Korean J Pain.  2007 Dec;20(2):158-162. 10.3344/kjp.2007.20.2.158.

Characteristics of Chronic Sensory Abnormalities in Korean Burn Patients

• Kim HS
• Chang HM
• Choi DY
• Woo CH
• Mun SH
• Kim HS
• Kim KM

• KMID: 2278058
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2007.20.2.158

Abstract

BACKGROUND: After burn patients are discharged from the hospital, they may continue to feel pain and paresthetic sensations at the site of a healed burn and these problems may persist for years. This study was designed to describe the characteristics of these symptoms in terms of intensity, frequency, and influencing factors.
METHODS
Patients that developed paresthetic sensations at sites of a healed burn were recruited from the pain management center from January 2003 to April 2006. Data was collected using a structured interview protocol.
RESULTS
Fifty one adults, with a total body surface area burned (TBSA) of 21.1 +/- 16.3% aged 42.0 +/- 12.9 years were studied. A paresthetic sensation was reported to be present every day in 52.9% (27/51) of the subjects. A variation in the intensity was most commonly related to changes in the weather. A tight sensation and itching types of sensations were significantly more frequent in patients with more extensive injuries.
CONCLUSIONS
Recognition and understanding of the chronic paresthetic sensation that many burn patients continue to experience at sites of a healed burn deserve further attention. Not only do clinicians need to be aware of these problems but also strategies for prevention and alleviation shoul\d be explored.

Keyword

healed burn; hypertrophic scar; paresthetic sensation

MeSH Terms

Adult
Body Surface Area
Burns*
Cicatrix, Hypertrophic
Humans
Pain Management
Pruritus
Sensation
Weather