Urticaria
Chronic Spontaneous urticaria, commonly known as hives is a condition characterized by recurrent raised, itchy welts that appear on the skin without a clear external trigger. In many cases, these outbreaks can persist for weeks, months, or even years, often fluctuating in intensity. Beyond the visible rash, urticaria can significantly impact sleep, stress levels, mood, and overall quality of life.
Case Presentation
Female, 17 years old
The patient reports recurrent rashes appearing on the left leg without any identifiable food, environmental, or contact trigger. She is unable to associate the episodes with any specific event or exposure. Over the past four months, she has experienced more than eight flare-ups, with each episode presenting as progressively larger areas of rash.
She was evaluated by pediatric dermatology and diagnosed with urticaria, or hives. Daily Zyrtec was recommended for symptom management. Consultation with me was sought to explore additional options and expressed a preference for trying alternative approaches before beginning long-term daily antihistamine use.
The patient is otherwise healthy.
Treatment
The patient has been receiving weekly acupuncture treatments using Japanese needle techniques due to needle aversion. She tolerated treatment comfortably.
Point selection was as follows:
- LI 11
- St 36
- Lv8
- Ki 3
- Lu7
Results
After six weeks of treatment, the patient remains asymptomatic and has not experienced any new rashes. This marks the longest symptom-free period she has had in the past four months.
Clinical Bottom Line
Acupuncture may serve as a complementary therapy for chronic spontaneous urticaria, particularly in those patients with intolerance to antihistamines or those looking for improvements in quality of life ( itch, sleep, anxiety). Although evidence is still limited early findings suggest Acupuncture may help modulate symptoms with low risk profile. Given the chronic and often frustrating nature of this condition, the potential risk benefit ratio warrants further exploration of acupuncture as a supportive treatment option.