Burns pruritus--a study of current practices in the UK.

Pruritus is a universal symptom associated with burns healing. Little research has been conducted to assess physicians' attitudes and management principles in specialist units. A survey of UK burn units has identified a variety of opinions on the importance of various factors affecting the incidence of pruritus and a lack of a systematic approach in the assessment and treatment of this distressing symptom. A clear pattern emerged favouring the use of antihistaminergic agents for burns pruritus management with a low uptake of agents acting on the central nervous system as well as non-pharmacological adjuncts. The cumulative responses from the cohort of respondents are presented and issues pertinent to further research and clinical management are discussed. Copyright (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd and ISBI. All rights reserved.