In addition to localized damage, burn is defined as a comprehensive trauma that affects the whole organism and determines the prognosis with its physiological response and can cause physical, psychological, sociological, and economic problems in the individual. Although the etiology of burn injuries varies according to industrialization, socioeconomic, cultural, educational, and age groups, scald burns, flame burns, and electrical burns are the most common causes of burn injuries. Esen et al. (2021) reported that scald burns ranked first among the causes of burns with 37.2% in their study. Although survival in patients has increased with advances in burn treatment, wound healing, and understanding of scar pathophysiology, burns are still an important cause of morbidity. In these patients, postburn pruritus and hypertrophic scarring is a common and important complication that occurs during the wound-healing process Histamine produced by mast cells during the injury process plays a role in the development of post-burn itching and acute itching begins with wound closure. The prevalence of itching after burns is reported to be 80-100% The risk of itching increases in patients with large burn surface area, surgical procedures related to burn, hypertrophic scarring, female gender, dry skin, limb, and facial burns In addition to itching, patients may experience various sensory disturbances such as "pinprick", stabbing, or burning after burns.
Another problem affecting patients after burns is the development of hypertrophic scarring. Abnormal increase of collagen and glycoprotein and transepidermal water loss during the wound healing process can cause hypertrophic scarring or keloid. In wound healing, hypertrophic scarring occurs within four weeks after complete reepithelialization and regresses in approximately 15 months. The incidence of hypertrophic scar formation following burn injuries ranges from 34% to 94%. In one study, itching, pain, and paresthesia requiring treatment were observed in patients with hypertrophic scarring, and it is recommended to identify and prevent risk factors for treatment and symptom control.
Alleviation of itching symptoms after burns and early diagnosis of hypertrophic scar development is important in rehabilitation. Itching and hypertrophic scarring can cause cosmetic problems, severe functional disability, pain, sleep disorders, re-damage of fragile skin, and risk of infection with microorganism colonization, anxiety, and depression. Topical moisturizers, cold application, pressure garments, antihistamines, massage, psychological therapy and dermatological treatments, surgical techniques, and laser treatment can be applied in the treatment. The effectiveness of all these treatment methods is limited and there is insufficient evidence.
One of the factors that make scars visible is dry skin due to transepidermal water loss and skin should be kept moist to minimize the appearance of scars. The use of moisturizers has been identified as one of the components of treatment to reduce itching and hypertrophic scarring. Moisturizers are available in the form of plant extracts and various oils. Various topical products with moisturizing properties such as olive oil, and St. John's wort can be used in the treatment of burns and alleviation of itching and dryness symptoms after burns due to their cheap and easy availability, lack of side effects, moisturizing properties, positive properties on wound healing. Olive oil contains fatty components such as oleic acid, phenolic compounds, chlorophyll, and vitamin E. These components accelerate wound healing, moisturize the skin, and provide elasticity to the skin. In the study investigating the effect of olive oil and flaxseed on burn healing, it was shown that when the oils were applied as a mixture, they reduced inflammation and had a positive effect on wound size.
One of the products used for moisturizing is liquid petroleum jelly. Liquid petroleum jelly is obtained from liquid petroleum consisting of colorless, odorless, oily saturated hydrocarbons. It is widely used for cosmetic purposes and is included in the composition of many topical products. It reduces skin water loss, moisturizes the skin, reduces itching symptoms, acts as a barrier, and protects skin integrity. Wang et al. (2020) found that liquid petroleum jelly was more effective in wound healing and prevention of infection compared to normal saline in their research evaluating the effectiveness of liquid petroleum jelly in the treatment of burn wounds.
Problems such as itching, dryness, scarring, and hypertrophic scarring after burns negatively affect the patient's quality of life and body image. Therefore, the nurse should know the treatment and preventive measures and evaluate the effectiveness of the interventions using appropriate measurement tools. It is stated in the literature that the substances in the composition of olive oil support wound healing and moisturizing properties, but there are no clinical studies investigating the effect of olive oil and liquid petroleum jelly on itching and scarring in burn wounds. This study aims to determine the effect of topically applied olive oil and liquid petroleum jelly on itching and scarring in post-burn patients.
Expected benefits and risks of research, The study will be conducted to determine the effect of olive oil and liquid petroleum jelly on itching and scarring that occur during the healing period after a scald burn.
This study aims to help patients cope with itching and scarring problems that occur in the post-burn period and to shed light on the nursing interventions to be made for a more qualified life.
