The paper introduces one case of refractory diabetic ulcer induced by recurrent herpes simplex treated with shallow lining-up fire needling therapy with filiform needle. In pathogenesis

the case was caused by damp-heat stagnation failing to heal the open wound. In treatment

5 to 15 filiform needles

0.30 mm×40 mm

lined-up

were burned and pricked into the wound quickly and shallowly; cupping was combined. This therapy was operated once every 3 days

twice weekly.The incrustation was presented on the wound after 3 days of first treatment. The ulcer was significantly reduced in size with new granulation tissue formed after 2 weeks of treatment. The wound was completely healed

only with pigmentation left after 3 weeks of treatment. During treatment

blood glucose level decreased steadily. No recurrence was observed during one-month follow-up. This case demonstrates the unique advantages of fire needling therapy with filiform needle in treatment of refractory wound

providing a safe and effective therapeutic approach to relevant conditions with traditional Chinese medicine.