Acupuncture for neurodermatitis: a case report.

Abstract

Neurodermatitis (also known as lichen simplex chronicus) is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease, which is characterized by paroxysmal pruritus and a mossy skin surface with a long, recurrent and often incurable course. According to surveys,1 the prevalence of neurodermatitis is around 12%. Currently, neurodermatitis is mostly treated with glucocorticoids, immunomodulators, antipruritic agents and antihistamines, but these management options are often accompanied by side effects and do not always prevent recurrence.2 Although neurodermatitis is not harmful, it can have a significant psychosocial impact on patients, causing depression, anxiety and sleep disruption.3 As a result, it would be helpful to find a complementary or alternative therapy that is both safe and effective. Although acupuncture has the advantage of being simple and having few side effects, there is limited evidence to support its use in the treatment of neurodermatitis. Here, we describe a case in which a patient with neurodermatitis who appeared to have been successfully treated with acupuncture without any early signs of recurrence.