Acupuncture for Topical Steroid Withdrawal – Does it work? Evidence is needed

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Acupuncture is being used as an anecdotal solution for its potential role in managing Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW), but more evidence is required to validate its efficacy. Acupuncture is an ancient practice that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of health conditions. Though it is most commonly associated with pain relief, acupuncture can also be used to treat a wide range of other health problems, including nausea, anxiety, depression, and fatigue. TSW is a complex illness and more research is required around the efficacy of acupuncture.

Topical steroid withdrawal is a complex health phenomena that can be described as a series of symptoms associated with the gradual or abrupt cessation of topical corticosteroid use. Symptoms of TSW can include red, itchy, and inflamed skin, as well as fatigue, anxiety, and depression. There is no known cure for TSW, but throughout Facebook groups and online communities, some people are suggesting that acupuncture can help to relieve the symptoms. Please keep reading before you attempt to use acupuncture to assist with Topical Steroid Withdrawal.

 

ℹ️ Related: How To Heal TSW Naturally? The Nuances Explained

 

Acupuncture for Eczema and Psoriasis

Eczema and Psoriasis are the most common underlying skin conditions of people with Topical Steroid Withdrawal. Although it is difficult to separate the symptoms of TSW from Eczema and Psoriasis, communities online are suggesting the use of acupuncture to potentially improve their symptoms.

 

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine in which thin needles are inserted into the body. It is a key component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

Acupuncture is most commonly used for pain relief, though it is also used to treat a wide range of other conditions. In recent years, it has gained popularity in the Western world as an alternative treatment for conditions like pain management, migraines, and even depression.

Now, new research is suggesting that acupuncture may also be effective in treating skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

 

What are the benefits of acupuncture for eczema?

There are related studies that show that acupuncture may be effective in reducing the symptoms of eczema. The study authors concluded that patients with atopic eczema can receive safe acupuncture therapy, but there aren’t enough data to say that acupuncture alone is a good way to reduce recurrence rates and improve quality of life. To verify the effectiveness of acupuncture for atopic eczema, further high-quality research with bigger sample numbers are required.

There are a number of different ways that acupuncture may help to treat eczema. Acupuncture may help to reduce inflammation and itchiness, two of the main symptoms of eczema. Acupuncture may also help improve circulation and boost the immune system, both of which may contribute to reducing the severity of eczema flares.

A course of acupuncture treatments may provide significant relief from eczema symptoms and help to improve the quality of life for those who suffer from this condition. If you are considering acupuncture for eczema, be sure to consult with a qualified practitioner to ensure that you are receiving safe and effective treatment.

 

Can acupuncture help with psoriasis?

There is some scientific evidence to support the use of acupuncture for psoriasis. A review of studies found that acupuncture treatment for psoriasis may be effective with minimal side effects.

A 2017 review also suggested that acupressure and other acupuncture-related therapies might be used in conjunction with conventional medicine to treat psoriasis. The use of acupressure is a highly effective complementary therapy that has been shown to significantly lower self-reported levels of anxiety and pain. This might help to lessen stress and other triggers of psoriasis.

Acupuncture is generally considered to be safe when performed by a trained and licensed practitioner. However, there is a risk of complications, such as bleeding, bruising, or infection.

If you are considering acupuncture for the treatment of psoriasis, it is important to consult with your doctor first to discuss the potential risks and benefits. It is also vital that you find a board-certified acupuncturist so that they will be able to assess your condition and create a treatment plan that is right for you.

 

How does acupuncture work?

Acupuncture is usually done with the help of needles. The needles used in acupuncture are much thinner than the ones used for injections or blood tests. They are also solid, rather than hollow like a hypodermic needle.

The number of needles and the exact placement of the needles depend on what condition is being treated. Sometimes only one needle is used. In other cases, several needles may be inserted into the skin.

Acupuncture needles are inserted to various depths, depending on the individual case. Once the needles are in place, they may be manipulated to produce certain sensations. For example, they may be twirled or tapped.

There are a number of different theories as to how acupuncture works, but the most commonly accepted one is that it stimulates the release of endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals that act as natural painkillers and can also produce a sense of wellbeing.

In addition, acupuncture is thought to stimulate the release of other chemicals and hormones that can help to regulate the body’s natural healing process.

acupunctue for tsw

 

Does acupuncture help with Topical Steroid Withdrawal?

Although acupuncture has not been specifically studied or proven to assist in people with topical steroid withdrawal in Western medicine, many people are suggesting it as helpful to manage their TSW symptoms. We are collecting information to understand if this is a trend of success with acupuncture.

Topical Steroid Withdrawal is a highly complex health condition caused by an adverse reaction to the cessation of prescribed steroid creams. Because TSW is an iatrogenic illness, currently there is no known cure, standardized medical treatment, or support for sufferers. Many people suffering with Topical Steroid Withdrawal are turning to online groups and Facebook forums to try an array of products, therapies and solutions to manage their inflammation of their skin during this withdrawal period from topical steroids. The challenge we are seeing is that there is no tracking of the efficacy of acupuncture and other anecdotal solutions. We are aiming to solve that.

At TSW Assist, we are aiming to discover the collective efficacy of anecdotal recommendations from the TSW community. We hope to identify trending solutions that may be helpful in assisting with the symptoms experienced during topical steroid withdrawal.

Learn more about the crowd-sourced insights for topical steroid withdrawal that are trending as helpful.

 

More research is required to understand the benefits of acupuncture for TSW

If you are considering using acupuncture for Topical Steroid Withdrawal, it is important to understand that more research is needed to understand its efficacy. Although some people may have success with acupuncture in treating their eczema or psoriasis, further clinical studies are required for TSW.

Through the TSW Assist website, we hope to share crowd-sourced information on the efficacy or inefficacy of acupuncture in helping TSW, as well as other solutions that may help.

If you are unsure, please speak to a healthcare professional before using acupuncture for topical steroid withdrawal.

 

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