Acupuncture Effective for Dermatologic Conditions

Review Article

Acupuncture as a Treatment Modality in Dermatology:

A Systematic Review

Chelsea Ma, MD, and Raja K. Sivamani, MD, MS, CAT

Abstract

Objectives:

Acupuncture is a form of Traditional Chinese Medicine that has been used to treat a broad range of

medical conditions, including dermatologic disorders. This systematic review aims to synthesize the evidence

on the use of acupuncture as a primary treatment modality for dermatologic conditions.

Methods:

A systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Central Register was performed.

Studies were limited to clinical trials, controlled studies, case reports, comparative studies, and systematic

reviews published in the English language. Studies involving moxibustion, electroacupuncture, or blood-letting

were excluded.

Results:

Twenty-four studies met inclusion criteria. Among these, 16 were randomized controlled trials, 6 were

prospective observational studies, and 2 were case reports. Acupuncture was used to treat atopic dermatitis,

urticaria, pruritus, acne, chloasma, neurodermatitis, dermatitis herpetiformis, hyperhidrosis, human papillo-

mavirus wart, breast inflammation, and facial elasticity. In 17 of 24 studies, acupuncture showed statistically

significant improvements in outcome measurements compared with placebo acupuncture, alternative treatment

options, and no intervention.

Conclusions:

Acupuncture improves outcome measures in the treatment of dermatitis, chloasma, pruritus,

urticaria, hyperhidrosis, and facial elasticity. Future studies should ideally be double-blinded and standardize

the control intervention.