Cupping vs UVB: Comparable Psoriasis Outcomes?
Randomized study found no statistically significant differences in disease improvement between treatments over 8 weeks.
By
Meg Barbor
April 9, 2026
Clinical Scorecard: Cupping vs UVB: Comparable Psoriasis Outcomes?
At a Glance
Category Detail
Condition Plaque Psoriasis Key Mechanisms Sliding cupping may influence inflammatory pathways. Target Population Patients with plaque psoriasis, predominantly Chinese. Care Setting Single center, randomized controlled trial.
Key Highlights
Cupping and NBUVB showed similar short-term improvements in PASI scores. Mean PASI score reduction: 62% (cupping) vs 67% (NBUVB) by week 8. 69% (cupping) and 79% (NBUVB) achieved at least a 30% improvement in PASI scores. Adverse events were mild and infrequent; no serious adverse events reported. Study limitations include small size, short follow-up, and lack of blinding. Guideline-Based Recommendations
Diagnosis
Assess plaque psoriasis severity using PASI scores. Management
Consider sliding cupping or NBUVB for short-term treatment. Monitoring & Follow-up
Evaluate PASI scores and quality of life indicators at regular intervals. Risks
Be aware of potential operator-dependent variability in cupping therapy. Patient & Prescribing Data
Patients with mild to moderate plaque psoriasis.
Sliding cupping may be an alternative to NBUVB with comparable outcomes.
Clinical Best Practices
Conduct larger, longer-term studies to validate findings. Interpret results cautiously due to study limitations. Related Resources & Content
