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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.

Last updated: Jul 27, 2026•1 RCTs•📖 Read as article →

Evidence Score

Evidence Score42/100
Human RCT★★☆☆☆
Meta-analysis☆☆☆☆☆
Mechanism★★★★★
Safety★★★★☆
Confidencelow

Study Evidence

Study 1. 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.

observational

Heng X, Cao L, Zhu W, Zhou L, Li L, Li N, Luo G, Li H · BMJ open (2026)

Participants: N/A
Duration: 7 days intervention with 14-day follow-up
Intervention: Active TENS stimulation applied once daily for 30 minutes across seven consecutive days
Outcome: 7-day itch improvement rate (≥50% reduction in WINRS score on day 8 vs baseline), severity of itching, neuropathic symptoms, sleep disturbance, quality of life, scar severity, safety
Effect Size: N/A
Population: Patients with moderate-to-severe itching (WINRS ≥4) after burns on limbs, recruited from multiple burn centres across China

Result:

PubMed: 42486523DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2026-119028

Mechanism Graph

TENS delivers electrical pulses through skin electrodes
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Modulates nociceptive signaling in peripheral nerves
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May gate itch transmission via similar pathways as pain
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Result: Reduction in perceived itch intensity

Limitations

  • ⚠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.

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References

  1. 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
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Evidence scores reflect the quality and quantity of available research, not clinical recommendations. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement or intervention.