The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of auricular acupressure combined with an antihistamine (Loratadine) in treating patients diagnosed with Wind-Heat type urticaria. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group.
The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of auricular acupressure combined with an antihistamine (Loratadine) in treating patients diagnosed with Wind-Heat type urticaria. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the control group.
The main questions the study aims to answer are:
* Does true auricular acupressure combined with Loratadine reduce urticaria symptoms (measured by the Urticaria Activity Score - UAS) more effectively than sham acupressure with Loratadine? * Does the intervention improve the patients' quality of life (measured by the Dermatology Life Quality Index - DLQI) better than the control treatment? * Are there any adverse effects associated with the auricular acupressure treatment during the intervention period?
Participants will:
* Take a standard daily dose of oral Loratadine (10mg). * Visit the clinic once a week for 4 weeks to have Vaccaria seed patches applied to their ear (either true therapeutic points or sham points, depending on their assigned group). * Self-stimulate the acupoints by pressing the patches for 1 to 2 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day at home. * Record their daily urticaria symptoms (wheals and pruritus) using the Urticaria Activity Score (UAS). * Complete the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the 4-week study period.
Diagnosed with urticaria according to the international EAACI/GA²LEN/EuroGuiDerm/APAAACI 2022 guidelines.
Presenting typical clinical symptoms of urticaria.
Experiencing persistent itching and wheals, with an Urticaria Activity Score (UAS) indicating an itching and discomfort level of ≥ 1.
Diagnosed with the Wind-Heat syndrome according to Traditional Medicine criteria by a certified practitioner. Diagnosis requires the presence of main symptoms (persistent itchy rash, intense itching, bright red wheals) and at least 2 secondary symptoms (restlessness, feverish sensation, aversion to heat, sore throat, symptoms worsening with heat, thin yellow tongue coating, floating rapid pulse).
Having contraindications to auricular acupressure according to the Ministry of Health, including severe physical exhaustion or immunodeficiency.
Having skin infections, inflammation, or ulceration at the auricular acupoint areas.
Experiencing acute pain suspected to be of surgical origin or in an emergency condition.
Pregnant women.