Postburn itch is a common but poorly understood treatment challenge

The neuromodulatory agents gabapentin, pregabalin and doxepin may be more effective in reducing postburn pruritus than oral antihistamines (low-certainty evidence), while ondansetron probably reduces postburn pruritus more effectively than oral antihistamines (moderate-certainty evidence). These results indicate that postburn pruritus may be partly neuropathic.

In terms of topical therapies, CQ-01 (hydrogel) may be more effective in reducing postburn itch compared with relevant controls, and enalapril ointment probably reduces postburn itch more effectively than placebo. On the other hand, silicone gel cream and Provase moisturiser likely have little to no effect on postburn itch, while the impact of beeswax and herbal oil cream could not be determined due to unavailable data.

Regarding physical modalities, enhanced education on silicone gel sheeting may be more effective in reducing postburn itch than conventional education. Massage therapy and extracorporeal shock wave therapy may also be more effective in reducing postburn itch compared with relevant controls.