Randomized Clinical Trial on the Safety and Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Treating Refractory Rosacea in Adults

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of acupuncture on patients with refractory rosacea, a skin condition that causes persistent facial redness and flushing. This randomized, multicenter, sham-controlled clinical trial aims to determine whether acupuncture can effectively reduce facial erythema and flushing episodes compared to sham acupuncture. The study will enroll 104 participants aged 18 to 65 years who have not responded to conventional treatments. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups the acupuncture group or the sham acupuncture group. The acupuncture group will receive electroacupuncture treatment at specific points on the face, neck, and limbs with continuous waves at 1 Hz for 20 minutes per session, twice a week for 8 weeks total of 16 sessions. The sham group will receive non-penetrating stimulation with blunt needles at the same locations and schedule, without electrical stimulation on facial points. The study consists of a 1-week baseline observation, an 8-week treatment phase, and an 8-week follow-up phase. Participants will attend five in-person visits at weeks 0, 4, 8, 12, and an online follow-up at week 16. During these visits, researchers will assess rosacea symptoms including redness, flushing severity, burning sensation, and telangiectasia using questionnaires and clinical evaluations. They will also monitor sleep quality and quality of life. Safety will be tracked through reports of treatment-related adverse events. The total participation duration is 17 weeks, including baseline, treatment, and follow-up periods.

Acupuncture for Refractory Rosacea: A Study on Its Effectiveness and Safety