Why healing wounds itch

Thinking that this may be true makes sense, as it is easy to assume that a wound may be the more painful the deeper it is. However, just the opposite can be the case. Due to the large number of nerve fibres located just under the top layer of our skin the epidermis superficial abrasions or burns will often cause more pain than a cut that may happen when working in the kitchen or workshop.

Any deep puncture wounds or cuts that bleed severely should always be cared for by a doctor! Many people tend to apply a plaster in the acute phase of the injury only, that is, just until the bleeding has stopped.

Then the plaster is removed and discarded as quickly as possible in order "to let the wound breathe". Scientific studies have shown, that in most cases wound healing will proceed better and without complications if the wound is protected with a plaster until they have healed completely.

This is a myth that seems to originate from pirate and adventure novels. Even if many of us would love to believe this romantic theory: we are afraid to have to tell you that it is complete nonsense.

What many people do not consider is that sea water may be severely contaminated, especially near those coast stretches - with a variety of highly unsavoury germs or chemicals "swimming" in it. Both of which would contribute significantly to the risk of an infection and can delay wound healing. In addition, contact with water will swell the skin, which may affect the process of wound closure. In this case, bacteria and germs may easily enter the wound and the risk of wound infection would be increased dramatically.

We all know the feeling: some time after an injury, the affected area will begin to tingle and itch. This goes especially for superficial wounds. And yes — in fact, this itching may indicate that the healing process is well on its way. Share this…. Report card: walkability in Tennessee Ashley Brantley May 29, BlueCross workplace wellness efforts highlighted as part of shift to more holistic approach Daily Memphian Apr 4, How behavioral and physical health care are closely connected Dr.

Jeanne James Apr 3, How our new mobile app makes benefits info more accessible Marie Mosley Nov 11, Contact your doctor if you experience inflammation, redness, or oozing, which can be signs of:. Wound care can be complicated and may include cleaning and dressing the area. Scratching an itchy wound could cause it to break open and delay healing. Some ways to relieve stitch itch include:.

For more severe wounds and itching, or wounds that take a long time to heal, your doctor may have to try:. You might think that scratching, or even a gentle rub, will help relieve your itch.

But scratching stitches or any other healing wound can disrupt the healing process. Delicate new layers of tissue can easily be ripped apart, forcing you to return to earlier healing stages. This will make your wound take even longer to heal, further prolonging your itch, and possibly leading to complications like chronic wounds or infections. Not all wound closures — like dissolving stitches or surgical glue — require removal. Sometimes, excessive itching can be a sign of a complication in your wound healing.

Necrotic tissue, infection, excessive fluid buildup, and more can all lead to increased itching and problems with wound healing. Stitches are meant to help improve healing for deep wounds or incisions and speed up the natural tissue building process. Sometimes, however, stitches can complicate matters, especially if you scratch them open and complicate the wound. Home remedies and over-the-counter or prescription medications can help as your incision or wound heals.

There are many different types of sutures, just like there are many different kinds of procedures and injuries. Benadryl can be purchased over the counter, either as pills for adults or elixirs for children. Ataraz and Periactin are also commonly prescribed, and like Benadryl, are histamine blockers. Histamine is one of the chemical mediators released from cells in the burn scar, called mast cells that are chronically stimulated during the final maturation phase of healing.

The problem with the older histamine blockers like Benadryl is that they commonly cause drowsiness. The newer generation of histamine blockers, familiar to those of us with allergies, includes such drugs as Seldane and Claritin which do not cause drowsiness in most people.

Recently we have had good success with Claritin 10mg taken once a day. More severe symptoms require the treatment supervision of a physician. Some patients require oral steroids such as prednisone for relief, but steroids have many side effects and should be used with caution.

Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil can also be helpful. Again, these drugs are by prescription only, and should only be used with appropriate supervision.

Finally, there are many nonpharmacologic approaches to pain and itch management. Acupuncture, aromatherapy, hypnosis, meditation, and many other techniques may offer relief. We have had experience with scar massage therapy by a licensed massage therapist, and have documented in prospective studies that scar massage reduces itching discomfort.