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Oral Abstracts (Session 2 of 5)
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(Presentation 33.3) Case study of a unique enzyme moisturizer* to combat post-burn pruritus Laura K.S. Parnell, MS, CWS Severe pruritus following burn injury is common, with incidence reported as high as 87%. The intense itching can increase anxiety and affect quality of life. The mechanism of pruritus is poorly understood but stems from the inflammatory process during wound healing. Absence of oil glands leading to dry skin and itching compounds the problem. Current pruritus treatment of antihistamines, steroids, and moisturizers is usually ineffective. A unique nonprescription moisturizer containing a blend of endopeptidase enzymes may aid the body during recovery from injury and inflammation. Previous reports demonstrated immediate relief of pruritus in other etiologies. A 40-year-old man was in a farming accident 6 years prior to presentation when a propane tank leak caught fire. Third-degree burns on his hands, arms, and ears were grafted. At 6 years post incident, the burn scars were hard, scaly, extremely painful, and itchy. Pain and pruritus appear to be exacerbated by sunlight and/or heat. Use of moisturizers, sunscreens, and silastic scar dressings did not alleviate the pain and pruritus. All outdoor activity was limited to early morning or late evening, severely affecting his quality of life and his occupation. The product* was applied to the burn scars as needed and prior to going outside. After the initial application of the product, pruritus relief was noted immediately. After 6 months of daily use, the pruritus relief is still effective and the burn scars have softened and are much less painful. The burn victim has discovered he can work outdoors without the pain and itching that previously plagued him unless the product is not applied. Based on the initial observations of this case study, a comparative study between the product and control should be undertaken to delineate the differences in pruritus and pain relief and changes in burn scar. *Provase, Swiss-American Products, Inc., Dallas, Tex References Field T, Peck M, Hernadez-Reif M, Krugman S, Burman I, Ozment-Schenck L. Postburn itching, pain, and psychological symptoms are reduced with massage therapy. J Burn Care Rehabil. 2000;21(3):189–193. Hartford CE. Care of out-patient burns. In: Herndon DN ed. Total Burn Care Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders. 1997:77–78. Matheson JD, Clayton J, Mulleer MJ. The reduction of itch during burn wound healing. J Burn Care Rehabil. 2001;22(1):76–81. Baker RAU, Zeller RA, Klein RL, Thornton RJ, Shuber JH, Marshall RE, Leibfarth AG, Latko JA. J Burn Care Rehabil. 2001;22(4):263–268. Barnett L, Parnell LKS. Contact dermatitis treated with new topical products: a case study. Ostomy Wound Manage. 2001;47(9):47–53. |
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