Psychosocial recovery, pain, and itch after burn injuries.

Burn patients face complex rehabilitation issues including physical, emotional, social, and vocational challenges. Problems with anxiety, depression, sleep, pruritis, and body image can affect the burn patient's ability to return to an acceptable quality of life. Burn patients require not only help in the hospital setting but also expert care as an outpatient from vocational counselors, social workers, physical and occupational therapists, psychologists, professionally monitored support groups, and peer counselors. This article reviews the nonpharmacologic treatments available and discusses their scope and limitations. More research needs to focus on treatment options and prevention of long term issues.