Burn ScarPEMNCT07443358
Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Pruritus in Burn Scars
A study testing pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in people with Burn Scar, run by Cairo University.
Trial summary
This study will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in pruritus in patients with burn scars. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 25 to 40 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Burn Scar
- What is being tested?
- pulsed electromagnetic field therapy
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 1 Mar 2026to 1 Jun 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 25 to 40 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Patients aged 25-40 years.
- Patients with second and third-degree burn scars sustained at least 3 months prior to enrollment.
- Patients experiencing a pruritus score ≥ 5 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
- Patients who have not undergone prior PEMF therapy or other physical therapy interventions for pruritus in the past 3 months.
Who cannot join
- Patients with cardiac pacemakers, implanted defibrillators, or other electronic medical devices.
- Pregnant or lactating women.
- Patients with uncontrolled systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) or active skin infections.
- Patients with psychological disorders that would interfere with their ability to adhere to the treatment protocol.
- Patients with allergic reaction to food or drugs
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
This study will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in pruritus in patients with burn scars.
Read the detailed description
Burn injuries are among the most devastating and complex forms of trauma, often requiring prolonged medical care and rehabilitation. These injuries can cause substantial damage to the skin and underlying tissues, leading to acute complications such as infection, fluid loss, and metabolic dysregulation. However, the long-term consequences of burn injuries extend beyond the initial trauma, significantly affecting survivors' physical and psychological well-being .The pathophysiology of burn scar pruritus is complex and multifactorial, involving a combination of nerve regeneration, inflammation, and abnormal scar tissue remodeling. During the healing process, damaged nerve fibers regenerate in an unorganized manner, leading to hyperexcitability and an increased sensation of itch. This aberrant nerve regrowth is thought to be a key driver of neuropathic itch in burn scars. Evidence suggests that PEMF therapy may influence nerve signaling pathways involved in neuropathic and inflammatory itch. By addressing both neural and inflammatory components, PEMF therapy offers a novel mechanism of action that could be particularly beneficial for burn survivors. However, its efficacy in the context of burn scar pruritus has not been rigorously evaluated, highlighting the need for clinical research .
- Conditions
- Burn Scar
- Being tested
- pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, standard care
- Keywords
- burn scar, pruritus, pulsed electromagnetic field
- Medical subject headings
- Pruritus
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
pulsed electromagnetic field therapyOther
The pulsed electromagnetic field applicator will be positioned 2 cm above the affected burn scar area, ensuring full coverage of the scar with Frequency: 27.12 MHz, Pulse duration: 65 microseconds, and Intensity: 20 Gauss. the patients will receive also standard care
standard careOther
the patients will receive standard care in the form of Application of topical emollients (e.g., silicone-based creams) twice daily to maintain hydration, Moisturizing skin care routines to prevent dryness and irritation, and Gentle scar massage for 10 minutes daily to improve scar pliability.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| pulsed electromagnetic field therapy | Experimental | Twenty patients with burn scars will receive pulsed electromagnetic field with standard care three times per weeks for six weeks Receives: Other: pulsed electromagnetic field therapy; Other: standard care |
| standard care | Active comparator | Twenty patients with burn scars will receive standard care three times per weeks for six weeks Receives: Other: standard care |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
pain intensity
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be used to measure the intensity of pruritus experienced by participants. The scale consists of a 10 cm horizontal line where 0 cm represents "No itch at all," and 10 cm represents "The worst itch imaginable." Participants will be asked to place a vertical mark on the line corresponding to the severity of their pruritus. The distance from the left end of the scale to the mark, measured in centimeters, will represent the participant's itching score, ranging from 0 to 10.
Measured: up to 6 weeks
life disability
The ItchyQoL questionnaire will evaluate the impact of pruritus on participants' quality of life across three domains: symptoms, functional limitations, and emotional well-being. It is a 22-item self-administered tool scored on a 5-point Likert scale, with responses ranging from 1 (Not at all) to 5 (Extremely). Higher scores indicate a greater negative impact of itch on quality of life, with total scores ranging from 22 to 110. Subdomain scores will also be calculated to provide a detailed analysis of how itch affects daily activities and emotional well-being.The assessment time for completing the ItchyQoL is typically 5-10 minutes, depending on the patient's literacy level and familiarity with self-reported questionnaires.
