Acupuncture improves symptoms in patients with mild-to-moderate atopic dermatitis: A randomized, sham-controlled preliminary trial

Abstract

Objectives: To assess the feasibility of a definitive trial investigating the effects of acupuncture on atopic dermatitis symptoms including itching.

Design: A randomized, sham-controlled preliminary trial with three arms with a 4-week intervention period and a 4-week follow-up.

Interventions: Thirty participants were allocated to three arms (the verum acupuncture group 1 [VA1, 3 times weekly for 4 weeks], the verum acupuncture group 2 [VA2, twice weekly for 4 weeks], and the sham acupuncture group [SA, twice weekly for 4 weeks]) at a 1:1:1 ratio.

Main outcome measures: We determined the visual analogue scale (VAS) for itching and insomnia, SCORing Atopic Dermatitis (SCORAD), Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), Patient Oriented Eczema Measure (POEM), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) scores over the course of the study. Baseline index score (BIS) comparison according to general symptom was performed.

Results: The SCORAD, VAS (Pruritus), VAS (Insomnia), POEM, DLQI, and EASI were significantly improved in the VA groups. Significant BIS mean differences were observed most predominantly in epigastric tenderness and dyspepsia. There was no significant difference between VA1 and VA2 groups in all the main evaluation indices.

Conclusions: For the following research, the authors suggest SCORAD (Total) as primary outcome and SCORAD (objective), VAS (Itch), VAS (insomnia), EASI, POEM, and DLQI as secondary outcomes. Thirty six participants should be conducted a 4-week acupuncture period (twice weekly) and a 4-week follow-up. It is necessary to compare the differences of general symptoms according to presence of epigastric tenderness or dyspepsia at the screening level.

Keywords: Acupuncture; Atopic dermatitis; Itching; SCORAD; Sham treatment.