H23 Traditional healing by skin cauterization (kaiy)

Abstract The practice of kaiy is an ancient medical traditional therapy that still used in Africa and the Middle East. Kaiy Arabic word for cautery; a red-hot iron or coal placed to skin. This causes sharp circular, oval linear burns are symmetrical configuration, usually resulting permanent scars. undertaken by healers. A Somali woman was referred her general practitioner dermatology itchy scar on mid-upper abdomen. She reported 40 years ago, she had skin cautery area bone pain, which later diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis. On examination, 4 × 0.7 cm keloid treated with course KenalogTM injections. sparked interest understanding kaiy, literature review performed. Cauterization results burning tissue order close wounds stop bleeding. patient’s symptoms help decide location cauterization. For example, if presenting complaint jaundice, left hand. Other presentations include back headache, depression, chest pain exorcism. Is this useful patients being burned no reason? Historically, it felt valuable preventing infection; however, there scientific basis this. believed result destruction pathogenic substances within body due extreme heat. Patients who have undergone report gives them short-term relief their symptoms; likely be release endogenous opioids, allowing sensation unremitting pain. Complications commonly witnessed consist deep burns, deferred wound healing secondary infections. More serious complications septic shock, ulceration viral transmission such hepatitis B (Farid MK, El-Mansoury A. (traditional cautery) Benghazi, Libya: versus effectiveness. Panafr Med J 2015; 22:98; Budair F. Dermatoses cultural practices. Indian Dermatol Venereol Leprosy 2019; 85:448–54). should included differential diagnosis patient multiple Some may not forthcoming admitting treatment specifically asked. presentation aims increase awareness dermatologists practice.