The prevalence of hemodialysis patients is increasing in recent years. And the uremic pruritus is a common and bothersome symptom among the patients. Current therapies for uremic pruritus, including dialysis modification, topical treatment such as emollients and topical analgesic agent, phototherapy, acupuncture, and gabapentin. However, the efficacy of these treatments remains poorly defined.~In our experiment, the investigators tried to find an effective way to control uremic pruritus through Chinese traditional medicine. Xiao-Feng-San is a common Chinese herbal preparation, composed of 13 herbs, which is used to treat patients with dermatitis. The component of Xiao-Feng-San has immunomodulatory activity. Shian Fang Hwa Ming Yiin is another common Chinese herbal preparation, composed of 12 herbs, which is used to treat patients with carbuncles and acne. The component of Shian Fang Hwa Ming Yiin has anti-inflammation and anti-microbial effect.~The purpose of this study is to evaluate the treatment effect of Xiao-Feng-San and Shian Fang Hwa Ming Yiin on uremic pruritus among hemodialysis patients in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study design.
The prevalence of hemodialysis patients is increasing in recent years. And the uremic pruritus is a common and bothersome symptom among the patients. Current therapies for uremic pruritus, including dialysis modification, topical treatment such as emollients and topical analgesic agent, phototherapy, acupuncture, and gabapentin. However, the efficacy of these treatments remains poorly defined.~In our experiment, the investigators tried to find an effective way to control uremic pruritus through Chinese traditional medicine.