Cultural practices affecting the skin of children Parisa Ravanfar and James G. Dinulos SectSection of Dermatology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, New Hampshire, USA Correspondence to Dr Parisa Ravanfar, Section of Dermatology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, 1 Medical Center Dr, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA Tel: +1 603 653 9400; e-mail: parisa.ravanfar@hitchcock.org Current Opinion in Pediatrics 2010, 22:423–431 Purpose of review Cultural practices that present with dermatologic manifestations in the pediatric population are common. However, such skin manifestations are often poorly understood in western medicine and lesions are misdiagnosed, with child abuse being a common misdiagnosis. Recent findings The 2000 Census counted approximately 28 million first-generation immigrants in the United States. As populations are increasing in diversity, there are an increasing number of physical presentations from diverse cultural practices. Physicians will begin to encounter skin findings that they may have never seen before. It is, therefore, imperative for physicians to be aware of such cultural practices and the cutaneous findings associated with them. Summary Numerous cultural practices may present with skin manifestations in children. It is, therefore, important for pediatricians to be aware of such practices and their associated skin lesions for proper diagnosis and management. Various cultural practices with cutaneous findings will be covered in this article. Keywords abuse, cultural practice, cutaneous, ethnic, remedies, skin, traditional Curr Opin Pediatr 22:423–431 ß 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 1040-8703 Introduction Approximately 30% of United States population consists of people of color. With the rapidly changing demographics of the population, many medical practitioners will find themselves treating patients from cultures they have never previously encountered in their medical practice. There are numerous cultural practices that can lead to cutaneous manifestations. Frequently, patients and families do not offer this information when they see their physician due to embarrassment and fear of judgment. Misdiagnosis and improper treatment is far too common. There have been cases of parental suicide after misdiagnosis of child abuse [1]. Recognition and cultural awareness of such cutaneous findings are essential in proper medical care. Coin rubbing and spooning Coin rubbing or spooning is the cultural practice of repeated pressured strokes over lubricated skin with a smooth edge such as a worn coin, a metal cap with a rounded edge, a ceramic Chinese soup spoon, an evenhoned animal bone, a water buffalo horn, a piece of jade, or a piece of ginger root. The process involves placing the smooth edge against the preoiled skin surface, pressing down firmly, and then moving down the muscles, with 1040-8703 ß 2010 Wolters Kluwer Health | Lippincott Williams & Wilkins each stroke being 4–6 in. in length (see Fig. 1). This is also referred to as friction stroking and follows along the pathway of the acupuncture meridians on the surface of the skin, which in this case is on the spine. The resulting extravasation of blood leads to petechiae and ecchymoses, which is referred to in Chinese medicine as the ‘Sha’ rash. Typical skin lesions consist of linear ecchymotic streaks along the back in a Christmas tree pattern (see Fig. 2). This process of ‘spooning’ is called Gua Sha in Chinese and literally means to ‘scrape away fever’. In Vietnamese, the term for this practice is cao : gió (pronounced ‘cow yaw’), and translates roughly as to ‘scrape wind’, as in Vietnamese culture to catch a cold or fever is often referred to as ‘to catch wind’. In Indonesia, it is a traditional Javanese technique, known as kerikan, which literally means ‘scraping technique’. The French have named this practice as ‘tribo-effleurage’ or ‘friction stroking’. It is also used in other Southeast Asian cultures such as Cambodian and Laotian. The process of coining or spooning is relatively benign. Patients often deny pain from the procedure. However, many families who practice this technique are often afraid to bring their children to see physicians for fear of misunderstanding as child abuse. There have been DOI:10.1097/MOP.0b013e32833bc352 Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. 