title: Sexual Function Following Burn Injuries: Literature Review.
abstract: Sexual function is a profound facet of the human personality. Burns due their sudden and devastating nature can have longstanding effects on intimate function by virtue of physical sequelae as well as alterations in body image and perceived desirability. A considerable number of patients encounter problems with intimate function in burns rehabilitation; nevertheless, the topic appears to be poorly addressed in specialist centers worldwide. Review of the literature suggests that a number of parameters can affect the quality of sexual life following burn injuries including age at the time of injury, location, and severity of the burn as well as coping mechanisms employed by the individual survivor. Addressing issues of intimacy relies on awareness, education, and a holistic approach on behalf of the multidisciplinary team members and, to this effect, recommendations are made on managing sexual function concerns in burns rehabilitation.
authors.affiliation: From the *Kings College London Medical School, United Kingdom; and †Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Stoke Mandeville Hospital, Aylesbury, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Atisha A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Pandya
authors.forename: Helen A
authors.initials: HA
authors.lastname: Corkill
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Goutos
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001828:Body Image; D002056:Burns / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011379:Prognosis; D011788:Quality of Life; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D019529:Sexuality / Q000502:physiology; D017741:Survivors; D016896:Treatment Outcome