The use of acupuncture in first aid of burns—Clinical report

Loskotova A, Loskotova J · Burns · 2017 December

DOI 10.1016/j.burns.2017.04.025

Objective

To investigate the effects of acupuncture treatment on healing, skin signs, and post-traumatic complications in 1008 patients with burn injuries, including the influence of treatment timing.

Conclusions

The clinical report demonstrates that acupuncture was associated with improved burn healing and reduction of skin signs, with the best results when treatment was initiated as soon as possible, ideally immediately and within 48 hours of injury.

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Insights

Early acupuncture after burns may improve healing and reduce visible skin changes, with the greatest benefit when started immediately after injury.

This clinical report analysed hospital records from burn patients treated with acupuncture over an extended period in a Czech surgical ward. The authors monitored skin redness, pigmentation, scar formation, wound healing, and the timing of the first acupuncture session, using statistical association tests to assess treatment-related patterns. The report described improved wound healing and reduced redness, pigmentation, and scarring among patients receiving acupuncture. Benefits appeared strongest when acupuncture was begun as soon as possible after the burn, suggesting potential medical, economic, and psychosocial advantages.