Abstract
Abstract
Background:
The prevalence of atopic dermatitis, a chronic disease characterized by itchy and inflamed skin, has significantly increased in developed countries during the past several decades, including up to 20% of children. There has been significant interest in acupuncture as a treatment for atopic dermatitis.
Objective:
To report the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating atopic dermatitis in children.
Design, Setting, and Patients:
Two girls (ages 8 and 11 years) presented with dry erythematous and pruritic patches mainly in creases of the body, such as elbow and knee and behind the earlobes. They were diagnosed with atopic dermatitis by their pediatrician. The 11-year-old patient started treatment during April 2001, and the 8-year-old started treatment during May 2001. Both patients were treated in California.
Intervention:
Acupuncture points CV 12, ST 36, TE 5, LI 11, LU 7, ST 40, SP 9, and KI 3 were needled. Needles were retained for 15 minutes after the arrival of Qi. Treatments were administered for 12 sessions.
Main Outcome Measure:
Subjective reporting of improvement in rashes and itching.
Results:
Both patients' rashes gradually decreased and there were no signs of recurrent itching. Symptoms disappeared after the 12 acupuncture sessions. No recurrences were reported up to 18 months later. As a result, the patients' general quality of life has also improved.
Conclusions:
Acupuncture treatment was effective in treating atopic dermatitis in 2 children. Our findings should prompt quantitative studies to support the role of acupuncture in the management of pediatric atopic dermatitis.
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