Wound Itch: An Update

Abstract

GENERAL PURPOSE To present current evidence regarding the physiology, assessment, and management of wound itch. TARGET AUDIENCE This continuing education activity is intended for physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and registered nurses with an interest in skin and wound care. LEARNING OBJECTIVES/OUTCOMES After participating in this educational activity, the participant will: 1. Summarize current understanding of itch physiology. 2. Apply current evidence to the management of wound itch. Background Itch is a symptom that can be experienced by persons with open wounds. Whereas advances are being made in the understanding and management of itch, the molecular and cellular physiology of itch is still not fully understood. Objective To summarize recent literature to determine what developments have been made in terms of the physiology, assessment, and management of wound itch. Data Sources The literature was searched in PubMed and CINAHL Complete databases, limited to the last 5 years and articles in English. Study Selection Articles were selected based on reference to wound-related itch. The chosen articles and their references were thoroughly reviewed. Additional relevant studies were found in database alerts including Google Scholar and JAMA Online First: Medical News and in searching reference lists of associated articles. Data Extraction In addition to article author, title, and year of publication, extracted data included article type, purpose, results, recommendations, and limitations. Data Synthesis Findings related to wound-related itch, postburn itch, venous ulcers, itch physiology, itch assessment, and itch interventions are described. Conclusion The consensus is that wound-related itch is underevaluated and undertreated. The physiology of itch is not completely understood, and the effectiveness of treatments for wound itch is not known. Further studies with larger samples need to be undertaken to increase the understanding of wound-related itch; its etiology, physiology, and assessment; and treatment effectiveness.