What makes scars itch

It starts immediately after the injury occurs and typically lasts up to six days. Your body sends white blood cells to combat harmful bacteria at the wound site, swelling at the wound site starts and the skin begins the repair process.

Commonly lasting anywhere from one to four weeks, the proliferative stage is also known as the granulation stage or tissue-regrowth stage. This is where you can see the signs of skin repair: scabs protecting the new skin cells that are growing. Also referred to as the maturation phase or remodeling stage, this stage can last from three weeks to four years. During this stage, the scab falls off as the new tissue gains strength and flexibility and collagen fibers form scars.

When your skin has been cut, your first step in wound care is to wash the wound with warm water and a mild soap. Aside from cleaning, this might alleviate some of the itch and irritation. There are a few steps you can take to reduce the itch, but patience is what you really need.

Contact your doctor sooner if you suspect the wound is infected. Scabs are a…. For some, it can also be a symptom of an…. Emotionally, the act which created the scars in the first place could still be lingering in the mind causing feelings associated with it to arise. This can bring attention to the scarred area as well; sort of like scratching your cheek if you've said or thought something that was a bit "cheeky" or the sides of your nose if you've said or thought something that made you sad.

I don't know a medical reason, but I know it's normal. It seems to be a part of the healing process, but sometimes 'healed' scars still itch, so I am not entirely sure why. I have scars from several years ago that still itch every once in a while for a few days on end. I think sometimes something irritates the area. It also seems like raised scars are more likely to itch - so it may indeed be healing-related, meaning scars that are 3 months - 2 years old are more likely to itch than other scars.

Once the scar flattens out and fades more it should stop itching. In part, this itching may be due to the healing process. It may also be due in part to some dryness of the skin overlying the scar. Anonymous June 19th, pm.

It could possibly be infected or has not properly healed yet so you should pay more attention to it. Its apart of your healing process, or dry skin. Make sure to moisturize the area in which is scarred to prevent itching. Anonymous February 3rd, am. Scars will itch for a long time after them scarring. The body takes a while to heal, and it can itch for months or years, often from the stretching of the skin.

Because the cut is still healing or fading in this case. My scars still itch also but it's because they're still healing. Physical: That is nature. Emotional: if this is a metaphor, if they still "itch", then they are not gone. Emotional conditions are different from real scars. Remember: you choose to be hurt. Talk to an expert therapist about overcoming self-harm. Related Questions: Why do my scars still itch? I harm myself on purpose. I never do it because I need to cope, I do it because I like the pain and like to have something on my body.

I know I should stop, but I don't want to. Why is that? Does cutting for only a few months and stopping make me any less of a self-harmer? How do I explain scars when a young child asks about them? What do I say to people that ask about my scars without making them uncomfortable? How to deal with self-harm alone? The second step is ensuring that pressure garments are applied appropriately by a professional.

Many burn centers advocate pressure garments to minimize scar formation, but in addition, they can also provide relief of local symptoms of discomfort in the burn scars. By squeezing the scars and reducing the amount of blood in the vessels and fluid in the tissue, pressure garments can make burn scars, especially on the extremities, easier to live with. Some of our patients continue to use their garments, particularly on the legs, long past the time when the scars are mature and no longer thickening.

Stay connected with Phoenix Society and the burn community by signing up for our monthly newsletter. Topical medications are helpful in some patients. Hydrocortisone ointment can be purchased without a prescription, as can Benadryl ointment. Unfortunately, I have had little success with either.

More effective are the local anesthetics, such as Nupercainal or Preparation H. These ointments, found under the hemorrhoidal preparations in the drugstore, have local painkillers that are safe to use on the skin. Some patients have also told me that the local application of cold helps; try a bag of frozen vegetables such as peas or corn pressed up against the area of discomfort, particularly before going to sleep at night.

Systemic medications taken by mouth are the next step. Benadryl can be purchased over the counter, either as pills for adults or elixirs for children. Itching occurs as a normal part of healing. However, the reason the itch develops isn't completely understood.

One study from suggests that the same mechanisms at work with eczema itchiness are involved in itching during wound healing. Additionally, itching that occurs during wound healing might be the result of poorly translated nerve signals.

Your brain might receive a signal that your skin is regenerating via collagen synthesis, but that information is translated as an itching sensation.

And so, what you feel is that itching sensation. While some experts believe histamines, which are released by the body to help with wound healing, may contribute to itching, research suggests that their effect may be minimal. Signs that a wound may be infected include:. Scratching an itch feels great. Scratching an itchy wound that is in the process of healing, however, can cause scarring and prolong healing if you open the wound back up again. You might even introduce bacteria, causing an infection to develop.

Proper care ensures the wound heals without complications and lessens your chances of getting a scar. For a minor wound:. Some wounds require stitches. By alleviating the itch, you can avoid a prolonged healing process and potential infection from scratching too much. Here are a few ways to stop the itching:.

It may also help to find effective distractions from the itching. If itching is very severe and there is a high risk of infection, your healthcare provider may recommend a sleep medication or a neuropathic drug called Neurontin gabapentin to help you rest and decrease the urge to itch.

Some people are at a higher risk of experiencing slow wound healing, which can lead to infection. The following people have a higher risk of complications from a wound:. If you tend to scratch in your sleep, you may want to wear hand coverings. They can prevent you from damaging your skin or introducing bacteria to the wound. It may also help to cut your fingernails.