J Korean Burn Soc.  2009 Dec;12(2):159-163.

Effect of Laughter Therapy on Recovery of Facial Burn Scar

• Kim KJ
• Son WJ
• Jang K
• Kim J
• Seo CH
• Kim J
• Chun W
• Hur J
• Kim D
• Cho Y
• Yim H
• Lee BC

Abstract

PURPOSE
To compare the scar formation after laughter therapy in facial burn scar and to make facial burn rehabilitation program.
METHODS
In a prospective clinical trial, laughter therapy was done in 12 facial burn injury patients. One group pretest-posttest design was done. After 8 weeks group laughter therapy session, we measured scar condition. Facial burn scar were checked. Scars were assessed with objective measurement tools such as pigmentation, erythema, pliability, transepidermal water loss, thickness and perfusion.
RESULTS
Pigmentation value was decreased significantly: 211.6+/-71.9 to 177.8+/-57.1 (p<0.05). Erythema value increased from 432.3+/-62.5 to 451.1+/-49.7 (p>0.05). Transepidermal water loss value changed from 40.7+/-15.9 g/h/m2 to 37.8+/-15.4 g/h/m2 (p>0.05). Microcirculation value was decreased significantly (0.80+/-0.05 volt to 0.43+/-0.19 volt)(p<0.05). Skin elasticity level (R0) was significantly increased (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Laughter therapy in burn patients could be an alternative treatment to control burn scar contracture. In the future, more studies are needed how laughter therapy may affect the skin condition of the burn injuries.

Keyword

Laughter therapy; Burn; Hypertrophic scar; Disability; Rehabilitation

MeSH Terms

Burns
Cicatrix
Cicatrix, Hypertrophic
Contracture
Elasticity
Erythema
Humans
Laughter
Laughter Therapy
Microcirculation
Pigmentation
Pliability
Prospective Studies
Skin