424 Dermatology Figure 1 Coining being performed on the back Reproduced by courtesy of EthnoMed.org. multiple reports of parents falsely accused of child abuse due to the skin lesions seen from this traditional practice [2]. It should also be noted that the skin is often initially lubricated with heated medical oils or balms and subFigure 2 Ecchymotic streaks on the back secondary to coining therapy sequently rubbed. Such oils include camphor, menthol, wintergreen oil, eucalyptus oil, peppermint oil, and cinnamon oil. The use of these heated lubricants has been associated with burns [3], contact dermatitis, and toxicity. There are case reports of camphor toxicity secondary to coin rubbing with camphor balm [4]. Camphor is found in common cold remedies such as Vicks vapor rub. Although the US Food and Drug Administration has banned more than 11% camphorated oil in the United States due to cases of toxicity in children, higher percentage oils are easily obtained outside the United States, such as in Canada, and toxicity is not uncommon in the United States [5]. Serious camphor intoxication often exhibits neurologic manifestations such as irritability, hyperreflexia, tonic muscular contraction, myoclonic jerks, confusion, coma, and apnea. Seizures are also common and may be the first manifestation [6–8]. Death is often due to respiratory failure or status epilepticus [5]. A similar traditional Chinese medical therapy is Ba Sha, meaning ‘to pull out fever’ or ‘tsien sha’. The method is basically pinching by grabbing the skin, followed by forceful flicking between the fingers until petechiae appear [9]. Tendons, the center of the brow, base of the nose, between the eyes, the neck, chest, or back are common locations for this technique. The findings of petechiae are difficult to distinguish from child abuse, requiring high awareness from the physician. Gridding Gridding is an underreported folk remedy that is most commonly practiced in Russian cultures as well as Ukraine and other eastern regions of the former Soviet Union [10]. Gridding describes the practice of painting the back with iodine in a criss-cross pattern [10]. This results in a hyperpigmented grid-like pattern on the back (see Fig. 3). This practice is typically used as a treatment for respiratory illness because the topical application of iodine results in a warm and mild burning sensation that is thought to aid in relief of cough and congestion [10]. The process of gridding is often well tolerated; however, there have been a few case reports [11,12] of high concentrations of topical iodine leading to chemical burns with maceration or abrasion of skin. Cupping Reproduced by courtesy of EthnoMed.org. The traditional practice of cupping dates from as early as 3000 B.C. and has been practiced in a variety of cultures worldwide, including Egyptian, Chinese, Greek, European, and Middle-Eastern cultures. Cupping is the practice of creating a small area of low air pressure next to the skin with a cup leading to suction. Various tools, methods, and procedures are used in creating this reduced air pressure. The cups themselves can be of various shapes Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. Cultural practices affecting the skin of children Ravanfar and Dinulos 425 Figure 3 Iodine gridding Figure 4 Cutaneous manifestation of cupping in a child Reproduced with permission from Pappano [10]. and sizes, as well as made of various materials, with the most common being glass or plastic. The suction required may be obtained by heating the cup or the air inside it with an open flame or a bath in hot scented oils, followed by placing the cup against the skin. As the air inside the cup cools, it contracts and pulls the skin inside. Vacuums have also been created with mechanical suction pumps located at the top of the cup. Cups may be used singly or in multiples to cover a larger area. They may also be placed over an acupuncture needle. Skin may be lubricated with oils to allow gradual movement of the cup across the skin, which may lead to a contact dermatitis to the oils applied. More commonly in Middle-Eastern cultures, the skin may be lanced prior to placing the cup, so that the vacuum draws blood into the cup as part of the treatment; this is referred to as wet cupping and is also a form of bloodletting. It is also worth mentioning that, in Turkey, traditional practices to treat jaundice include cutting the