Combining Fire Needle and Cupping with Medication for Herpes Zoster Treatment

Study Overview

This study explored the effectiveness and safety of combining fire needle and cupping therapy with oral medications famciclovir and gabapentin for treating acute herpes zoster (AHZ). It involved 84 patients who were randomly divided into three groups.

Groups and Treatments

Group A: Received oral famciclovir and gabapentin.
Group B: Received fire needle and cupping therapy along with famciclovir and gabapentin.

Key Findings

Both groups experienced reduced pain levels after one week, but Group B had significantly lower pain scores.
Group B also showed better improvement in symptoms compared to Group A.
Adverse reactions were lower in Group B (4.76%) than in Group A (21.95%).
Group B had a significantly lower occurrence of postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) compared to Group A.

Conclusion

The combination of fire needle therapy with standard medications is more effective in reducing pain and symptoms while minimizing side effects. This therapy should be considered an additional treatment alongside standard drug therapy.

Future Research

Future studies should include a control group to better understand the effects of fire needle and cupping therapy.

Clinical Trial Registration

This study is registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1800015372).

Enhancing Clinical Practices

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