Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) reduces moderate-to-severe itching after burns on limbs
This protocol describes a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled trial testing TENS for post-burn itch. The primary outcome is the proportion of patients achieving ≥50% reduction in Worst Itch Numeric Rating Scale (WINRS) score after 7 days of daily 30-minute TENS sessions. The study aims to recruit 382 patients with moderate-to-severe itching (WINRS ≥4) from multiple burn centres in China.
This article is automatically generated from the structured evidence profile behind the claim above. Scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical advice.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) reduces moderate-to-severe itching after burns on limbs The current body of evidence comprises 1 study, including 1 randomized controlled trial. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 42/100 (low).
The Claim
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) reduces moderate-to-severe itching after burns on limbs
This conclusion is most relevant to: Patients with moderate-to-severe itching (WINRS ≥4) after burns on limbs, recruited from multiple burn centres across China.
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Efficacy and safety of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the treatment of moderate-to-severe itch after burns on limbs (TE-ITCH): protocol for a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. (BMJ open, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸TENS delivers electrical pulses through skin electrodes
- ▸Modulates nociceptive signaling in peripheral nerves
- ▸May gate itch transmission via similar pathways as pain
- ▸Result: Reduction in perceived itch intensity
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Patients with moderate-to-severe itching (WINRS ≥4) after burns on limbs, recruited from multiple burn centres across China
Recommended Dose
30 minutes daily for 7 days
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸This is a protocol paper; no results are yet available to confirm efficacy or safety
- ▸Placebo control may be compromised by difficulty blinding TENS due to sensation
- ▸Generalizability limited to Chinese burn patients with limb involvement
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary outcome of the TE-ITCH trial?▼
The primary outcome is the 7-day itch improvement rate, defined as the proportion of patients achieving at least a 50% reduction in the Worst Itch Numeric Rating Scale (WINRS) score on day 8 compared to baseline.
How many patients will be enrolled and what is the study design?▼
The trial plans to recruit 382 patients with moderate-to-severe post-burn itch, randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either active TENS or placebo stimulation for 30 minutes daily over 7 days.
What are the secondary outcomes measured in this trial?▼
Secondary outcomes include severity of itching, neuropathic symptoms and signs, sleep disturbance, quality of life, scar severity, and safety.
When did the trial start and when is it expected to end?▼
Recruitment began in April 2025 and is expected to conclude in October 2027.
References
- 1.Heng X, Cao L, Zhu W, Zhou L, Li L, Li N, Luo G, Li H. “Efficacy and safety of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in the treatment of moderate-to-severe itch after burns on limbs (TE-ITCH): protocol for a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial..” BMJ open, 2026. PMID: 42486523 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2026-119028