09/06/2021
SKIN BLISTERS DURING HIJAMAH (WET CUPPING)
Often when applying hijamah to a certain part of the anatomy especially on locations of the upper thoracic area (neck, trapezium or shoulders) small pustules of clear fluid can be observed commonly known as blisters.
CAUSES
This can not always be put down to over cupping as applying too much negative pressure in the cups would also lead to the puncturing or rupturing of the small blood vessels known as capillaries and ecchymosis or purpura would also be witnessed resulting in the bruising of the skin.
WHAT IS A BLISTER
A blister is a small pocket of fluid that appears in the upper layer of the skin. It’s considered a defence mechanism of the body as it forms in between the outer layer of the skin, known as “epidermis” and the next layer, known as “dermis”.
The fluid’s main function is to serve as a “cushion”, protecting the skin tissue underneath until it heals and new skin is recreated. Serum is a clear liquid that builds up within the gap. In other cases, the blister is filled with plasma, also known as “blister water” or blood in case of “blood blisters”.
Blisters are commonly caused by burning, chemical exposure, freezing, infection, or friction resulting from forceful rubbing.
Intense rubbing can certainly cause a blister, so does skin friction if continued long enough.
Pulling the skin too tight or pinching the skin would also cause the build up of fluids under the epidermis thus causing blistering of the epidermis.
WHAT IF A BLISTER IS OBSERVED DURING HIJAMAH
Although not common in Hijamah, there have been isolated cases where blistering on a patient has occurred and no bruising had occurred and the pressure applied to the cup was nominal.
If this was ever to occur then by NO means should the therapist apply scarification on these "bubbles" but try and avoid the blisters and use the adjacent area that is clear of these to make the incisions.
The patient should be notified and after care should be advised.
The blister should not be picked or cut and with time will subside and no marks should be visible.
InshaAllah!
