Using battlefield acupuncture to relieve pain in hidradenitis suppurativa

Battlefield Acupuncture to Treat Pain in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Not applicable Interventional Wayne State University · NCT04218422

This study is testing if battlefield acupuncture can help reduce pain for people with hidradenitis suppurativa.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment32 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorWayne State University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Dearborn, Michigan)
Trial IDNCT04218422 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effectiveness of battlefield acupuncture as a treatment for pain associated with hidradenitis suppurativa. Participants will report their pain levels daily over a four-week period, receiving acupuncture in the ears during the second and third weeks. The study aims to determine if this acupuncture technique can significantly reduce pain for individuals suffering from this condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older with a dermatologist-confirmed diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa and significant pain occurring at least twice weekly.

Not a fit: Patients with ear conditions that prevent acupuncture or those with other chronic pain issues that interfere with pain assessment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a non-pharmacological option for managing pain in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.

How similar studies have performed: While acupuncture has been explored in various pain management contexts, the specific application of battlefield acupuncture for hidradenitis suppurativa is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age 18 years or older
* dermatologist-confirmed diagnosis of hidradenitis suppurativa
* significant pain from hidradenitis at least twice weekly
* stable treatment regimen for hidradenitis during study period

Exclusion Criteria:

* disease or disfigurement of the ear that prevents battlefield acupuncture of the ears
* other chronic pain that will interfere with the ability to rate hidradenitis pain

Where this trial is running

Dearborn, Michigan

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hidradenitis Suppurativaacupuncturepainbattlefield acupuncturehidradenitis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.