Why it’s a concern

Altered sensation, itch (puritis) and pain after a burn and scarring is common. Damaged cutaneous somatosensory nerves can regenerate and reinnervate the skin, however this is often incomplete or abnormal after a burn leading to a loss of sensation, hypersensitivity, itch and or chronic pain [2].

Burn itch typically commences at the time of the burn healing, peaks at two to six months after the initial burn [1] and continue for several years [2]. Burn itch is important to manage from the acute phase as scratching can contribute to the breakdown of a newly healed skin.

Burn itch is reported to be exacerbated by:

• heat, physical activity and stress [2] ie when playing sport [4]
• deeper donor site depth [4]
• increased movement (ie moving around) after a burn [4]

Occupational therapists are concerned about burn itch, pain and altered sensation as it can be distressing for children and caregivers and impact on a child’s participation in everyday occupations and overall Health Related Quality of Life [4].