The Impact of Stress at Dressing Change in Patients with Burns: A Review of the Literature on Pain and Itching

Burn wounds can be particularly painful and stressful for patients, particularly during dressing change and other aspects of wound care. Research into other types of wounds has demonstrated that stress and pain at dressing change are closely linked and related to healing, since high levels of stress and pain are associated with a longer length of time for a wound to heal. Additionally, there is some evidence to suggest a similar relationship between stress and itching. This article presents a review of the literature into stress, pain, and itching in patients with burns. The review demonstrates the importance of dressing change management with these patients. Furthermore, suggestions are made for areas of research that are yet to be explored, as such research, and the findings that emerge, could have important implications for clinical practice when working with people with burns. The common focus of such studies should be the aim of minimizing stress and discomfort for people with burns and other wounds so as to improve patient well being and treatment outcomes.