Use of specific acupuncture techniques in lingering nummular eczema: A case report

Abstract

Background: Nummular eczema (NE) is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by pruritic coin-shaped lesions and a long-lasting and easy-relapsing course, which severely decreases patients’ quality of life. This case was designed to observe the effects of specific acupuncture techniques on pruritic NE management. Case presentation: A 22-year-old female was first diagnosed with pruritic NE three years earlier. No allergies were found in the patch test; while emotional stress would trigger and aggravate the NE. External application of 0.1% tacrolimus failed to reverse this condition over a long period of treatment. Treatment & outcomes: An individualized acupuncture treatment protocol was identified. Half needling and encircling needling were applied at local eczematous lesions, with routine needling at meridian points, once per week, for 12 treatment sessions. All outcome measures, including the Eczema Area and Severity Index, Visual Analogue Scale score for pruritus, Self-Rating Anxiety Score, and Dermatology Quality Life Index, substantially improved over 6 months from pre-treatment to 3 months post-treatment. Conclusion: Acupuncture might be a promising non-pharmacological treatment method for patients with NE, especially for those with emotional stress. A randomized controlled trial with an adequate sample size and rigorous study design is required to verify the results of the study.

Keywords

• Nummular eczema
• Pruritus
• Anxiety
• Acupuncture techniques
• Half needling (Banci)
• Encircling needling (Weici)