Hypnotic Analgesia with Burns: An Initial Study

Abstract

This study was an initial attempt to experimentally evaluate the effects of hypnotic analgesia and suggestions of coolness on inflammation and healing of burns. Six subjects were equally sunburned on both thighs and then hypnotic suggestions given for analgesia in only one thigh. None of the subjects reported pain in the analgesic burn area. There was a significant (p<.01) and consistent trend of lower temperatures in the analgesic thigh, and a significantly (p<.01) greater proportion of the redness ratings were lower in the hypnotically anesthetized thigh compared to the control thigh. Thus all three signs of inflammation were diminished. The results should be interpreted cautiously because of the small sample size, but give tentative support to the belief that hypnotic analgesia may reduce burn inflammation and possibly promote healing. Recommendations for future research are given.