CompletedNot Applicable

Short-term Comparative Clinical Outcomes of Acupuncture and Phototherapy in Chronic Generalized Pruritus

Turkey (Türkiye)90 participantsStarted 2025-01-01

Plain-language summary

Chronic pruritus is a common and challenging condition with limited effective treatment options. This prospective, randomized comparative study aimed to evaluate the short-term clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture compared with narrow-band UVB phototherapy in patients with chronic generalized pruritus. A total of 90 adult patients were enrolled and treated for one month. Pruritus severity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) at baseline and after treatment.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years * Clinical diagnosis of chronic generalized pruritus lasting longer than 6 weeks * Ability to understand the study procedures and provide written informed consent * Willingness to comply with the study protocol and attend scheduled visits Exclusion Criteria (Acupuncture Group): * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Bleeding disorders or use of anticoagulant therapy * Skin diseases or lesions impairing skin integrity at acupuncture application sites * Advanced hypertension or heart failure Exclusion Criteria (Phototherapy Group): * Pregnancy or breastfeeding * Sun hypersensitivity or photodermatoses * Skin diseases triggered by sunlight * Claustrophobia * Advanced hypertension or heart failure

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in Visual Analogue Scale for Pruritus

Timeframe: Baseline to 1 month

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07451353

SponsorAnkara University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2025-07-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Chronic Pruritus trials