Short-term Comparative Clinical Outcomes of Acupuncture and Phototherapy in Chronic Generalized Pruritus

Short-term Comparative Clinical Outcomes of Acupuncture and Phototherapy in Chronic Generalized Pruritus: A Prospective Study

Chronic pruritus is a common and challenging condition with limited effective treatment options. This prospective, randomized comparative study aimed to evaluate the short-term clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture compared with narrow-band UVB phototherapy in patients with chronic generalized pruritus. A total of 90 adult patients were enrolled and treated for one month. Pruritus severity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) at baseline and after treatment.

This prospective comparative study included 90 adult patients diagnosed with chronic generalized pruritus. Participants were randomized into two parallel groups: an acupuncture group (n=50) and a narrow-band UVB phototherapy group (n=40). Acupuncture was administered twice weekly for one month (eight sessions total) using standardized acupuncture points in accordance with STRICTA recommendations. Phototherapy was administered three times weekly for one month. The primary outcomes were changes in pruritus severity measured by VAS and IGA at baseline and at one month. Safety and comparative short-term efficacy were evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age ≥ 18 years
• Clinical diagnosis of chronic generalized pruritus lasting longer than 6 weeks
• Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent
• Willingness to comply with the study protocol and attend scheduled visits

Exclusion Criteria (Acupuncture Group):

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulant therapy
• Skin diseases or lesions impairing skin integrity at acupuncture application sites
• Advanced hypertension or heart failure

Exclusion Criteria (Phototherapy Group):

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Sun hypersensitivity or photodermatoses
• Skin diseases triggered by sunlight
• Claustrophobia
• Advanced hypertension or heart failure