Itching among Burn Patients in the Rehabilitation Phase

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate post-burn itching relevant characteristics in the rehabilitation phase. Methods: Ninety four burn patients who were hospitalized in the rehabilitation phase participated in the study. Self-reported Leuven itch scale-Korean was used to evaluate itching related characteristics. Data were analyzed with descriptive analysis, x² test, and Kruskal-Wallis test. Results: All subjects except two had the itching. Itching frequency revealed that 68.1% of subjects experienced itching one or more episodes a day or always, and 18.7% had episode durations lasting more than 2 hours per incidence. Mean severity and distress of itching was 5.3±2.4 and 5.2±2.5 , respectively. Itching sensation dimension of tickling was 56.4%. More than 25% of subjects "often" or "always" affected reduced quality of life, loss of concentration, bad mood, and difficulty in falling asleep. Satisfaction with itching treatment was intermediate level. Conclusion: Post-burn itching in the rehabilitation phase was a significant problem despite pruritus treatment. Based on the finding of this study, development of comprehensive and tailored nursing intervention programs for itching could be suggested.