Measured: up to 6 weeks
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted2 Mar 2026
- Study start1 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion1 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion1 Jun 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for Burn ScarStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Cairo UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- pulsed electromagnetic field and standard care
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Asmaa Ibrahim Eliwa Sapa, Cairo University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07443358
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- P.T.REC/012/005747
- Acronym
- PEM
- Status last verified
- Feb 2026
- First submitted
- 25 Feb 2026
- Last updated
- 2 Mar 2026
- Results posted
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 2 Mar 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Effect of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field on Pruritus in Burn Scars
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07443358
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PEM / P.T.REC/012/005747
- Conditions
- Burn Scar
- Keywords
- burn scar, pruritus, pulsed electromagnetic field
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Cairo UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Mar 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 1 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 1 Jun 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 2 Mar 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study will be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in pruritus in patients with burn scars.
Detailed description
Burn injuries are among the most devastating and complex forms of trauma, often requiring prolonged medical care and rehabilitation. These injuries can cause substantial damage to the skin and underlying tissues, leading to acute complications such as infection, fluid loss, and metabolic dysregulation. However, the long-term consequences of burn injuries extend beyond the initial trauma, significantly affecting survivors' physical and psychological well-being .The pathophysiology of burn scar pruritus is complex and multifactorial, involving a combination of nerve regeneration, inflammation, and abnormal scar tissue remodeling. During the healing process, damaged nerve fibers regenerate in an unorganized manner, leading to hyperexcitability and an increased sensation of itch. This aberrant nerve regrowth is thought to be a key driver of neuropathic itch in burn scars. Evidence suggests that PEMF therapy may influence nerve signaling pathways involved in neuropathic and inflammatory itch. By addressing both neural and inflammatory components, PEMF therapy offers a novel mechanism of action that could be particularly beneficial for burn survivors. However, its efficacy in the context of burn scar pruritus has not been rigorously evaluated, highlighting the need for clinical research .
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- pulsed electromagnetic field and standard care
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| pulsed electromagnetic field therapy | Experimental | Other: pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, Other: standard careTwenty patients with burn scars will receive pulsed electromagnetic field with standard care three times per weeks for six weeks |
| standard care | Active comparator | Other: standard careTwenty patients with burn scars will receive standard care three times per weeks for six weeks |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 25 to 40 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Patients aged 25-40 years.
- Patients with second and third-degree burn scars sustained at least 3 months prior to enrollment.
- Patients experiencing a pruritus score ≥ 5 on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS).
- Patients who have not undergone prior PEMF therapy or other physical therapy interventions for pruritus in the past 3 months.
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Patients with cardiac pacemakers, implanted defibrillators, or other electronic medical devices.
- Pregnant or lactating women.
- Patients with uncontrolled systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes, hypertension) or active skin infections.
- Patients with psychological disorders that would interfere with their ability to adhere to the treatment protocol.
- Patients with allergic reaction to food or drugs
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| pulsed electromagnetic field therapyThe pulsed electromagnetic field applicator will be positioned 2 cm above the affected burn scar area, ensuring full coverage of the scar with Frequency: 27.12 MHz, Pulse duration: 65 microseconds, and Intensity: 20 Gauss. the patients will receive also standard care | Other | pulsed electromagnetic field therapy |
| standard carethe patients will receive standard care in the form of Application of topical emollients (e.g., silicone-based creams) twice daily to maintain hydration, Moisturizing skin care routines to prevent dryness and irritation, and Gentle scar massage for 10 minutes daily to improve scar pliability. | Other | pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, standard care |
Primary outcome
pain intensity
Time frame: up to 6 weeks
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) will be used to measure the intensity of pruritus experienced by participants. The scale consists of a 10 cm horizontal line where 0 cm represents "No itch at all," and 10 cm represents "The worst itch imaginable." Participants will be asked to place a vertical mark on the line corresponding to the severity of their pruritus. The distance from the left end of the scale to the mark, measured in centimeters, will represent the participant's itching score, ranging from 0 to 10.
life disability
Time frame: up to 6 weeks
The ItchyQoL questionnaire will evaluate the impact of pruritus on participants' quality of life across three domains: symptoms, functional limitations, and emotional well-being. It is a 22-item self-administered tool scored on a 5-point Likert scale, with responses ranging from 1 (Not at all) to 5 (Extremely). Higher scores indicate a greater negative impact of itch on quality of life, with total scores ranging from 22 to 110. Subdomain scores will also be calculated to provide a detailed analysis of how itch affects daily activities and emotional well-being.The assessment time for completing the ItchyQoL is typically 5-10 minutes, depending on the patient's literacy level and familiarity with self-reported questionnaires.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 2 Mar 2026.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in people with Burn Scar, run by Cairo University.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Mar 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Asmaa Eliwa, master (01150761961, dr.asmaa1812@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
pain intensity (time frame: up to 6 weeks). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Mar 2026.