baby’s forehead, the back of the ears, and the wrists with a razor blade [13]. The practice of cupping often leads to annular ecchymoses and annular hyperpigmentation across the skin (see Fig. 4). Skin lesions can also consist of hematomas as well as skin lacerations in wet cupping. The use of oils for lubrication can cause a contact dermatitis with erythema, edema, blisters, and scaling in areas of direct contact. There is also potential for cutaneous burns with the use of fire cupping. Reproduced by courtesy of Ethnomed.org. Moxibustion Moxibustion is a traditional Chinese medicine therapy that is also used in other Asian cultures such as Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan, and Mongolian. The procedure involves using moxa, or mugwort herb, by either placing it on an acupuncture point and directly burning it on the skin or indirectly burning by lighting one end of a moxa stick and either holding it 1–2 in. away from the skin or placing it on or around inserted acupuncture needles (see Fig. 5). This often leads to erythema and commonly causes burns, especially with the direct application. Moxibustion may cause secondary burns and permanent scars. It is important for the physician to recognize these scars, as they may mimic signs of physical abuse such as those seen with cigarette burns. Phytophotodermatitis and photodermatitis Phytophotodermatitis causes skin lesions that result from the interaction of ultraviolet light with photosensitizing compounds present in various plants. The resulting skin lesions due to phototoxicity can manifest as erythema, hyperpigmentation, vesicles, bullae, or all. Lesions are often in unusual shapes and can appear within hours to days of exposure. The most common areas affected are Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. 426 Dermatology Figure 5 Moxibustion using acupuncture needles, following cupping therapy Reproduced by courtesy of commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Moxibustion. the hands, face, and mouth due to handling and eating; however, other areas can be affected, especially in children, such as when fruit juices are dripped over areas of the body while consuming (Fig. 6). There have been reports [14–18] of these skin lesions being misdiagnosed as child abuse, scalding, herpes, and fungal infections. The most common phytophotodermatitis is that of lime juice. Lime juice is used in various cultures as a folk remedy for numerous ailments in addition to being a common food ingredient. In particular, Hispanic cultures frequently use lime juice as a home remedy for various ailments, such as for acne, fungal infections, and scars, as well as for skin and hair lightening. These uses often lead to phytophotodermatitis when concurrently exposed to sunlight (Fig. 7a and b [19]). Other agents that can cause phototoxic effects include lemons, celery, carrots, oranges, parsley, parsnips, tobacco, figs, garlic, and hot peppers, in addition to numerous other agents. Berloque dermatitis refers to a phototoxic reaction that occurs from exposure of fragrance products that contain bergamot oil to sunlight. Bergapten, or 5-methoxypsoralen, is the photoactive component of bergamot oil from the bergamot citrus. The bergamot oil is derived from lime peel and is commonly used as a fragrance in perfumes, colognes, aromatherapy oils, lotions, soaps, and various other toiletries. Although less commonly used in the United States due to dermatitis, it is still frequently found in products from other countries. This phototoxic reaction produces a range of following cutaneous lesions: erythema, brown/red hyperpigmentation, blisters, and desquamation (Figs 8 and 9). Lesions are often in a linear pattern corresponding to area of application. Other configurations include drop-like, pendant-like, and, important to the pediatric population, in the shape of handprints. There has even been a report [20] of misdiagnosed child abuse that was subsequently found to be berloque dermatitis from an Ecuadorian cologne, causing extreme stress and anxiety to an Ecuadorian family. Phototoxic dermatitis can have a subtle history, such as cases in which mothers carried their infants outside after using a phototoxic agent, thus resulting in a photodermatitis in the infant. Contact dermatitis Contact dermatitis is a general term for a cutaneous reaction that results from contact with either an irritating or an