Effects and safety of acupuncture versus non-penetrating sham acupuncture for senile pruritus: Rationale and design for a randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Senile pruritus (SP), characterized by idiopathic itch in individuals aged 60 years and older without primary skin lesions, significantly impacts sleep and quality of life. Effective alternative treatments are needed. Acupuncture has been suggested as a potential intervention to alleviate pruritus; however, its role in managing SP remains uncertain. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for SP.

Methods

This single-center, parallel, two-arm, randomized, sham-controlled trial will enroll 200 patients diagnosed with SP in a 1:1 ratio to either the acupuncture or sham acupuncture group, receiving acupuncture or sham acupuncture three sessions weekly for six weeks. Participants, outcome assessors, and the statisticians will be blinded. The

SUBMITTER: Chen H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11872407 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature