Prevalence and Mechanisms of Itch in Chronic Wounds: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Itch is a commonly experienced problem by individuals with chronic wounds and greatly compromises their quality of life. Scratching can further hinder the wound healing process. Despite this being a clinically recognized issue, our knowledge of its exact prevalence in chronic wounds of different types and the molecular mechanisms driving it is limited. The multifactorial nature of wound itch makes its characterization particularly challenging. The present review is based on a thorough PubMed search, and it aims to provide an overview of existing evidence on the epidemiology, impact, and pathophysiology of wound itch, along with general recommendations on its management. Importantly, our work highlights the merit of screening chronic wound patients for associated pruritus and incorporating anti-itch measures in mainstream wound care.