Abstract
Introduction: Massage therapy, due to its lower side effects and cost compared to drug treatment, can be a good alternative method for pruritus treatment of patients with hemodialysis.
Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of effleurage massage and diluted vinegar on the skin pruritus and dryness of hemodialysis patients.
Patients and Methods: In a clinical trial study, 52 hemodialysis patients were randomly divided into two groups’ intervention and control. In the control group, routine and standard cares were considered. In the intervention group, in addition to routine and standard care, effleurage massage and diluted vinegar were conducted for patients. Pruritus and skin dryness scales were filled out by all patients at times before the intervention and end of sessions 3, 6, and 12. Data were collected and analyzed by SPSS version 22.
Results: Results showed that the severity of skin dryness between the two control and intervention groups at the end of hemodialysis sessions 3 and 6 was not significant, however, at the end of sessions 9 and 12, this difference became significant therefore, in the intervention group the severity of dryness significantly reduced, and skin pruritus scale between the two control and intervention groups at the end of hemodialysis session 3 was not significant; however, at the end of sessions 6, 9, and 12, this difference became significant, thereby in the intervention group the skin pruritus score significantly reduced. Conclusion: Using effleurage massage in long-term use can reduce the skin pruritus and dryness of hemodialysis patients.
Trial Registration: The trial protocol was approved by the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (identifier: IRCT20160209026483N2; https:// fa.irct.ir/trial/28096, ethical code; IR.HUMS.REC.1396.021).