Clinical Efficacy Observation On Herbal Administration Combined With Acupoint Application For Activating Spleen And Relieving Depression To Treat Acne Vulgaris (Phlegm-damp Type)

Objective: In the clinical observation study,self-designed Activating Spleen Eliminating Stagnation Decoction and Activating Spleen dispelling melancholy method acupoint application were applied to patients with acne vulgaris(phlegm-dampness constitution).By comparing the indexes of skin symptoms integral,greasy scores and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)phlegm-dampness constitution scores,and recurrence rate as well as the curative effect of the three groups,the paper aims to provide clinical and theoretical basis for the effectiveness of the internal TCM and external acupuncture application for the treatment of acne,expand the train of thought for the skin disease through external TCM treatment,increase the selectivity and improve the compliance of treatment of traditional Chinese medicine.Methods: 95 cases patients with acne vulgaris(phlegm-dampness constitution)who met the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into treatment group(32 cases)TCM control group(33 cases),acupoint application control group(30 cases).Treatment group orally took Activating Spleen Eliminating Stagnation Decoction and used Activating Spleen dispelling melancholy method acupoint application externally; TCM control group orally took Activating Spleen Eliminating Stagnation Decoction;acupoint application control group only used Activating Spleen dispelling melancholy method acupoint application externally.After the continuous treatment for six weeks,the skin symptoms and body mass index changes of the three groups before and after the treatment were observed,inquired and recorded.The score cumulative total of each index was obtained respectively.Finally,comprehensive evaluation was conducted.Results: 6 weeks after the treatment,among the 31 cases in the treatment group who completed the test,10 cases(32.3%)cured;13 cases were markedly improved(41.9%);3 cases(9.7%)were effective;1 case(3.2%)was invalid;the total effective rate was 96.8%.Among the 32 cases in the TCM control group who completed the test,8 cases(25.0%)cured;16cases were markedly improved(50.0%);5 cases(15.6%)were effective;3 cases(9.4%)were invalid;the total effective rate was 90.6%.Among the 27 cases in acupoint application control group who completed the test,1 case(3.7%)recovered;4 cases(14.8%)were markedly improved;15cases(55.6%)were effective;7 cases(25.9%)were invalid;the total effective rate was 74.1%.All the three groups had curative effect,and the differences were statistically significant.The treatment group had more tendency of remarkable effect and recovery in the curative effect;acupoint application control group had more tendency of invalid or effective curative effect.Besides,the curative effect of TCM control group was between Group A and B,and the trend had statistical significance.In the treatment process and during follow-up period,all the three groups showed no serious adverse reaction.Conclusions:(1)all of the three groups have curative effect on mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris(phlegm-dampness constitution).The specific curative effect is different.The cure rate of the treatment group >that of the TCM control group > that of acupoint application control group.The treatment group had more tendency of remarkable effect and recovery;acupoint application control group had more tendency of invalid or effective curative effect.The curative effect of TCM control group was between Group A and B.(2)For the treatment group adopted the combined way of TCM and acupoint application,skin symptoms and phlegm dampness constitution improved obviously.The treatment group the optimal curative effect,and the lowest recurrence rate within the three months of follow-up.(3)The curative effect of each index of TCM control group at 3rd week and 6th week was superior to that of acupoint application control group,prompting TCM could improve skin lesion and greasy skin faster and more effectively.Each index of acupoint application control group at 3rd week improved,but there was no significant difference;it was statistically significant differences in 6th week,prompting acupoint application treatment needed to appropriately extend therapy time;(4)only few patients were allergic to acupoint application,and they had no other adverse reactions,prompting treatment method of internal TCM and external acupoint application for acne is safe and feasible.