Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation for Post-burn Pruritus

Background: Itching is a common clinical symptom during wound healing and scar formation. Previous research has demonstrated that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can alleviate pain. Nevertheless, evidence regarding the efficacy of TENS for post-burn pruritus remains limited. Methods: We performed a single-center, before-after self-control, retrospective cohort study of burn patients with moderate-to-severe pruritus, treated with TENS,between September 2024 and April 2025.The primary outcome was the 7-day itching improvement rate, defined as a ≥50% reduction in NRS on day 7 compared to baseline. Results: A total of 29 patients with a mean age of 41 ± 10 years and a median TBSA of 17% (IQR: 11–32%) were included. The median scar duration was 78 days (IQR: 55.5-327.5) . Treatment sites were primarily located on the lower extremities (72.41%, 21/29). The 7-day itching improvement rate was 44.83% (13/29) and increased with itch severity. NRS,ISS and 5-D assessments confirmed significant itching improvement at the end of treatment (7 vs 4,8 vs 5,13.5 vs 10.5,P < 0.05).No significant improvement in sleep disturbance,but an enhancement in quality of life was noted (1.5 vs 1,P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression did not identify significant factors associated with therapeutic efficacy, although the odds ratio for itch severity was the lowest.Patients with extremely severe or severe itching exhibited significantly higher improvement rates than those with moderate itching (100% vs. 45.45% vs. 28.57%, P < 0.05). Conclusion: TENS therapy significantly alleviated pruritus in burn patients, particularly in cases of severe or extremely severe itching. Clinical trial registration and registry URL ChiCTR2500099822, registered at www. medicalresearch.org.cn (Mar 28 ,2025)..