Herpes zoster (HZ), also commonly known as shingles, is characterized by a bandlike rash in the dermatome that corresponds to the affected nerve. Pain is prevalent in HZ patients, which may be provoked by light touch. Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is one of the most common complications of HZ and it is generally intractable to treat. At present, common treatment methods for HZ include anti-inflammatory, antiviral, analgesic, and neuroleptic regimens. Nevertheless, the application of these therapies can sometimes be limited by side effects. In this scenario, it is urgent to seek alternative non-pharmacological therapies for treating HZ. Intradermal acupuncture (IDA) is a common type of acupuncture. By retaining the needles for a much longer duration than other common modalities of acupuncture, IDA can prolong the sustained effect of acupuncture. In addition, characterized by mild pain during the insertion of intradermal needles, IDA is more suitable for patients who fear conventional acupuncture and it is also easy to operate by practitioners. Therefore, concerning the treatment of pain conditions, such as acute HZ, it may have certain advantages over conventional acupuncture. Thus, The aim of this trial is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of IDA for acute HZ.
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Change in pain intensity
Timeframe: at baseline (pre-treatment), at 1 month after intervention, at 3-month follow-up
Stopping time of herpes zoster
Timeframe: through study completion (up to 4 months)
Crusting time of herpes zoster
Timeframe: through study completion (up to 4 months)
Removal time of herpes zoster scabs
Timeframe: through study completion (up to 4 months)
Change in the temperature of regions of interest (ROIs)
Timeframe: at baseline (pre-treatment), at 1 month after intervention, at 3-month follow-up
Incidence rate of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN)
Timeframe: at 3-month follow-up