Most patients who suffer from burn injuries usually experience itching at some point during the healing process. Itching is one of the most problematic and distressing issues that the patient’s experience. It can vary in severity from one patient to the other and it can be severe that it interferes with sleeping, eating, moving and quality of life.
Itching usually starts during the healing process. It is usually worse at night, probably due to decreased movement and pain. It is increased with anything that increases the temperature of the body, for example activity on hot weather (because of the increase of histamine release which is one of the mediators for itching).
Itching can be decreased by:
- Keeping the burned area moist using skin moisturizers (check with your doctor first).
- Cool baths or cold compresses.
- Antihistamines like Benadryl.
Avoid the following:
- Dryness of the skin.
- Creams and moisturizers that contain perfumes as they may irritate the skin.
- Excessive heat as it may aggravate itching.
Itching may last for several months or even longer and usually diminishes with time.
This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice; it should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.