable and immediate clinical recovery. Interestingly, 45 days later, same individual was again stung by honeybee on the planter surface of the right big toe and on this occasion immediately cupping was applied; that gave quick relief and no inflammation developed. Cupping therapy may be an effective measure in the treatment of honey bee sting induced cellulitis.