RO and colleagues, College of Nursing, Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea, studied the effects of aromatherapy on pruritus [itching] in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Background: The study was designed to investigate the effects of aromatherapy on pruritus in patients with chronic kidney failure.
Methods: A group of 13 patients received an aromatherapy massage on the arm three times a week for four weeks. Pruritus score, skin pH, stratum corneum hydration, and pruritus-related biochemical markers were measured before and after treatment and compared with 16 patients who did not receive the treatment.
Results: Pruritus scores were significantly reduced after aromatherapy treatment. Skin pH showed no changes in either group, and skin hydration increased significantly in the treatment group.
Conclusions: Aromatherapy looks like a useful and effective method for managing pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis.
Ro YJ, Ha HC, Kim CG, Yeom HA. The effects of aromatherapy on pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Dermatology Nursing 14 (4): 231-234, Aug 2002. Cited in Research Database- International UpdatesAlternative Medicine/Complementary Therapies{online} found at www.positive health.com Accessed 28th January 2008
A 2002 report from Korea showed that aromatherapy massage with lavender oil and tea tree oil on patients undergoing hemodialysis for kidney failure received relief from the itching the treatment often causes.
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