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<p>Chronic pain affects about one in four adults worldwide and represents a major publichealth concern. Auriculotherapy (AT), an alternative therapy, is increasingly used forpain management. Although minimally invasive, AT can cause serious complicationswhen performed by unqualified individuals. We report the case of a diabetic woman inher 70s who was consulted for progressive bilateral hearing loss. Examinationrevealed painless necrosis of the left antihelix, with exposed cartilage. The patient hadrecently undergone unsupervised AT using heated steel beads for sciatic pain.Treatment included local debridement, topical and oral antibiotics and strict glycemiccontrol. Partial auricular recovery occurred after six months. Auricular necrosis is rareand typically associated with trauma, infection, or vascular impairment. In this case, ATlikely disrupted local circulation, with diabetic neuropathy masking early symptoms.This report highlights the risks of unsupervised AT and emphasizes the importance ofqualified medical oversight, particularly in vulnerable populations.</p>

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Auricular Necrosis Following Unsupervised Auriculotherapy Using Heated Steel Beads for Sciatic Pain Treatment: A Case Report

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月5日

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  • Ana Rita Rodrigues

摘要

Chronic pain affects about one in four adults worldwide and represents a major publichealth concern. Auriculotherapy (AT), an alternative therapy, is increasingly used forpain management. Although minimally invasive, AT can cause serious complicationswhen performed by unqualified individuals. We report the case of a diabetic woman inher 70s who was consulted for progressive bilateral hearing loss. Examinationrevealed painless necrosis of the left antihelix, with exposed cartilage. The patient hadrecently undergone unsupervised AT using heated steel beads for sciatic pain.Treatment included local debridement, topical and oral antibiotics and strict glycemiccontrol. Partial auricular recovery occurred after six months. Auricular necrosis is rareand typically associated with trauma, infection, or vascular impairment. In this case, ATlikely disrupted local circulation, with diabetic neuropathy masking early symptoms.This report highlights the risks of unsupervised AT and emphasizes the importance ofqualified medical oversight, particularly in vulnerable populations.