OBJECTIVE:
Acupuncture treatment of itch, Itch is a major symptom of allergic skin disease. Acupuncture has been shown to exhibit a significant effect on histamine-induced itch in healthy volunteers. We investigated the effect of acupuncture on type I hypersensitivity itch and skin reaction in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.
Commonly used points to decrease heat in the body
Methods
Researchers applied allergen stimuli to 30 atopic eczema patients before and after interventions.
They tested verum acupuncture on Quchi and Xuehai points, the dominant side.
Additionally, they performed placebo-point acupuncture on the dominant side.
Some patients received no acupuncture as a control.
Patients rated itch intensity using a visual analog scale.
After 10 minutes, researchers measured wheal, flare size, and skin perfusion.
Participants completed the validated Eppendorf Itch Questionnaire post-intervention.
Results
Verum acupuncture significantly reduced mean itch intensity (35.7 ± 6.4) versus no acupuncture (45.9 ± 7.8).
It also outperformed placebo acupuncture (40.4 ± 5.8) for the direct effect.
For the preventive effect, verum acupuncture lowered itch intensity (34.3 ± 7.1) compared to no acupuncture (44.6 ± 6.2).
Placebo acupuncture (37.8 ± 5.6) also reduced itch versus no acupuncture.
Verum acupuncture decreased wheal size (0.38 ± 0.12 cm²) versus placebo (0.54 ± 0.13 cm²).
It also reduced flare size (8.1 ± 2.0 cm²) compared to no acupuncture (15.1 ± 4.1 cm²).
Verum acupuncture lowered skin perfusion (72.4 ± 10.7) versus no acupuncture (84.1 ± 10.7).
Eppendorf Itch Questionnaire scores dropped significantly in verum acupuncture versus no acupuncture.
Verum and placebo acupuncture outperformed no acupuncture in preventive approach EIQ scores.
Acupuncture treatment of itch
CONCLUSION:
Acupuncture treatment of itch at the correct points showed a significant reduction in type I hypersensitivity itch in patients with atopic eczema. With time the preventive point-specific effect diminished with regard to subjective itch sensation, whereas it increased in suppressing skin-prick reactions.
Resources
1-Influence of acupuncture on type I hypersensitivity itch and the wheal and flare response in adults with atopic eczema – a blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial.
