Q. Won't acupuncture irritate the skin further?
Acupuncture can be applied directly to skin lesions. Needling acupoints and ashi-points around the lesion accelerates local circulation and inflammatory exudate clearance, speeding skin regeneration and symptom relief compared to using only distal points.
📝 Detailed Answer
That is a good question. It really can be an irritant, so we adjust the site and the method.
In atopic dermatitis and psoriasis there is what is called the Koebner phenomenon, where lesions arise along a site that has been scratched or irritated. So we avoid the lesion area and its surroundings, and perform it on normal skin on the hands and feet or the back.
Some people worry about needle marks remaining, but if fine needles are used no trace generally remains. However, if the skin is sensitive it can redden temporarily.
After the procedure, if that area itches or reddens, please tell us. We change the site at the next treatment. Please do not scratch the treated site, and avoid a hot bath that day.
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Hyo-seop Kim
Chief Director