Efficacy of Acupuncture in the Treatment of Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin disease that significantly impairs quality of life. In patients unresponsive to conventional treatments, complementary approaches such as acupuncture have garnered attention. This case report presents the treatment of a 56-yearold female patient with chronic, treatment-resistant psoriasis using acupuncture. The patient presented with erythematous, scaly plaques and painful fissures on the palms and soles. Based on Traditional Chinese Medicine syndrome analysis, diagnoses of Spleen Qi Deficiency, Liver Blood Deficiency, and Kidney Yin Deficiency were made. Acupuncture was administered twice weekly for 12 sessions. Significant improvement in lesions was observed by the 9th session, with complete resolution by the 12th session. At 10-month follow-up, only mild scaling was noted, without fissures, pain, or inflammatory flare-ups. This case illustrates the potential effectiveness of acupuncture as a long-term complementary therapy for psoriasis.