Case study: Pilot testing of a local acupuncture intervention protocol for burn scars
Catherine R Tuckey1, Susan H Kohut2, Dale W Edgar3,4,5,6
1School of Physiotherapy, The University of Notre Dame Australia, Perth, WA, Australia.
Scars, Burns & Healing
|February 28, 2022
Summary
Local acupuncture provided short-term relief for pain and itch in a hypertrophic burn scar. This pilot study suggests acupuncture may improve scar thickness, redness, and pliability, supporting further clinical trials for symptomatic scars.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Integrative Medicine
- Pain Management
Background:
- Hypertrophic scars from burns can cause restricted movement, pain, and itch.
- Acupuncture is being investigated for its potential to reduce neuroinflammation associated with scar symptoms.
- This study piloted a methodology for applying and measuring acupuncture's effects on symptomatic scars.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old male with a painful, itchy hypertrophic burn scar received localized acupuncture and massage.
- Needles were inserted around the grafted area and raised scar tissue, stimulated rotationally.
- Outcomes included pain/itch ratings, scar assessment (POSAS), and quality of life (SF36).
Findings:
- Local acupuncture was associated with short-term symptom relief.
- Significant reductions in subjective scar thickness, redness, and pliability were observed up to six months post-injury.
- The treatment protocol was well-tolerated, despite occasional short-term symptom increases.
Implications:
- Localized acupuncture shows promise for managing symptomatic hypertrophic scars.
- The methodology is suitable for a larger clinical trial.
- Acupuncture may offer a viable non-pharmacological approach for scar management.
