The Effect of Thermal Therapy on Uremic Pruritus in Hemodialysis Patients

Abstract

Background: Uremic pruritus is one of the most common causes of despair with debilitating potential in hemodialysis patients. The mechanism of uremic pruritus is still unclear. Although acceptable treatments are identified and available in this regard, further studies are required to find a reliable treatment. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the therapeutic effect of thermal therapy on uremic pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2017. A total of 40 hemodialysis patients who suffered from uremic pruritus were selected randomly and divided into two groups: one treated with heat (case) and the other with no intervention (control). The case group was exposed to far-infrared (FIR) radiation at 40°C for 15 minutes daily in 18 sessions. Results: All criteria for evaluating uremic pruritus (the history of pruritus, the effect of pruritus on sleep, daily activities, quality of life, description of the sensational and emotional dimensions, and severity of pruritus) had a significant difference between the case and control groups (P < 0.001). Conclusions:The effect of thermal therapy on reducing the severity of uremic pruritus showed that patients suffering from uremic pruritus could use thermal therapy as a complementary therapy for pruritus.