Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves the insertion of fine needles into specific anatomical points (acupoints) to stimulate physiological responses. While historically used for a wide variety of systemic ailments, acupuncture has increasingly been studied in dermatology and supportive oncology for its potential role in managing pruritus, acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and adverse effects of chemotherapy or biologic therapies.
The proposed mechanisms of acupuncture include modulation of the neuroimmune system, activation of endogenous opioid pathways, and regulation of inflammatory cytokines. Neurotransmitters such as substance P, serotonin, and histamine—which are involved in chronic itch—may be downregulated with repeated acupuncture stimulation, providing symptom relief in conditions such as atopic dermatitis or uremic pruritus. Additionally, acupuncture has been reported to improve skin microcirculation and barrier repair, which may contribute to its perceived benefits in inflammatory skin diseases.
Clinical trials evaluating acupuncture for dermatologic conditions have shown mixed results. Some small randomized controlled trials and observational studies have suggested benefits in itch severity, lesion count, or overall skin discomfort, particularly in atopic dermatitis and chronic urticaria. However, many studies are limited by small sample sizes, lack of blinding, and variable protocols. As a result, major dermatologic guidelines do not routinely recommend acupuncture as first-line therapy but acknowledge its potential as a complementary option, particularly when standard treatments fail or are poorly tolerated.
In supportive oncology and palliative care settings, acupuncture has been more robustly evaluated for symptoms such as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, neuropathy, xerostomia, and fatigue. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) includes acupuncture as a supportive modality with level 2A evidence in select settings. From a pharmacy standpoint, this may provide patients an adjunctive, non-pharmacologic option for managing dermatologic symptoms associated with cancer treatment or immunotherapy.
Pharmacists should be aware of potential herb-drug interactions when patients pursue acupuncture through TCM clinics that also recommend herbal remedies. Additionally, patients on anticoagulants or immunosuppressants may require special precautions due to increased bleeding or infection risk associated with needle insertion. Pharmacists can play a valuable role by reviewing medications before acupuncture referral, helping patients distinguish between evidence-based use and unsubstantiated claims, and encouraging communication between the patient and the broader healthcare team.
While more rigorous research is needed, acupuncture represents a promising adjunct in dermatology and symptom management, particularly for patients seeking integrative approaches or experiencing treatment-resistant symptoms. Pharmacists can support its safe and informed use by evaluating patient-specific risks, advising on co-therapies, and reinforcing evidence-based expectations.
Pfab F, Athanasiadis GI, Huss-Marp J, et al. Effect of acupuncture on allergen-induced basophil activation in patients with atopic eczema: a pilot trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2011;17(4):309–314. doi:10.1089/acm.2010.0032
Kim KH, Kang JW, Lee MS, Choi SM. Acupuncture for treating atopic eczema: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Derm Venereol. 2012;92(5):542–546. doi:10.2340/00015555-1306
Lee SH, Lim SM. Acupuncture for persistent allergic rhinitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2015;115(6):445–450. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2015.09.008
Garcia MK, McQuade J, Haddad R, et al. Systematic review of acupuncture in cancer care: a synthesis of the evidence. J Clin Oncol. 2013;31(7):952–960. doi:10.1200/JCO.2012.43.5816
Park J, Sohn Y, White A, Lee H, Ernst E. The safety of acupuncture: a systematic review. Acupunct Med. 2004;22(2):53–57. doi:10.1136/aim.22.2.53
Acupuncture, a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves the insertion of fine needles into specific anatomical points (acupoints) to stimulate physiological responses. While historically used for a wide variety of systemic ailments, acupuncture has increasingly been studied in dermatology and supportive oncology for its potential role in managing pruritus, acne, eczema, rosacea, psoriasis, and adverse effects of chemotherapy or biologic therapies.
The proposed mechanisms of acupuncture include modulation of the neuroimmune system, activation of endogenous opioid pathways, and regulation of inflammatory cytokines. Neurotransmitters such as substance P, serotonin, and histamine—which are involved in chronic itch—may be downregulated with repeated acupuncture stimulation, providing symptom relief in conditions such as atopic dermatitis or uremic pruritus. Additionally, acupuncture has been reported to improve skin microcirculation and barrier repair, which may contribute to its perceived benefits in inflammatory skin diseases.
Clinical trials evaluating acupuncture for dermatologic conditions have shown mixed results. Some small randomized controlled trials and observational studies have suggested benefits in itch severity, lesion count, or overall skin discomfort, particularly in atopic dermatitis and chronic urticaria. However, many studies are limited by small sample sizes, lack of blinding, and variable protocols. As a result, major dermatologic guidelines do not routinely recommend acupuncture as first-line therapy but acknowledge its potential as a complementary option, particularly when standard treatments fail or are poorly tolerated.
In supportive oncology and palliative care settings, acupuncture has been more robustly evaluated for symptoms such as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, neuropathy, xerostomia, and fatigue. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) includes acupuncture as a supportive modality with level 2A evidence in select settings. From a pharmacy standpoint, this may provide patients an adjunctive, non-pharmacologic option for managing dermatologic symptoms associated with cancer treatment or immunotherapy.
Pharmacists should be aware of potential herb-drug interactions when patients pursue acupuncture through TCM clinics that also recommend herbal remedies. Additionally, patients on anticoagulants or immunosuppressants may require special precautions due to increased bleeding or infection risk associated with needle insertion. Pharmacists can play a valuable role by reviewing medications before acupuncture referral, helping patients distinguish between evidence-based use and unsubstantiated claims, and encouraging communication between the patient and the broader healthcare team.
While more rigorous research is needed, acupuncture represents a promising adjunct in dermatology and symptom management, particularly for patients seeking integrative approaches or experiencing treatment-resistant symptoms. Pharmacists can support its safe and informed use by evaluating patient-specific risks, advising on co-therapies, and reinforcing evidence-based expectations.
Pfab F, Athanasiadis GI, Huss-Marp J, et al. Effect of acupuncture on allergen-induced basophil activation in patients with atopic eczema: a pilot trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2011;17(4):309–314. doi:10.1089/acm.2010.0032
Kim KH, Kang JW, Lee MS, Choi SM. Acupuncture for treating atopic eczema: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Acta Derm Venereol. 2012;92(5):542–546. doi:10.2340/00015555-1306
Lee SH, Lim SM. Acupuncture for persistent allergic rhinitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2015;115(6):445–450. doi:10.1016/j.anai.2015.09.008
Garcia MK, McQuade J, Haddad R, et al. Systematic review of acupuncture in cancer care: a synthesis of the evidence. J Clin Oncol. 2013;31(7):952–960. doi:10.1200/JCO.2012.43.5816
Park J, Sohn Y, White A, Lee H, Ernst E. The safety of acupuncture: a systematic review. Acupunct Med. 2004;22(2):53–57. doi:10.1136/aim.22.2.53