Comparison of Chlorpheniramine Mesotherapy and Oral Gabapentin on Pruritus Caused by Hypertrophic Scars in Burn Patients: A Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

There are many treatments for Post-burn pruritus, but no consensus has been reached on the best option. This study aimed to compare chlorpheniramine mesotherapy with oral gabapentin for the treatment of post-burn pruritus. A single-blind, randomized trial involving 44 patients with hypertrophic scars and post-burn pruritus compared gabapentin (Group A: 300 mg, 1-3 times daily for 2 months) to mesotherapy with chlorpheniramine (Group B: 1-3ml of 10 mg/ml for 3 sessions, 1 week apart) on surrounding healthy skin. The primary endpoint was pruritus intensity (VAS), and the secondary endpoint was quality of life (DLQI). Side effects were monitored. Chlorpheniramine mesotherapy showed significant results in VAS and DLQI at each follow-up time-point compared to oral gabapentin (p < 0.05) except on the 28th day and 2nd month of follow-up. At the 2nd month, the gabapentin group achieved statistically greater improvements on both measures compared with the chlorpheniramine group (p < 0.001). Chlorpheniramine mesotherapy showed statistically significant short-term efficacy in reducing pruritus intensity and improving quality of life compared with oral gabapentin in burn patients with hypertrophic scars. However, given the study's limited follow-up period and lack of objective measures, further research is needed to assess long-term efficacy and broader clinical applications.