allergy-producing agent. Irritant contact dermatitis is inflammation of the skin, typically seen as erythema, mild edema, and scaling. Irritant contact dermatitis is a nonspecific cutaneous response secondary to direct chemical contact. Allergic contact dermatitis, on the other hand, is inflammation of the skin, leading to varying degrees of erythema, edema, and vesicles. It is a delayed type (type 4 T-cell) hypersensitivity reaction, resulting from cutaneous contact with a specific allergen to which Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. Cultural practices affecting the skin of children Ravanfar and Dinulos 427 Figure 6 Phytophotodermatitis cause a contact dermatitis include gentian violet, chamomile tea, primrose oil, egg white, cornstarch, and cooking oil. Henna Henna is derived from a plant and is used in multiple cultures for various reasons. Henna is most commonly known for its use as a temporary ornamental tattoo applied traditionally in Indian, Middle Eastern, and Mediterranean cultures. However, it is also used as a hair dye, hair shampoo and conditioner, fingernail polish, and antifungal agent, and as a medicinal herb. Henna can cause an allergic contact dermatitis in some people, as seen in Fig. 10. The most common allergen in henna products is para-phenylenediamine (PPD), which is added to henna dye to make the color blacker and to speed up dyeing. PPD may be a very potent contact sensitizer and cross-reacts with other agents such as other hair dyes. It should also be kept in mind when a scalp rash is seen, as it is not only found in some hair products but also cross-reacts with hair dyes. Henna application is also used in some cultures for medicinal purposes as treatment for seborrheic dermatitis and fungal infections. Skin manifestations of a contact dermatitis include erythema, scaling, edema, and pruritus. Reproduced by courtesy of Dermnet.com. the patient has developed an allergic sensitivity. There are countless agents that can cause such reactions. For example, topical cultural remedies for diaper rash that can There have been multiple reports of topical henna inducing hemolytic anemia in children with glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency. In Turkey, some tribes celebrate arrival of the first boy in the family with henna application to the infant’s body and there are multiple reports of percutaneous absorption with subsequent hemolysis [21–23]. Unfortunately, the populations associated with G6PD deficiency are often the same populations that utilize henna. There have been Figure 7 Phytophotodermatitis and limes Physical examination revealed tender skin (phytophotodermatitis; a) with vesicles (arrow) and tense bullae (arrowhead) atop erythematous, edematous plaques on her dorsal hands, forearms, and chest. Symmetric, discrete, erythematous patches studded with tiny vesicles were found on her back (limes; b). Reproduced with permission from Pomeranz and Karen [19]. Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. 428 Dermatology Figure 8 Berloque dermatitis due to bergamot oil and sun exposure Reproduced by courtesy of Dermnet.com. Figure 9 Berloque dermatitis due to bergamot oil and sun exposure reports of large henna applications to infants and children celebrating their births and birthdays causing severe hyperbilirubinemia and even death in patients with homozygous G6PD deficiency [21–23]. Cultural remedies in caring for the umbilical stump There are several cultural remedies in caring for the infant’s umbilical stump. Most involve application of a substance. Some agents applied to the neonate’s umbilical stump include salt and lime juice. For example, in some Turkish populations, ash, olive oil, tar, or coffee is applied to the umbilical stump. In one report [13], over a third of Turkish women stated that they applied olive oil to their baby’s umbilical stump, and a smaller portion Figure 10 Contact dermatitis due to henna tattoo Reproduced by courtesy of Dermnet.com. Reproduced by courtesy of Ethnomed.org. Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. Cultural practices affecting the skin of children Ravanfar and Dinulos 429 applied coffee or tar to the stump. Similarly, application of nutmeg, castor oil, or spider webs to the umbilical stump has been observed in Haitian culture. As expected, such application may be associated with irritant dermatitis and occasional infection. Figure 11 Traction alopecia The use of spider webs on wounds dates back centuries and they have been used in various cultures including African–American and Haitian as a hemostatic agent. Spider webs contain Hageman factor and, therefore, provide hemostasis. However, there have been reports of not only infection from application of contaminated spider webs, but also associated tetanus [24]. Neonatal tetanus secondary to wrapping of the umbilical stump with spider webs has been very rarely reported [24]. Salting Salting of the neonate is a cultural practice that is unique to Turkey. Salt is believed to deter supernatural spirits that bring sickness and death. Salting of the neonate is an old cultural practice seen in some areas of Turkey and consists of scrubbing the neonate’s entire body with table salt for an hour. It is performed in order to increase the likelihood of the baby being healthy. Unfortunately, excessive amounts of salt can lead to epidermolysis and sodium absorption through the skin, resulting in severe, life-threatening hypernatremia [25]. Skin findings resemble those of scalded skin as well as very dry, dehydrated skin [25]. Reproduced by courtesy of Ethnomed.org. Toothpaste The application of toothpaste to wounds, mainly burns, is a cultural remedy mainly used in Greece and Iran. It provides a cooling sensation due to the menthol and is Figure 12 Acne keloidalis nuchae Aloe vera Application of heated aloe vera to the skin is commonly practiced in the Hispanic population. Aloe vera alone is an uncommon cause of contact dermatitis; however, heated aloe vera can cause erythema, burns, scarring from overheated application, or all. Capsaicin dermatitis Capsaicin dermatitis is commonly seen in the Hispanic population due to chilli peppers being frequently used for flavoring in the Latino diet. Contact with the chilli peppers can cause an erythematous skin rash. Gentian violet The topical application of gentian violet is used as a natural remedy in numerous cultures for the treatment of infection, mainly fungal or yeast infections. In the Hispanic population, it is used as an antiseptic agent. Gentian violet is commonly used for diaper rash, thrush, and mouth sores. The application of gentian violet leads to a purple discoloration that can last for days and, rarely, may be mistaken for ecchymoses. Reproduced by courtesy of CrutchfieldDermatology.com. Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. 430 Dermatology thought to aid in healing and relieve pain; however, it should be noted that toothpaste also contains abrasives and can lead to wound infection as well as prolonging healing time. Davener’s dermatosis Davener’s dermatosis is a unique skin finding seen exclusively in Jewish boys who attend Jewish seminaries, classically Orthodox Jewish Talmudic seminaries (Yeshivas) [26]. The lesion is a linear, vertical, midline, hyperpigmented patch with ill-defined borders present on the skin overlying the bony protuberances of the inferior thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. This skin manifestation is associated with friction from the rigid backrests against the lower back that is caused by the characteristic swaying motion that traditionally occurs with Torah studying or ‘davening’ (praying) and, therefore, termed Davener’s dermatosis [26]. It is a benign skin finding and often unrecognized by the patient. It is commonly considered a badge of honor in this population. acne occurs secondary to hair grooming products that spread to the forehead and other areas of the face. The pomade or other hair products contain comedogenic substances that cause acne. The typical presentation is an acneiform eruption of the forehead and temples composed mainly of uniform closed comedones with occasional papulopustules. Traction alopecia Traction alopecia is most often seen in African–American girls, but can be seen in other populations as well. It is hair thinning and scalp hair loss that results from hairstyles that cause tension on the hair follicles (Fig. 11). The pattern varies on the hairstyle, but is often symmetric. Hairstyles associated with traction alopecia include tight braids, cornrowing, tightly rolled hair, and dread locks. Hair becomes thin and fragile. If early recognition and diagnosis with discontinuation is not made, permanent hair loss may ensue. Acne keloidalis nuchae Pomade acne Most commonly reported in African–American cultures, but also seen in Haitian and Hispanic cultures, pomade Acne keloidalis nuchae is a chronic and progressive folliculitis seen as follicular-based papules, pustules, and subsequent keloids (see Fig. 12). It is most com- Figure 13 Erythema ab igne After weeks of application of a heating pad. Reproduced with permission from NEJM. Copyright ß 2007 Massachusetts Medical Society. Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited. Cultural practices affecting the skin of children Ravanfar and Dinulos 431 4 Rampini SK, Schneemann M, Rentsch K, Bächli EB. Camphor intoxication after cao gı́o (coin rubbing). JAMA 2002; 288:45. 5 Love JN, Sammon M, Smereck J. Are one or two dangerous? Camphor exposure in toddlers. J Emerg Med 2004; 27:49–54. 6 Tidcombe FS. Severe symptoms following the administration of a small teaspoonful of camphorated oil. Lancet 1897; 2:660. Heating pads 7 Clark TL. Fatal case of camphor poisoning. BMJ 1924; 1:467. Application of heating pads is used worldwide. The application of heating pads can result in erythema as well as burns. The chronic use of heating pads can lead to the dermatologic manifestation of erythema ab igne. Erythema ab igne is a reticular erythematous or violaceous hyperpigmentation of the skin that results from chronic exposure to infrared radiation (see Fig. 13 [27]). Erythema ab igne is often mistaken for livedo, cutis marmorata, and varicoceles, and unnecessary systemic workups are frequently obtained. Proper recognition can avoid further workup. No laboratory, radiologic, or other workup is necessary and treatment is simply discontinuation of use of the heating pad. Hyperpigmentation gradually resolves, but can take years. 8 Moore S. Poisoning by linimentum camphorae: recovery. BMJ 1898; 2:717. 9 Moy JA, McKinley-Grant L, Sanchez MR. Cultural aspects in the treatment of patients with skin disease. Dermatol Clin 2003; 21:733–742. monly seen on the back of the neck of Hispanic and African–American men and is associated with very close haircuts. 10 Pappano DA. Gridding: a form of folk medicine for respiratory illness. Pediatr Emerg Care 2009; 25:603–604. 11 Kara A, Tezer H, Devrim I, et al. Chemical burn: a risk with outdated povidone iodine. Pediatr Dermatol 2007; 24:449–450. 12 Lowe DO, Knowles SR, Weber EA, et al. Povidone–iodine-induced burn: case report and review of the literature. Pharmacotherapy 2006; 26:1641– 1645. 13 Geçkil E, Sahin T, Ege E. Traditional postpartum practices of women and infants and the factors influencing such practices in South Eastern Turkey. Midwifery 2009; 25:62–71. 14 Carlsen K, Weismann K. Phytophotodermatitis in 19 children admitted to hospital and their differential diagnoses: Child abuse and herpes simplex virus infection. J Am Acad Dermatol 2007; 57 (5 Suppl):S88–S91. 15 Coffman K, Boyce WT, Hansen RC. Phytophotodermatitis simulating child abuse. Am J Dis Child 1985; 139:239–240. 16 Bergeson PS, Weiss JC. Picture of the month. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med 2000; 154:201–202. Conclusion There are numerous potential cutaneous findings in the pediatric population due to cultural practices. Awareness of such cultural practices will aid in proper diagnosis, increasing cultural awareness, and establishing patient rapport. One must also be cognizant not to appear judgmental, condescending, or reprimanding; thus allowing for a relationship of trust and proper communication. Acknowledgement There are no conflicts of interest. 17 Goskowicz MO, Friedlander SF, Eichenfield LF. Endemic ‘lime’ disease: phytophotodermatitis in San Diego county. Pediatrics 1994; 93:828–830. 18 Juckett GV. Plant dermatitis: possible culprits go far beyond poison ivy. Postgrad Med 1996; 100:167–171. 19 Pomeranz MK, Karen JK. Images in clinical medicine. Phytophotodermatitis and limes. 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The Southeast Asian practice of cao gio. J Am Acad Nurse Pract 2000; 12:89–95. 26 Naimer SA, Trattner A, Biton A, et al. Davener’s dermatosis: a variant of friction hypermelanosis. J Am Acad Dermatol 2000; 42:442–445. 3 Amshel C, Caruso D. Vietnamese ‘coining’: a burn case report and literature review. J Burn Care Rehabil 2000; 21:112–114. 27 Chan CC, Chiu HC. Images in clinical medicine. Erythema ab igne. N Engl J Med 2007; 356:e8. Copyright © Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. Unauthorized reproduction of this article is prohibited.