When should desensitization begin after wound healing, and what is its aim?

• A. After wound closure and graft stability; aim to reduce hypersensitivity and improve tactile tolerance.
• B. During the acute inflammatory phase to speed healing.
• C. Only after the scar has matured; desensitization is not used.
• D. Desensitization is never used.

Answer: (A)

Desensitization after wound healing is a sensory re-education process started when the wound has closed and grafts are stable. The idea is to calm and normalize the damaged nerves that can become hypersensitive as they reinnervate the skin, which in turn reduces the exaggerated protective withdrawal and increases the amount and quality of tactile information the hand can tolerate.

Starting after wound closure and graft stability is important because early manipulation can disrupt healing and graft take. Once the tissue is stable, graded exposure to different textures, pressures, and vibrations helps the nerves adapt, so the patient can tolerate touch more comfortably and use the hand with less pain or fear. The aim, therefore, is to lessen hypersensitivity and improve tactile tolerance to support functional hand use.

Other options misalign with this approach: desensitization isn’t done during the acute inflammatory phase because the tissue needs protection to heal, nor is it reserved only after the scar matures. And desensitization is indeed used to help regain comfortable sensation, not never used.