J Korean Acad Fundam Nurs.  2024 Feb;31(1):69-79. 10.7739/jkafn.2024.31.1.69.

The Effects of Auricular Acupressure on Pruritus, Skin Dryness, and Depression in Hemodialysis Patients

• Choi E
• Park K

• KMID: 2553073
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.7739/jkafn.2024.31.1.69

Abstract

Purpose
This study investigated the effects of auricular acupressure therapy on pruritus, skin dryness, and depression in hemodialysis patients.
Methods
This was a randomized control group pre-post experimental study. Fifty-four patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis at a single center voluntarily participated in the study. Twenty-seven participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group, to whom auricular acupressure was applied to five designated acupoints (shenmen, heart, kidney, lung, and occiput) for 5 weeks. The control group (n=27) received no intervention for the first 5 weeks, and the auricular acupressure intervention was administered due to ethical considerations after 5 weeks. Pruritus, pruritus-related sleep disturbance, and depression were scored accordingly. Skin dryness was assessed by measuring transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and stratum corneum hydration (SCH) levels.
Results
Auricular acupressure therapy significantly reduced pruritus (z=-3.97, p<.001) and pruritus-related sleep disturbance (z=-2.97, p=.003) in the experimental group. TEWL showed a significant reduction in the arm (z=-2.23, p=.026) and body (z=-1.97, p=.049) but not in the leg. There were no differences in SCH levels and depression (z=-0.35, p=.721).
Conclusion
Auricular acupressure therapy effectively alleviated pruritus and skin dryness. This study confirmed the safety and effectiveness of auricular acupressure therapy as a viable intervention for pruritus in hemodialysis patients.

Keyword

Acupressure; Depression; Hemodialysis; Pruritus; 이압요법, 우울, 혈액투석, 소양증