Facial edema after covid-19 ameliorated by acupuncture: A CARE-compliant case report

Covid-19-induced inflammation and edema of the facial skin is a new problem, albeit still somewhat uncommon. To date, there are no published reports on the use of acupuncture for treating facial edema caused by corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

The patient, a young female, developed a fever of 38.7 °C, malaise, and headache, followed by facial edema. After 3 months of conventional treatments (i.e., oral hydroxychloroquine and ebastine) failed, she turned to acupuncture.

Facial edema after COVID-19.

Acupuncture points on the face (ST2, ST3, ST4, LI20, and SI18), facial acupuncture with multiple micro-needles in the affected area, and distal acupuncture points on LI11, LI4, LI6, SP9, ST36, ST40, and LR3. The patient was treated with acupuncture in 20 sessions over 2 months (3 times a week for the first month, 2 times a week for the second month) and instructed not to use any medication during and after the treatment of acupuncture.

After 2 months of acupuncture treatment, the facial edema of the patient subsided.

This case suggests that acupuncture may be an effective alternative therapy for superficial skin inflammation and edema caused by viral infections like COVID-19. Further studies are warranted to explore acupuncture's role in managing post-viral inflammatory conditions.